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Joji Jacob to drive creative & effectiveness awards across DDB Asia
MUMBAI: DDB Group Worldwide has appointed DDB Group Singapore group executive creative director Joji Jacob as head of DDB Asia’s Creative Council.
In addition to his creative remit covering Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Korea, Jacob will also take care of India working closely with DDB Mudra chief creative officer Sonal Dabral.
“DDB is one of the first advertising networks in the world to form a creative council. We are upbeat about our drive to do the best sort of work for our clients in Asia and the world, the sort of work that would win both Cannes Lions and Effies,” said DDB Worldwide chief creative officer Amir Kassaei.
“We have seen a rise in creative work coming out of Asia in the last few years. It is an incredibly key region for our worldwide, and local clients. Joji is one of our most powerfully creative thinkers. He is an innovator and an inspiring leader. I know he will do great things in this role and win both respect, and accolades for the DDB network,” added Kassaei.
Spearheading DDB Asia’s creative agenda, Jacob will re-launch Asia’s Creative Council with a focus on key clients and the agency.
The DDB Asia Creative Council will approach a programme, Awards for Creativity and Effectiveness (ACE), with a three-pronged strategy. Firstly, ACE will nurture and boost award-winning creativity at international and local creative shows. Secondly, it will focus on creative effectiveness, to lead and showcase DDB Asia’s success for its clients. Finally, ACE will spearhead innovative work for key clients through DDB’s Fit for Excellence programme.
“It is a privilege to assist Amir and David with DDB’s Creative Council in Asia. It is my task now to help our offices in the region play as one for the benefit of our clients and our people. And of course, I look forward to working even more closely with Sonal Dabral, Tim Cheng, Clifford Ng and Jong-Sang Yoo,” said Jacob.
The appointment takes immediate effect.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
