Published on: August 11, 2026
The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter hosted the 13th edition of the IAA Leadership Awards in Mumbai on August 7, bringing together more than 250 leaders from business, advertising, marketing, media and entertainment.
Held under the theme ‘The Power of Balance’, the 2026 edition recognised leaders who have demonstrated the ability to navigate changing business environments, embrace innovation and balance competing priorities across performance, purpose, creativity, technology and inclusion.
The evening’s top business honour, the IAA Business Leader of the Year 2026, was presented to Dilip Shanghvi, Founder and Managing Director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, recognising his contribution to building a global pharmaceutical business and expanding access to affordable medicines.
Commenting on the recognition, Shanghvi said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the IAA Business Leader of the Year award. As far as I am concerned, I take happiness from the successes of my team members, and I have a very long window of gratification. It doesn’t discourage me, and I keep on trying. All businesses succeed because people work effectively as a team, so you need to adapt and create an environment to attract good people, retain them, and value what they contribute.”
Creative industry veteran Neeraj Roy, Founder of Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, was inducted into the IAA Hall of Fame for his contribution to advertising, digital and creative industries.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra received the IAA Brand Endorser of the Year 2026 award, recognising his strong brand associations, authenticity and influence among younger audiences.
Sidharth Malhotra said, “It means a lot to be recognised by a body that represents the people behind some of the country’s most loved brands. As actors, we are lucky to be part of stories that people carry with them for years. Brand stories do that in a different way; they become part of people’s everyday lives, and that trust is very special. Thank you to IAA, to all the brands that have trusted me, and most of all to my fans who have always supported my journey.”
The awards also recognised leadership across advertising, media and marketing. Rahul Kanwal of NDTV was named IAA Media Person of the Year, while Babita Baruah of VML received the IAA Creative Agency Head of the Year award. Kartik Sharma of Omnicom Media was recognised as IAA Media Agency Head of the Year for his contribution to media innovation and client-focused solutions.
Industry veteran Sam Balsara received the IAA Force for Good Award, recognising his contribution beyond the marketing and communications industry and his efforts to create wider social impact.
The awards also celebrated leadership across key business sectors. Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of the Automotive Division at Mahindra & Mahindra, was named IAA Leader of the Year – Auto Passenger Vehicles (EV + UV).
Other sector winners included:
The 2026 awards also placed emphasis on how leadership is evolving amid rapid changes in technology, consumer behaviour and business expectations.
Nandini Dias, Chairperson, IAA Leadership Awards, highlighted the growing importance of navigating competing priorities, saying, “The more the world changes, the harder leadership becomes to define. Leadership is the ability to be stretched, to respond to circumstances, make difficult choices and create momentum in an environment that is constantly shifting. Balance is not compromise. Balance is not standing in the middle—it is having the wisdom to hold opposing truths at the same time and being very decisive about both. Performance tells us what has been achieved. Leadership tells us what has been built—and what could be achieved next. That is what the IAA Leadership Awards seek to recognise: leaders who can balance many things exceptionally well and build success that endures.”
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who attended the ceremony as chief guest, highlighted the role of advertising, marketing and media in shaping society and business.
He said, “The advertising, media, and marketing industry occupies a unique position. It does not merely promote products, it shapes aspirations, influences consumer behaviour, drives innovation, and strengthens brands that contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The emergence of artificial intelligence and data-driven marketing is transforming the way brands engage with consumers, making creativity and innovation more important than ever before. However, advertising must uphold truthfulness, transparency, and ethics. It should not be misleading.”
Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter, outlined the association’s priorities for the coming year, with a focus on artificial intelligence, skilling and industry conversations.
He said, “Our focus this year is equally clear. Three priorities: AI, Skilling & Conversation. Helping our industry understand and effectively use artificial intelligence—not fear it. Building new skills for the next generation of marketers and creative leaders. And creating spaces where the biggest conversations shaping our business can happen. Because industries don’t evolve by accident.”
The winners were selected by a jury chaired by Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India), comprising senior leaders from business, marketing and media.
With its 2026 edition, the IAA Leadership Awards continued to recognise individuals who are not only delivering business and creative excellence but are also contributing to the evolution of India’s advertising, media, marketing and wider business ecosystem.
Read more: IAA Leadership Awards 2026 names Omnicom Media’s Kartik Sharma Media Agency Head of the Year
