Dheeraj Sinha Named Advertising Club President for 2025–26

The Advertising Club, one of India’s most respected industry bodies, has announced Dheeraj Sinha, CEO of FCB India & South Asia, as its new President for the 2025–26 term. The appointment was confirmed at the Club’s 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai.

Sinha’s election marks a significant leadership change, bringing in a professional with deep experience across advertising, media, and consumer strategy. Known for his ability to balance creativity with business growth, Sinha is expected to strengthen the Club’s vision and impact in a rapidly evolving advertising landscape.

The importance of this appointment

Over the decades, The Advertising Club has served as a central pillar for the Indian marketing and communications ecosystem. Its activities—from organizing award platforms like EFFIEs and Emvies to nurturing young talent—have helped the industry remain vibrant and globally competitive.

Sinha’s appointment comes at a time when the advertising world is undergoing massive transformation, with digital disruption, AI-driven innovation, and consumer behavior shifts reshaping how brands connect with audiences. His leadership is being seen as both timely and future-focused, capable of bridging traditional advertising values with modern industry needs.

Diverse and inclusive Managing Committee

The newly announced Managing Committee reflects the Club’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. It includes prominent names from creative agencies, digital platforms, media houses, and marketing leadership roles.

Key office bearers for 2025–26

• Amitesh Rao – Vice President

• Punitha Arumugam – Secretary

• Sonia Huria – Joint Secretary

• Pradeep Dwivedi – Treasurer

Alongside, senior leaders such as Satya Raghavan, Jitender Dabas, Darshana Shah, Ajay Kakar, Mitrajit Bhattacharya, Aparna Bhawal, and Avinash Kaul bring deep expertise to the table.

Co-opted members

To further enhance its functioning, the Club has added co-opted members including Neha Markanda, Sagnik Ghosh, and Mansha Tandon. Their involvement signals a wider representation of skill sets and perspectives, ensuring the committee remains connected to both established practices and emerging trends.

Words from the new President

Speaking about his new role, Dheeraj Sinha expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the responsibility of leading such a historic institution.

“The Advertising Club has always stood for the collective ambition of our industry. What makes this moment special is the diversity of voices in our leadership—agency stalwarts, new-age marketers, and media platform leaders. Together, we can build dialogue, strengthen capabilities, and create opportunities for the industry to thrive,” said Sinha.

His remarks underline a collaborative vision, where different parts of the ecosystem—creative, media, digital, and technology—work in synergy for the growth of the industry.

Support from special invitees

The Club has also extended invitations to several senior professionals who will support the committee in advisory capacities. These include Anurita Chopra, Lulu Raghavan, Saket Jha Saurabh, Gautam Reghunath, Amogh Dusad, among others. Their expertise across sectors such as healthcare, branding, digital platforms, and content will add further strength to the Club’s initiatives.

In addition, Rana Barua, the outgoing President, will continue to remain closely involved, ensuring continuity and mentorship for the incoming leadership.

Looking ahead: vision for 2025–26

The committee under Sinha’s presidency has outlined three broad priorities:

Fostering industry-wide collaboration

The Advertising Club intends to act as a unifying force, encouraging agencies, marketers, and media platforms to work together more effectively in building consumer trust and driving creative excellence.

Nurturing talent and innovation

The Club will continue to focus on initiatives that mentor young professionals, reward innovative thinking, and provide opportunities for upskilling in areas like digital marketing, AI tools, and data analytics.

Strengthening India’s global presence

As Indian creativity increasingly wins recognition on the world stage, the new committee aims to push for stronger global representation, ensuring India continues to influence conversations in international advertising forums.

The road ahead

The coming year is expected to bring both challenges and opportunities for the advertising industry. From navigating privacy regulations to adapting to emerging technologies like generative AI, the industry will need strong guidance and collaborative platforms. With Dheeraj Sinha at the helm, supported by a dynamic Managing Committee, The Advertising Club is well-positioned to lead this transformation.

Conclusion

The election of Dheeraj Sinha as President of The Advertising Club signals the beginning of a new chapter in Indian advertising leadership. His blend of experience, strategic thinking, and inclusive approach promises to reinforce the Club’s role as a growth engine for the industry.

As the Club steps into its 72nd year of service, the vision is clear: to foster collaboration, nurture talent, and ensure that Indian advertising continues to make a mark both locally and globally.