AD Agencies
Hybrid plugs into India’s programmatic future
MUMBAI: Hybrid’s Indian chapter just got a major boost. The global programmatic advertising platform, is celebrating five strong years in India, and its founding trio, Dmitry Cheklov, Sergey Kovalev, and Vladimir Khudyakov, have touched down in Gurgaon to toast the milestone and chart the road ahead.
Their visit wasn’t just ceremonial; it was a reaffirmation of India’s pivotal role in Hybrid’s global playbook. From a scrappy startup to a tech-led programmatic giant serving over 200 brands and agencies, Hybrid’s India story has been one of ambition meeting acceleration.
“India is one of the most dynamic markets in the world,” said Hybrid global president and founder Dmitry Cheklov. “Brands here are embracing AI-driven, privacy-first advertising faster than many mature markets. It’s inspiring to see how innovation and agility drive success.”
Among the highlights of the visit was a deep dive into Hybe, Hybrid’s in-house mobile programmatic platform, and its fast-growing Connected TV (CTV) offering. Together, they’re creating a seamless link between smart TV ads and mobile campaigns, turning brand awareness into action. “We’re excited to explore how this synergy transforms user engagement,” added Hybe co-founder and CEO Vladimir Khudyakov.
Beyond boardrooms and product demos, the founders soaked in India’s trademark warmth and creativity. “The hospitality and openness of the team reflect India’s true spirit of innovation,” shared Hybrid global COO Sergey Kovalev.
The visit also set the tone for the company’s next leap, scaling AI capabilities, expanding partnerships, and deepening India’s role as a key innovation hub.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on transforming programmatic advertising for brands and agencies alike,” said Hybrid INSEA CEO Shreyas Sathe. “India isn’t just a growth market; it’s a growth mindset.”
Hybrid’s Indian chapter is only beginning, and the rhythm of innovation is already playing loud and clear.
AD Agencies
ABBY Awards 2026 names 3 jury chairs across digital, PR and publisher
Aditiya, Dharmaraj and Puri to lead key categories at Goafest 2026
MUMBAI: The Ad Club has announced the appointment of PG Aditiya, Deepshikha Dharmaraj and Pavita Puri as jury chairs for the Digital, PR and Publisher categories respectively at the ABBY Awards 2026, powered by The One Club and The One Show.
The awards are set to take place during Goafest 2026 from May 20 to 22 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, bringing together some of the biggest names in advertising and marketing.
PG Aditiya, founder and CCO at Talented, will chair the Digital jury. A former chief creative officer at Dentsu Webchutney, he now leads Talented, an employee-owned independent agency known for its unconventional structure and award-winning work for brands such as Meta, Google, Britannia and Tanishq. The agency has also been recognised as a global ‘Best Place to Work’ by Campaign magazine for two consecutive years.
In the PR category, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO at Burson Group India, brings over three decades of experience in public relations and integrated communications. She oversees multiple entities including Burson Genesis, GCI Health India and Hill & Knowlton India. Known for her strategic counsel and leadership, Dharmaraj has also served as president of industry bodies such as PRCAI and PAFI, and has been a jury member at global platforms including Cannes PR Lions and D&AD Awards.
Pavita Puri, chief brand and marketing officer at The Indian Express Group, will chair the Publisher category. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she has been instrumental in driving the group’s transition into a digital-first media powerhouse, overseeing brands such as The Indian Express, Financial Express, Loksatta and Jansatta. Her earlier stints in advertising include roles at Rediffusion and Lowe India, where she handled marquee clients across sectors.
The appointments reflect a strong mix of creative, communications and media expertise, underscoring the awards’ focus on recognising excellence across evolving industry segments.
As the industry gears up for Goafest, the ABBY Awards 2026 promise to spotlight standout work, with seasoned leaders at the helm of jury deliberations shaping the benchmark for creative excellence.
