Vikram Sakhuja, a renowned leader in India’s advertising and media sector, was recently honoured with the prestigious AAAI (Advertising Agencies Association of India) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. This esteemed recognition acknowledges his substantial contributions to the growth, innovation, and professionalism of the industry over four decades.
Currently serving as the Group CEO of Madison Media and OOH, Sakhuja has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s media and advertising landscape. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, he boasts an impressive career spanning nearly 40 years with industry giants such as P&G, Coca-Cola, Star TV, WPP, and Madison.
Sakhuja began his journey as a DCM Management Trainee in 1984, followed by a role at P&G in 1988, where he focused on marketing research and media. His career progressed as he joined Coca-Cola, managing brand marketing, and later moved to Star TV as EVP of Marketing. His tenure at WPP began in 2001, where he made history as the first Indian to serve as the global CEO of a major advertising and media agency.
Throughout his career, Sakhuja has held several influential leadership positions, including heading Mindshare and GroupM South Asia, chairing the FICCI Advertising & Marketing Committee, and serving on the boards of industry bodies such as BARC and AAAI. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the development of India’s advertising industry.
In his acceptance speech, Sakhuja expressed gratitude for the collective effort that contributed to his success. “This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has influenced me – colleagues, mentors, and clients who have shaped my path,” he remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind his achievements.
Sakhuja’s impact also includes his role in establishing India’s first media AOR and pioneering numerous media practices that have had a lasting influence on the country’s advertising ecosystem.
The AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honours in Indian advertising, reserved for individuals with at least 25 years of experience and significant contributions to the industry. Past recipients include advertising legends like Piyush Pandey and Sam Balsara, underscoring the importance of Sakhuja’s addition to this distinguished list.
This recognition further solidifies Sakhuja’s legacy as a key figure in the advertising and media industry, shaping the future of the sector in India and beyond.
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