The advertising industry is still coming to terms with the loss of Piyush Pandey, a man whose creativity and warmth defined Indian advertising for more than four decades. On Friday, October 24, 2025, the legendary adman passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire storytellers across the world.
As a mark of respect, Ogilvy India has announced that it will retire the title of Chief Advisor — a role that Pandey had held since 2023, after serving as Chairman of Global Creative and Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India. The agency described the move as symbolic of the fact that “no one can replace Piyush.”
Monty Bharali, Chief Talent Officer at Ogilvy, said, “He will always be our guiding light.” Hephzibah Pathak, Executive Chairperson of Ogilvy India, added, “He will always remain our Chief Advisor and will bless us from above.” She also shared that Ogilvy will soon release a global tribute book celebrating his work and creative philosophy.
A special memorial event on Sunday brought together leaders from advertising, media, and business, including Devika Bulchandani, Madhukar Parekh, Bharat Puri, R. Balki, Amit Syngle, Suhel Seth, Piyush Goyal, and others, all united in remembering the man who made storytelling an art form.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal recalled Pandey’s creative conviction during the making of the 2014 campaign “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar.” Initially hesitant, Pandey had told Goyal the next morning, “Yeh desh ki zaroorat hai.” That single line went on to become a defining political slogan: simple, memorable, and emotionally charged, much like his most loved brand campaigns for Fevicol, Cadbury, and Asian Paints.
Ogilvy’s decision to retire the title is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a tribute to the man who gave Indian advertising its soul.
