AD Agencies
Boutique agency Infectious Advertising hires Akshay Kapnadak as chief creative officer
MUMBAI: It’s the coming together of two creative guys to build something bigger than the sum of both. Infectious Advertising creative chairman & founder Ramanuj Shastry has roped in veteran Akshay Kapnadak as the boutique agency’s chief creative officer. In his new role, Akshay will work together with Ramanuj to elevate the agency’s creative product to the next level.
An alumnus of the JJ Institute of Applied Arts, Akshay has been building brands and winning awards for close to 27 years. He spent the first 16 years of his career at McCann Erickson Mumbai, starting as a trainee and rising to the rank of executive creative director.
During this time, Akshay built strong teams and developed campaigns for a diverse range of clients, including global brands like Coca-Cola and L’Oréal, and leading Indian brands like Parachute, Pears, Radio Mirchi, and NDTV.
His work has earned both local and international accolades, including Gold at Cannes Lions and The One Show. He has served on juries at Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, AdFest Asia, and Goafest. After McCann, Akshay ventured into independent consulting, mentoring start-ups, and leading design and communication projects across South and Southeast Asia.
Ramanuj and Infectious Advertising CEO & co-founder Nisha Singhani are infectiously excited to have Akshay on board, if you read on and hear what they have to say about Akshay’s joining the agency.
“I worked very closely with Akshay for nearly half a decade at McCann,” says Ramanuj. “He is a fab guy with a brilliant mind and boundless energy. It will be lovely to work together again. Can’t wait for him to join.”
Adds Nisha: “We are thrilled that Akshay has chosen to join us. He is an exciting mind, a lovely person, and aligns perfectly with our values and our mission to deliver impactful ideas for our clients. I’m confident that he will lead us to new creative heights.”
Akshay, on his part , is over the moon on being on-boarded at the agency. Says he: “Infectious has built a reputation for strategic solidity and authentic storytelling. I’m excited to join this passionate team and eager to contribute to Infectious’ vision to build brands with purpose, ingenuity, and integrity,”
The 11 year old Infectious’ leitmotif is: creating work that solves problems facing brands and businesses. Among their clients figure National Geographic, ALD Automotive, Bayer Crop Sciences, UltraTech Cement, Inorbit Malls, IDFC, and TBZ – The Original, and many more. It recently launched its content arm-Epidemik Content, delivering content with best-in-class production that’s value for money, embracing AI and new-age storytelling.
With Akshay being signed on the three are expecting an epidemic of creativity to hit Infectious
AD Agencies
Gaëtan du Peloux of Marcel named jury chair for Abby Awards 2026
French creative leader to head Still Print category at Goafest this May
MUMBAI: Gaëtan du Peloux, co-president and chief creative officer at Marcel, has been appointed jury chair for the Still Print category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
Born in Paris and the eldest of seven siblings, du Peloux began his career as a copywriter at CLM/BBDO in 2003. Over the years, he has become one of the most celebrated French creatives of his generation, with over 400 awards to his name, including multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix, D&AD Black Pencils and One Show best of show accolades.
At Marcel, the creative hot shop of Publicis Groupe, du Peloux and his creative partner, Youri Guerassimov, have produced landmark campaigns for national and international brands. Notable work includes “The Inglorious Fruits & Vegetables” for Intermarché, “The Black Supermarket” for Carrefour, “HackMarket” for Back Market, and “WoMen’s Football” for Orange.
Du Peloux also serves as president of the French Art Director’s Club and has participated in numerous creative festivals worldwide, including D&AD, Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio, LIA, Eurobest, Andy, NY Festival and French ADC. Outside work, he is a husband and father of three.
The Abby Awards 2026 Powered by The One Club | The One Show will take place during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, where du Peloux will lead the judging of the Still Print category.
