Meet the ABBY Awards 2026 Jury Chairs: Das, Khazanchi, Ramaswamy

The Evolution of Creativity in Advertising: A Look at the ABBY Awards 2026

As the digital landscape continues to reshape the advertising industry, the role of creativity in marketing has never been more critical. The appointment of esteemed Jury Chairs for the ABBY Awards 2026 signifies a new chapter in recognizing innovation and impact in advertising. Let's delve into the profiles of the industry stalwarts leading the AV Film and Direct categories in this prestigious event.

Rajdeepak Das: Redefining Creativity for Human Solutions

• Rajdeepak Das, Chief Creative Officer at Publicis Groupe, South Asia & Chairman of Leo Burnett, South Asia, embodies the ethos that "Creativity has the power to change Human behaviour." His visionary approach blends creativity, design, and technology to craft solutions that resonate with audiences.
• Notable for groundbreaking campaigns like Whisper's "Touch the Pickle" movement and P&G Whisper's "Missing Chapter," Rajdeepak has leveraged creativity to address social taboos and champion sustainable causes.
• His innovation extends beyond traditional advertising, as seen in projects like building Bajaj motorbikes from a legendary warship and developing an anti-collision road management system, showcasing the transformative power of creative thinking.

Ashish Khazanchi: Leading Independent Creative Excellence

• Ashish Khazanchi, Managing Partner of Enormous, has steered the agency from a startup to a prominent player in the creative landscape. With a track record of iconic campaigns like the Jingalala campaign for Tata Sky, Ashish exemplifies a blend of creativity and strategic prowess.
• His success in propelling start-up brands to the forefront of advertising reflects his innovative approach and ability to create campaigns that resonate with audiences across diverse sectors.
• Having garnered numerous national and international accolades, including being named Abby Creative Agency of the Year in 2025, Ashish continues to set industry benchmarks through his visionary leadership and creative ingenuity.

Anupama Ramaswamy: Pioneering Culture-Defining Creativity

• Anupama Ramaswamy, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer at Havas Creative India, is celebrated for her disruptive thinking and commitment to pure-play creativity. Her portfolio boasts campaigns that not only shape culture but also drive tangible impact.
• In 2025, Anupama's "Ink of Democracy" campaign garnered global acclaim, amassing 42 prestigious awards, including Gold at Cannes and Grand Prix at major industry events. This success elevated India's creative stature on a global scale.
• Collaborating with marquee brands such as Maruti Suzuki, IKEA, Samsung, and more, Anupama's work exemplifies a fusion of creative excellence and business acumen, setting a new standard for industry leadership.

These visionary leaders, steering the creative direction in their respective categories, symbolize the evolution of advertising towards human-centric, impactful storytelling. The ABBY Awards 2026, powered by The One Club and The One Show, promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of advertising in shaping our cultural landscape.