Abhishek Karnani, President of the Free Press Journal Group, has been unanimously re-elected as President of the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) at the 35th Annual General Meeting held on 25th September 2025.
Karnani, who continues to lead IAA India with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and industry growth, will serve a second term in office. His re-election highlights the chapter’s commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem for advertising, media, and marketing professionals in India.
Alongside Karnani, the following office bearers were elected for the 2025–26 term:
Jaideep Gandhi, Founder, Another Idea – Vice President
Nandini Dias, Independent Advisor – Hon. Secretary
Janak Sarda, Director, BFF Foods India – Hon. Treasurer
Additionally, five members were elected as voting members:
Srinivasan K Swamy, Executive Group Chairman, R K SWAMY HANSA
Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, WPP Media
M. V. Shreyams Kumar, Managing Director, Mathrubhumi
Babita Barua, CEO, VML India
Rana Barua, Group CEO – Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea)
Avinash Pandey will continue to guide the new leadership team as Immediate Past President. The Managing Committee will further co-opt five additional members, along with other specially invited members, in the upcoming meeting.
Commenting on his re-election, Karnani said, “I am deeply honoured to serve a second term as President of the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA). With the unwavering support of our exceptional Managing Committee, I look forward to further strengthening our chapter and cultivating an ecosystem that advances the collective interests of our industry. As we step into 2025–26, we do so with renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose. This year invites us to embrace technological innovation, deepen our commitment to sustainability, and champion diversity and inclusivity. I am confident that, together, we will continue to shape an industry that thrives in business and leaves a lasting impact on society. I look forward to a purposeful and progressive term ahead.”
The re-election of Karnani and his leadership team reaffirms IAA India Chapter’s commitment to driving innovation, diversity, and sustainable growth within the advertising and media sectors, positioning the organization as a pivotal force in shaping the future of India’s advertising landscape.
Read more: Publicis Groupe India Launches New AI-Powered Content Studio
