AD Agencies
dentsu India makes merry in 2024
MUMBAI: It’s been a dramatic turnaround of sorts for dentsu India’s media practice – the calendar year 2024 that’s just ended. The agency has added 80 brands to its portfolio and achieved a remarkable 10 per cent growth in billings.
This accomplishment marks a strong recovery from the previous year’s challenges and sets a goal for ambitious double-digit organic growth in 2025.
The success can be attributed to dentsu’s unique blend of marketing, technology, and consulting, which has driven innovation and impactful results.
“This year has been transformative,” stated dentsu CEO south Asia Harsha Razdan. He pointed out to the use of cutting-edge technology and data insights that helped it enhance its core offerings and unlock new growth opportunities.
Added dentsu Media south Asia CEO Anita Kotwani : “Our success hinges on delivering measurable results for our clients. With data-driven insights, we continuously adapt to market demands and strive to set new benchmarks.”
Throughout the year, dentsu focused on strengthening client relationships and acquiring new marquee brands, including General Insurance Council, LG Electronics, Skechers, Flipkart, Myntra, and Amazon Seller Services, Akasa Air, Vero Moda, Sintex, Amazon Seller Services, CK Birla Healthcare, Kotak Mutual Fund, Ardex Endura, Shopper Stop, D DÉCOR, Godrej Properties, HAMDARD, Tata Mutual Fund, Tata Realty, Quick Heal Technologies, Unity Small Finance Bank, Meesho, Waree Energies, Vi-John, Berger Paints, Suzuki, and Be-Rite (Gemini Edibles & Fats), among others.
The agency’s array of solutions spans traditional and digital media, performance marketing, influencer campaigns, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. dentsu’s Media Innovations & Solutions team also made notable advancements in branded content, influencer marketing, gaming, and sports, registering a fourfold increase in the business. Collaborative efforts with companies like Meta and Google led to the development of global capabilities in consumer intelligence and retail products.
The agency introduced some tools in 2024 which gave it that edge over others, leading to higher client satisfaction and acquisition. These included Retail Media, Performance Practice 2.0, Total Commerce and Spark—an advanced marketing mix modeling tool. With its offerings broadened, dentsu Media achieved some outstanding results, particularly with dentsu Retail experiencing fivefold growth.
The Media Practice’s integrated approach, highlighted by the proprietary Media++ Framework, has established dentsu as the industry leader, providing comprehensive strategies for every customer journey stage.
“We are targeting a higher double-digit organic growth in 2025,” said Harsha. “Our focus remains on raising the bar, delivering breakthroughs, and staying true to dentsu’s global vision of Innovating to Impact.”
With that kind of commitment in place, competitors and the industry had better keep a sharp eye on dentsu’s moves in 2025. For the agency is sure learning to dance and make its clients dance to its market- and customer-winning advertising and marketing solutions tunes. And it’s learning it pretty fast under its new leader Harsha and team dentsu India. .
AD Agencies
Goafest 2026 set for 20–22 May in Goa
South Asia’s marquee advertising festival returns with ABBY Awards powered by One Show and promises bigger conversations on creativity and innovation
GOA: The advertising industry’s annual pilgrimage is locked in. The 19th edition of Goafest will take place in Goa from 20 to 22 May 2026, bringing together the biggest names in advertising, media and marketing for three days of ideas, networking and celebration.
Announced jointly by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), the festival will once again host the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2026 — widely regarded as the region’s most coveted creative honours — recognising outstanding work across advertising and media.
Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into the industry’s marquee gathering, drawing more than 2,000 professionals each year. Beyond the awards, the event has become a forum for big debates, future-facing ideas and the occasional industry soul-searching.
Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, said the festival remains a crucible for industry thought and collaboration. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives and fuel the future of advertising and marketing. It is an occasion for the industry to come together, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our craft.”
Dheeraj Sinha, president of The Advertising Club, underlined the legacy of the ABBY Awards, now in their 57th year. “Goafest has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration and industry excellence. The ABBY Awards powered by One Club continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks year after year. In its 57th year, the awards continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”
For organisers, the festival has grown beyond a calendar event. Jaideep Gandhi, vice president of AAAI and chairman of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and founder of Another Idea, said the property has become a legacy for the industry. “In its 19th year, Goafest is no longer just an event — it is a legacy we are privileged to carry forward. It is a unifying force that brings together the various industry associations across advertising and marketing under one roof. I am deeply grateful to the stalwarts who envisioned this remarkable property, and it is heartening that some of them continue to be actively involved in its journey.”
The organisers promise that the upcoming edition will dial things up a notch. Mohit Joshi, co-chair of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, said the festival is gearing up for a bigger, more immersive format. “Over the past 18 editions, Goafest has evolved into a premier platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the dynamic transformation of our industry. This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever. It will introduce new formats, immersive engagements and high-calibre discussions that have never been done before.”
“With a larger scale, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a focus on cutting-edge ideas,” Joshi added, “Goafest 2026 is set to redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate and celebrate.”
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, the festival continues to position itself as South Asia’s premier advertising gathering — where ideas collide, creativity gets crowned and the industry takes a long, hard look at where it is headed next.
