MAM
Indian advertising legend Larry Grant passes away
MUMBAI: The Indian advertising industry has lost another stalwart with the demise of advertising guru Larry Grant. Grant, CEO of the Pune-based Larry Grant Communications, had donned several hats during his 35 year career – advertising professional, author, columnist, consultant and member of industry bodies and committees.
Grant completed his education in Mussoorie, Dehra Dun, at the Air Force College. He was the former director, training and projects at J Walter Thompson. He has also worked with O&M, HTA, Contract Advertising (creative director), Shining of Paris, Paris and Singapore, again Contract Advertising (director – training and projects).
Grant was the chairman of the key committee of the 13th Asian Advertising Congress. He was on the executive committee of the Advertising Agencies Association of India. He was the founder and chairman, training and professional development committee and a coordinator for Staca (Standing Committee on Advertising). For three terms, he was a member of the executive committee for the Communication Arts Guild (Cag).
Grant has written books – including the first one on the subject of advertising for the Mumbai University’s Commerce (B. Com) course. He has also written “Creative Manual” for Advertising Agencies Association of India; and “How to start a business of your own choice” on direct marketing.
Grant was the former advertising and marketing columnist for renowned publications such as The Times of India and Maharashtra Herald, Pune. He was the editor for The Freemason. His website www.larrygrant.com offers the latest on advertising.
Grant always believed in spending time with the younger generation of advertising professionals and students. He has been visiting faculty at Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune University (Dept of Marketing), Chetna Institute of Management Studies, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, National Institute of Business Studies, Pune, KC College of Management Studies and Sir JJ College of Commerce.
But, Grant will still be remembered for the path-breaking campaign for Liberty shirts – which changed the face of retail advertising communication – Bajaj Auto and the government’s Family Planning campaign.
Long live Larry Grant! Long live Indian advertising!
MAM
Bianca Guimaraes named Jury Chair of ABBY Awards 2026
Mischief USA ECD to lead Still Digital category at Goafest in Goa.
MUMBAI: Bianca Guimaraes just got handed the gavel for Still Digital because when the woman who turned Mischief into an awards magnet sits in judgement, even the shortlist starts feeling nervous. Bianca Guimaraes, founding partner and executive creative director at Mischief USA, has been appointed Jury Chair for the Still Digital category at the ABBY Awards 2026 Powered by The One Club / The One Show. The announcement was made ahead of Goafest 2026, where the awards will take place in Goa on 20–22 May 2026.
Guimaraes has built a reputation for culture-shifting work that has propelled Mischief USA from start-up to #1 independent agency of the year four times (Ad Age, Adweek, Campaign US and EFFIES). In just three years, her campaigns have secured over 100 international awards, including an Emmy. She previously spent six years at BBDO New York, was named Shots Rising Star in 2017, and voted Next Creative Leader by The One Show in 2016. WARC currently ranks Mischief USA as the world’s Most Effective Independent Agency.
A passionate advocate for women and diverse talent in advertising, Guimaraes has shaped the creative department she always wanted to join, blending bold ideas with measurable impact.
The ABBY Awards remain one of India’s most respected benchmarks for creative excellence, drawing entries across advertising, design, digital and branded content. Guimaraes’ appointment brings a global perspective to the Still Digital jury at a time when static digital work continues to push boundaries in storytelling and craft.
In an awards season where creativity is the real currency, the ABBYs didn’t just pick a chair, they picked the woman who’s spent years proving that the sharpest ideas don’t need motion to move people.
