AD Agencies
Former Ogilvy client servicing leader Harish Shetty buzzes into Buzzlab
MUMBAI: In a delicious corporate pirouette, Harish Shetty—the ad world’s strategic virtuoso—has landed at Buzzlab, Asia’s content-led growth consulting firm, as client services director.
Shedding his Ogilvy stripes after a 12-year advertising odyssey, Shetty arrives with a portfolio that reads like a who’s who of marketing mavens. His corporate catwalk includes strutting through L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Famous Innovations, and MullenLowe Lintas Group.
“I didn’t choose advertising—advertising chose me,” Shetty quipped, channeling equal parts swagger and self-deprecation. “Somewhere along the way, I found my passion for data-driven marketing, and that’s been the driving force behind everything I do. The real thrill comes from seeing how ideas translate into measurable impact. What’s even more exciting is how today’s young agencies are redefining the space—bringing bold, creative thinking backed by real numbers. Brands, too, are evolving; they’re no longer just advertisers, they’re speaking the language of creators—engaging, storytelling, and building communities rather than just selling. And that’s exactly what excites me about Buzzlab. It’s a place where creativity meets strategy, where big ideas don’t just stay ideas—they turn into measurable outcomes. I feel genuinely energised by this shift in the creative and media landscape, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Buzzlab to be part of this shift.”
Buzzlab’s founder & CEO Sindhu Biswal sees Shetty as a disruptive force. “He wants to unlearn everything, challenge playbooks,” he said — music to the ears of an agency positioning itself as the rebel child of traditional advertising.
Co-founder Sushant Sadamate hints at Shetty’s real value: not just strategising, but getting his hands dirty. “He’ll inspire clients while delivering standout campaigns,” Sadamate promised—a bold declaration in an industry often more sizzle than steak.
For Buzzlab, Shetty represents more than a hire. He’s a statement: creativity must now speak the language of data, community, and measurable impact.
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.
