Mumbai: The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter hosted the 13th edition of the IAA Leadership Awards on August 7, 2026, in Mumbai, bringing together more than 250 leaders from the business, marketing, advertising, media and entertainment industries.
Held under the theme ‘The Power of Balance’, the 2026 edition recognised leaders who have demonstrated the ability to navigate complexity, embrace change and balance competing priorities while creating meaningful impact.
The awards highlighted the evolving dimensions of contemporary leadership, including the ability to reconcile business performance with purpose, technology with creativity, and data with inclusion. The theme emphasised the need to integrate these diverse priorities into a coherent and responsible leadership approach.
The event was attended by Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, who served as the Chief Guest.
Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, said, ““It is a pleasure to be here this evening and to celebrate the achievements of so many accomplished leaders. The advertising, media, and marketing industry occupies a unique position. It does not merely promote products, it shapes aspirations, influences consumer behavior, 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. The most successful brands are those that build trust, respect consumer intelligence, and contribute positively to society. As India aspires to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the power of ideas, communication, and creativity will be as important as capital and technology.”
Nandini Dias, Chairperson, IAA Leadership Awards, said, “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. The best leaders don’t eliminate tension; they learn to lead through it. 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.”
Abhishek Karnani, President, IAA India Chapter, said, “For over eight decades globally, and through its India Chapter, the IAA has brought together leaders from marketing, media, advertising and business—not just to celebrate excellence, but to spark conversations, challenge convention and help shape the future of our industry. Because leadership isn’t about standing above the industry. It’s about moving the industry forward. Tonight, we celebrate those leaders who have built businesses, but also built trust, teams, cultures and optimism. Technology may change the way we work, but character will always define the way we lead. 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.”
Celebrating India’s Business and Creative Icons
The evening’s highest business honour, the IAA Business Leader of the Year 2026, was conferred upon Dilip Shanghvi, Founder and Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., recognising his leadership in building a global pharmaceutical company and his contribution towards making high-quality and affordable medicines accessible to patients worldwide.
Dilip Shanghvi, recipient of the IAA Business Leader of the Year 2026, 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.”
Neeraj Roy, Founder, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Ltd., was inducted into the IAA Hall of Fame for his contribution to the advertising, digital and creative industries.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra was named IAA Brand Endorser of the Year 2026, recognising his 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.”
Recognising Creative, Media and Industry Leadership
The awards also recognised leadership across advertising, media and marketing.
Rahul Kanwal, NDTV, received the IAA Media Person of the Year Award for his contribution to India’s evolving media ecosystem.
Babita Baruah, VML, was named IAA Creative Agency Head of the Year, recognising her leadership in creative excellence and brand storytelling.
Kartik Sharma, Omnicom Media, received the IAA Media Agency Head of the Year award for his contribution to media innovation and client-focused solutions.
Industry veteran Sam Balsara was honoured with the IAA Force for Good Award for his contributions beyond the marcom industry and efforts to create a lasting impact on communities and society.
Honouring Leaders Across Key Industries
The awards also recognised leadership across various sectors.
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., received the IAA Leader of the Year – Auto Passenger Vehicles (EV + UV) award.
In FMCG, Jayen Mehta, Managing Director, Amul (GCMMF), received the IAA Leader of the Year – FMCG (Food) award.
Anil G. Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Godrej & Boyce, was honoured as IAA Leader of the Year – Consumer Durables.
Mohit Malhotra, Global Chief Executive Officer, Dabur India Ltd., received the IAA Leader of the Year – Pharma (Consumer Health) award.
Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President – Marketing, TVS Motor Company, was named IAA Leader of the Year – Auto (Two Wheelers + EV).
Sunil Dhar, CEO, Red Bull India, received the IAA Leader of the Year – FMCG (Beverages) award.
The awards were evaluated by an eminent jury chaired by Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited.
The jury included Jayant Acharya – Jt. Managing Director & CEO, JSW Steel; Kavita Chaturvedi – Chief Executive, Biscuits & Confections Business, ITC Limited; Pradeep Dwivedi – Group CEO, Eros Media World; Gurmit Singh – Resident Director – Quora India & Advisory Director – The Nimble Labs; Himanshu Chakrawarti – Stellaro Brand; Atul Shinghal – CEO, Scripbox Wealth Managers Private Ltd; and Sanjay Jain – Group Chief Executive Officer, PDS Limited.
The jury members were felicitated during the evening for their contribution to the awards process.
Partners
IAA India Chapter acknowledged the support of its partners, including Diageo – Johnnie Walker, Luxe Blended Water as Celebration Partner; Tata Sons and Mediakart as Associate Partners; Kotak Private and Infomo as Supporting Partners; Lodestar UM as Knowledge Partner; Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal as Print Partners; and Laqshya Media as Outdoor Partner.
