Mumbai: The IAA India Chapter, a premier body of marketing, advertising, and media professionals, hosted the 12th edition of the prestigious IAA Leadership Awards on August 7, 2025, at the iconic Taj Lands End Court, Bandra West, Mumbai.
This year’s theme reflected the dynamic evolution of our times, where the
boundaries between artificial intelligence and human potential are becoming increasingly fluid. In keeping with the theme of AI, the awards ceremony featured robots presenting trophies in place of traditional hostesses, a symbolic nod to the future.
The evening welcomed over 300 distinguished guests, including senior leaders from marketing, advertising, media, and business. It was a grand celebration of visionary leadership and compelling storytelling elements that continue to shape the brand narrative of modern India.
Nandini Dias, Chairperson IAA Leadership Awards |
Nandini Dias, Chairperson, IAA Leadership Awards, reflected on the evolving meaning of leadership in her address: “Now in its 12th landmark edition, the IAA Leadership Awards have evolved into more than a celebration of national excellence. As I look back, it’s clear, we are spotlighting individuals who are not only leading India but are destined to leave a mark on the global stage. Our data selection process this year was both expansive and exacting covering more than 2,000 companies across 14 categories. A wealth of data was studied and debated by an eminent panel, with the top 10 emerging through a rigorous analysis of performance indicators such as growth, market share, CAGR, brand
equity, creditworthiness, ESG benchmarks, and beyond.
A stellar, all-CEO jury led by Prabha Narasimhan of Colgate Palmolive, chosen for their breadth of industry insight—then evaluated the findings. To safeguard objectivity, all scoring parameters were pre-set and locked before the jury accessed the results.
As we honour excellence this evening, we also pay tribute to those who are
reshaping the very essence of leadership with courage, clarity, and conscience. The IAA Leadership Awards stand not merely as a mark of recognition, but as a testament to the belief that the future will belong not to artificial intelligence, but to those who harness it with wisdom and purpose."
Jury members being felicitated : (L-R) Oisharya Das, Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Private Banking, Nandini Dias Chairperson IAA Leadership Awards, Prabha Narasimhan, Jury Chairperson - IAA Leadership Awards 2025 and Managing Director and CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, Naiyya Saggi, Co Founder & CEO, Edition & Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter. |
The night’s most prestigious honour, IAA Business Leader of the Year 2025,
was conferred upon Uday Kotak, recognising his visionary leadership and lasting contribution to India's financial and corporate landscape.
Uday Kotak being felicitated by Nandini Dias Chairperson IAA Leadership Awards, & Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter |
Uday Kotak, recipient of the IAA Business Leader of the Year 2025, shared: “India has come a long way—from a time of limited access and opportunity to a nation brimming with potential and ambition. But this is not the time to get comfortable. We must stay hungry, stay restless, and embrace the journey ahead with purpose and passion. The future belongs to those who choose to build it, and I believe India’s best is yet to come.”
Creative visionary Prasoon Joshi was inducted into the IAA Hall of Fame for
his extraordinary contribution to the advertising and creative industries over the decades.
Reflecting on the honour, he said: “This industry was built by giants, and it’s their brilliance that continues to attract talent and elevate the craft. As we enter a new era shaped by AI, let’s not forget — there’s nothing truly artificial in artificial intelligence. It’s born of our human experiences, our emotions, our stories. The future will be defined not just by data, but by the yet-unexpressed brilliance within us. That is where humanity will continue to shine.”
Prasoon Joshi being felicitated by all past presidents of IAA India Chapter |
In the world of influence and consumer trust, actor Kartik Aaryan and actress Tripti Dimri were named IAA Brand Endorsers of the Year in the male and female categories respectively, for their growing resonance with youth, authenticity, and strong brand associations.
(L-R) - Neeraj Roy, Founder, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Ltd; Nandini Dias, Chairperson, IAA Leadership Awards, felicitating kartik Aaryan |
(L-R) - Neeraj Roy, Founder, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Ltd; Nandini Dias, Chairperson, IAA Leadership Awards, felicitating Tripti Dimri |
Creative, Media & Impact Recognition
● Senthil Kumar, VML, was honoured with the IAA Creative Agency
Head of the Year Award for pushing creative boundaries with game-
changing campaigns.
Senthil Kumar being felicitated by Jaideep Gandhi, Vice President-IAA Inda Chapter & Megha Tata, Past President IAA India Chapter |
● Mohit Joshi, Havas Media, was named IAA Media Agency Head of the
Year for delivering media innovation and client-focused solutions.
Mohit Joshi being felicitated by Jaideep Gandhi, Vice President-IAA Inda Chapter & Megha Tata, Past President IAA India Chapter |
Kevin Vaz, Chief Executive Officer-Entertainment, JioStar |
Kevin Vaz, JioStar, received the IAA Media Person of the Year Award
for his influential role in shaping India's media ecosystem. Industry stalwart Ramesh Narayan was honoured with the ‘Force for
Good’ Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to ethical
leadership and his unwavering dedication to driving social impact through advertising.
Ramesh Narayan being felicitated by Kaushik Roy, IAA Past President and Director, Imagination Works & I Venkat, IAA Mancom Member, Dierctor, EENADU |
In the automobile category, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., was honoured as IAA Leader of the Year – AutoPassenger Vehicles (EV + UV)
Nalinikanth Gollagunta being felicitated by Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman, IPG Mediabrands India, Prabha Narasimhan, Jury Chair and MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd along with Avinash Pandey, Immediate Past President IAA |
Yogesh Mathur, Director – Sales & Marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, was named IAA Leader of the Year – Auto (Two Wheelers + EV)
Yogesh being felicitated by Janak Sarda, Hon.Treasurer IAA & Director, Blue Logic Systems |
In the FMCG space, Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Amul (GCMMF), was
awarded IAA Leader of the Year – FMCG (Food)
Jayan Mehta being felicitated by Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman, IPG Mediabrands India, Prabha Narasimhan, Jury Chair and MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd along with Avinash Pandey, Immediate Past President IAA |
In the consumer durables category, Pradeep Bakshi, MD & CEO of Voltas Ltd, was honoured as IAA Marketer of the Year – Consumer Durables.
Pradeep Bakshi being felicitated by Rajan Amba, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India & Oisharya Das, Jury Member and Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Private Banking |
Karan Bedi, Director & Head at Amazon MX Player, received the IAA Leader of the Year – OTT award.
Karan Bedi being felicitated by Alok Jalan, IAA Mancom Member & Managing Director, Laqshya Media Group |
Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India, received the IAA Leader of the Year – Consumer Health.
Ajay Khanna being felicitated by Alok Jalan, IAA Mancom Member & Managing Director, Laqshya Media Group |
Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter, shared his reflections on the occasion: “The IAA has always believed that with leadership comes great responsibility – towards our stakeholders, towards this glorious nation, and towards the only planet we can call home. This year, beyond honouring excellence, we’re taking steps toward a more conscious future by offsetting the event’s carbon footprint and launching initiatives focused on skilling, AI-readiness and continuous conversation. We’re proud to celebrate leaders who not only build brands but also shape culture, innovation, and purpose.”
Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter |
Diageo (Johnie Walker, Refreshing Mixer) was the Celebration Partner; Tata Sons was the Co-Partner; Supporting Partners were Nippon India Mutual Fund, Laqshya Media Group, Titan Company Limited, AdCounty Media Pvt. Ltd and Lodestar UM was the Knowledge Partner for the event. Hindustan Times & Free Press Journal were our Print Parters.
ABOUT THE IAA INDIA CHAPTER
The International Advertising Association is the world’s only globally-focused integrated advertising trade association with membership representing advertising agencies and the media. The IAA comprises Corporate Members, Organizational Members, and Educational Affiliates, as well as 56 Chapters with individual members and young professionals from 76 countries including the top 10 economies in the world. The IAA is over 80 years old and headquartered in New
York.
Membership in the Indian Chapter of the IAA is by invitation only and the IAA has very senior marketing, advertising, and media professionals as its members. The IAA in India is the most active chapter of IAA Global. It is well-recognized for some of its marquee events like the IAA Leadership Awards, IAA Olive Crown Awards, IndIAA Awards, IAA Voice of Change, IAA Debates, IAA Conversations, IAA Young Turks Forum, and an array of IAA Knowledge Seminars, Webinars, Workshops,Conclaves, etc.
For more information please visit www.iaaindiachapter.org
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