MAM
Narendra Modi logs into AI future at Paris summit with Macron
MUMBAI: India’s tech diplomacy got a high-tech twist as prime minister Narendra Modi landed in Paris to co-chair the artificial intelligence (AI) Summit alongside French president Emmanuel Macron. The summit, a hotspot for world leaders, tech moguls, and policy architects, is tackling the biggest brain-busting questions around AI and how to harness its potential while keeping the digital genie from wreaking havoc.
With AI rapidly reshaping industries from healthcare to defence, Modi’s presence at the summit signals India’s growing role in global tech governance. The discussions are expected to focus on ethical AI development, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring the technology doesn’t widen economic and social gaps. Amid growing concerns over deepfakes, job disruptions, and data privacy, the summit aims to establish a blueprint for responsible AI innovation.
Beyond the tech talk, Modi and Macron are set to discuss India-France collaborations across aerospace, defence, and energy sectors. With joint ventures already in the works from Rafale jets to nuclear reactors the visit is expected to reinforce the strategic ties between the two nations.
As AI continues to reshape the world at breakneck speed, the Paris summit is more than just a meeting of minds; it’s a race to ensure that intelligence, artificial or otherwise, serves humanity rather than outpaces it.
MAM
Kenneth Roman, former Ogilvy CEO and ad industry veteran, passes away at 95
Longtime Ogilvy & Mather leader and David Ogilvy biographer leaves lasting legacy
NEW YORK: Kenneth Roman, the former chairman and chief executive of Ogilvy & Mather and a defining figure of Madison Avenue’s golden era, has passed away at the age of 95. He died on 22 April 2026 at his home in Manhattan.
Roman spent more than two decades at Ogilvy, joining in 1963 as an account executive and steadily rising through the ranks to lead the agency as chairman and CEO from 1985 to 1989. His tenure coincided with a pivotal period in the company’s history, including its acquisition by WPP.
Beyond the boardroom, Roman was widely respected as the definitive chronicler of the agency’s founder, David Ogilvy. His biography, The King of Madison Avenue, remains one of the most authoritative accounts of modern advertising’s evolution. He also co-authored influential titles such as How to Advertise and Writing That Works, both regarded as essential reading in the industry.
In a tribute, Ogilvy described Roman as a “quietly determined” leader and a lifelong custodian of the agency’s culture. Even after retirement, he remained closely connected to the firm, contributing articles, mentoring talent and serving as a trusted voice on its history and values.
Colleagues remember him not just for his leadership, but for his generosity and commitment to the craft of writing and storytelling. His presence at industry events and continued engagement with the Ogilvy community reflected a career that never quite slowed down.
Roman’s passing marks the end of an era for the original Madison Avenue generation. He leaves behind a legacy shaped by leadership, authorship and an enduring belief in the power of ideas and people.
