Mumbai: The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter hosted the grand 12th edition of its prestigious IAA Leadership Awards at Taj Lands End Court, Mumbai, on August 7, 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements of leaders across marketing, advertising, and media. The highlight of the evening was the conferring of the IAA Force For Good Award on industry veteran Ramesh Narayan, founder of Canco Advertising, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the advertising fraternity and his enduring commitment to social causes.
A force in Indian advertising and a champion of industry collaboration, Narayan’s journey is one of vision, leadership, and purpose. He founded Canco Advertising in 1983, steering it for an impressive 23 years before stepping down in 2006. Under his leadership, the agency became a respected name for strategic creativity in an increasingly competitive market.
Narayan’s influence extends far beyond the success of his agency. Over the years, he has held prominent positions across industry bodies, including serving as President of the Advertising Club and the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), chairing the ABBY Awards Governing Council at Goafest, and being the first Indian to judge the finals of the Effie Awards in New York. He has also been a driving force in the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), where he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2021, and in IAA Global, where he currently serves as Vice President and Area Director (APAC). His work has earned him multiple accolades, including the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the IAA India Chapter Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Narayan was named a “Global Champion” at the IAA Inspire Awards in London for his efforts to elevate Indian advertising on the world stage. He has consistently advocated for communication as a driver of positive change, urging the industry to embrace a cause each year and leverage its influence for the public good.
Beyond his professional achievements, Narayan is an author, photographer, and committed philanthropist. His memoir, A Different Route to Success, published in 2021, chronicles his unconventional journey in advertising, with proceeds donated entirely to the Rotary Club of Bombay, where he served as Past President. His tenure at Rotary saw initiatives in education, rural development, and elder care, reflecting his belief that service to the community is as important as business success.
The IAA Force For Good Award is a fitting tribute to Narayan’s legacy—a blend of creative excellence, industry leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. From shaping brands to inspiring purposeful communication, Ramesh Narayan continues to demonstrate that leadership, when grounded in values, can truly be a force for good.
