Srinivasan Swamy from R K Swamy Hansa Group to be next IAA chairman

Swamy is the first Indian ever to bag this role.

At the board meeting of the International Advertising Association (IAA) held in Bucharest, Romania recently, Srinivasan Swamy, chairman of the R K SWAMY HANSA Group, has taken over as the chairman and world president, IAA, for a period of two years. The first Indian ever to hold this post, Swamy’s appointment as chairman reinforces India’s contribution to the global advertising industry and is definitive proof of the impact that Indian talent is making in global leadership roles. IAA has presence in 76 countries and Swamy takes over the reins from legendary advertising professional Felix Tataru from Romania.

Srinivasan Swamy

Under Swamy’s leadership, India will play host to the most celebrated and anticipated 44th edition of the ‘IAA World Congress’, which is scheduled to be held in Cochin next year. Once again, this is the first time that India will be hosting this prestigious event reflecting the ‘gravitas’ of the Indian advertising fraternity at a global level. Mukesh Ambani will be the chairman of the 44th IAA World Congress, where a large number of eminent industry professionals, inspirational and spiritual speakers from across the world are expected to address the delegates. The Congress will address varying topics related to trends in marketing, advertising, digital, Artificial Intelligence, analytics, consumer engagement, and aspects that also touch the human side of business. “The world will be coming, and we are ready for them” beams Swamy.

On his appointment as the global chairman of this prestigious body, Swamy says in a press note, “The IAA is positioned as the ‘Global Compass of Marketing Communications’ and in my role I aim to ensure we walk-the-talk and steer it in the right direction for the industry and its consumers’ greater good. With my able and experienced team, I hope to scale up the operations and image of the IAA in a meaningful manner. Being the first Indian to be bestowed this honour, is not just a personal milestone, but a symbol of the increasing ascendance of India as a leader and a significant player in world advertising and media fora.”

Swamy’s journey with IAA started several years ago when he took over as the India Chapter president, when India was considered to be an insignificant player and held minimal relevance on the global advertising scene. Swamy strived to change this attitude towards India and from the initial 3-4 annual events; he introduced 35+ annual industry events and IAA, India emerged as the most active and meaningful National industry body. He has been honoured with the Global Champion award by the IAA at the inaugural Inspire Awards in London and was also inducted into the IAA India Chapter Hall of Fame last year.

Swamy will lead a team of 25 executive committee members from a host of countries including India, USA, UK, Austria, Italy, Poland, Ghana, UAE, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Netherlands, Kuwait, Iran and Nepal. Punit Goenka, MD & CEO of Zee Entertainment is the President of IAA India Chapter and will work alongside Swamy for the next 2 years.

Swamy is the chairman of R K SWAMY HANSA, the largest Indian Marketing Communications Group, and is considered one of the doyens of the industry. Apart from serving as the vice chairman of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations currently, he has held many significant industry leadership roles including:

. President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for three years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in starting Goafest, India’s premier annual advertising and marketing event.

. President of IAA India Chapter for four years, where he scaled up the activities to such a level that the global organisation had to take note and label IAA India as the Best Chapter.

. Founding vice chairman of Confederation of Asian Advertising Agencies Association and served as its chairman for two years thereafter, building this as a strong network in Asia.

. Chairman & Member of the Board of Advertising Standards Council of India for eleven years

. Board member of Audit Bureau of Circulations.

. He has also received lifetime achievement award from AAAI and many other organisations.