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Atul Agrawal takes charge as CEO of Indian Society of Advertisers
MUMBAI: The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA), the country’s top voice for advertisers for more than 70 years, has appointed Atul Agrawal as its new chief executive officer. He took charge on January 2, 2026.
With nearly four decades of experience across some of India’s most admired corporate names, Agrawal brings both gravitas and perspective to the role. His career spans FMCG and corporate leadership, with deep roots in brand building, media strategy and corporate communications.
Calling the role both an honour and a responsibility, Agrawal said the timing could not be more significant. Marketing and media, he noted, are in the middle of a profound reset driven by changing consumer behaviour and rapid technological shifts.
He said his focus would be on promoting responsible, effective and efficient marketing by working closely with advertisers, agencies, broadcasters, media owners and other stakeholders. Strengthening ISA’s work on media transparency, measurement and accountability will be a key priority.
An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, Agrawal has previously worked with Hindustan Lever and at the Tata Group headquarters, where he was involved in corporate brand marketing, youth engagement initiatives, media buying and large sponsorship programmes. He has also served on ISA’s executive committee representing Tata Services and has contributed internationally as a jury member for the World Federation of Advertisers’ Global Marketer of the Year award.
Welcoming the appointment, ISA Chairman Sunil Kataria said Agrawal’s long association with the organisation and his leadership experience make him well placed to steer ISA at a critical moment for the industry.
Kataria added that with ISA leading initiatives such as the Media Charter, brand safety, viewability standards, first-party data frameworks and cross-screen measurement, Agrawal’s leadership would help turn intent into impact.
With its new CEO at the helm, ISA says it remains committed to working with the wider ecosystem to drive efficiency, accountability and sustainable growth for advertisers across India.
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Lakmé launches SPF infused makeup range with ‘I Earned It’ campaign
Lakmé 9to5 Hya Beach Edit blends sun protection, hydration and colour.
MUMBAI: If the Indian summer insists on turning up the heat, beauty brands are learning to keep their cool. Lakmé has unveiled a new campaign titled “I Earned It” to introduce the Lakmé 9to5 Hya Beach Edit, its first makeup range infused with SPF. The campaign features brand ambassador Aneet Padda and positions the collection as a blend of sun protection, skincare and long wear colour designed for India’s hot and humid climate.
Part of the Lakmé 9to5 portfolio, the new range expands the brand’s long running narrative around the confident working Indian woman. With the “I Earned It” message, the campaign shifts the focus slightly, celebrating not just ambition but also the idea that downtime and personal moments are equally deserved.
The campaign film follows a modern professional navigating a day that moves effortlessly between work calls, coffee runs and evening plans, reflecting the fast paced routine of urban life where indoor polish often meets outdoor exposure to the sun.
Hindustan Unilever Limited chief marketing officer for beauty and wellbeing Sunanda Khaitan said the product was developed with India’s climate and lifestyle in mind. “Living in a country with high sun exposure made us rethink what long wear beauty should deliver. With the Lakmé 9to5 Hya Beach Edit we are bringing together sun protection, hydration and high performance colour in a single step,” she said.
The new range is formulated with SPF and powered by hyaluronic acid, a skincare ingredient widely used for hydration. According to the brand, the products are designed to remain intact in heat and humidity with sweat proof, transfer proof and water proof formulas.
The aim is to merge skincare benefits with cosmetic performance, offering lightweight finishes that stay fresh even during long days outdoors.
Padda said the campaign resonated with her own routine of balancing work and personal time. “‘I Earned It’ is a reminder to celebrate yourself without guilt and enjoy the moments you have worked hard for. The campaign reflects that spirit with makeup that feels fresh, effortless and designed for real life,” she said.
The campaign was developed by Ogilvy, where creative leaders Mihir Chanchani and Zenobia Pithawalla described the concept as reflecting a Gen Z mindset that embraces both hustle and leisure.
The Lakmé 9to5 Hya Beach Edit collection is now available on the brand’s official website, major online marketplaces and retail stores across India.
