AD Agencies
From advertising ace to entrepreneurial ace: Ambalika Sen charts a bold new course
MUMBAI: One of Indian advertising’s sharpest advertising minds is switching gears. After a 16-year career spanning heavyweights like JWT, Contract, Taproot Dentsu, and Tilt Brand Solutions, Ambalika Sen has hung up her agency boots to launch into the entrepreneurial fast lane.
Now managing partner at Fundamental, the newly minted venture based in Mumbai, she is eyeing a future built on sharper strategic partnerships, brand management excellence, and a strong dose of independent thinking.
At the same time, she’s staying firmly rooted in nurturing talent — moonlighting as a guest faculty at the prestigious Xavier’s Institute of Communication, where she teaches Business Management in Advertising to the next wave of ad mavens.
Before stepping into the startup world, Ambalika’s career reads like a best-of list of Indian advertising. Across her career, the through-line has been clear: client-first thinking, relentless business-building, and a gift for weaving culture into commerce.
While advertising has been the bedrock, Ambalika’s recent years have also seen her expand into cultural consulting — working as an independent business advisor with youth-driven brand Homegrown since 2020.
With Fundamental, Ambalika is betting on a hybrid future — where brand-building meets cultural fluency, and strategic partnership is as important as creative spark.
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.
