Pheroza Bilimoria and Pradeep Guha receive ‘IAA Champions Award’

Pheroza Bilimoria and Pradeep Guha were among 56 ‘IAA Champions’ from across the world honoured at a black tie dinner to celebrate the IAA’s  75th Anniversary in London last week.

‘IAA Champions’ were acknowledged for their commitment to industry issues and dedication to the growth and development of the association.

Faris Abouhamad, IAA chairman, and world president, said, "Since its founding in 1938 the IAA has championed many industry issues, values and advancement of knowledge around the world. So our 75th Anniversary celebration was the perfect moment to recognise those individuals and companies who have made a lasting contribution to the industry and above all - the International Advertising Association".

Delegates from twenty-five countries gathered for the IAA 75th Anniversary event.

Srinivasan K Swamy, president, India Chapter, and VP - development, Asia Pacific, IAA, said, “After a memorable year full of meaningful activities this is the icing on the cake for the India Chapter. I am very happy that two veterans who have played significant roles in not just building up the IAA but also the industry as a whole, have been rightly honored on a global platform. The India Chapter will continue to play a role of increasing relevance and importance in industry issues.”

Pheroza Bilimoria has been a member of the Executive Committee of the World Board of the IAA for 11 years. She was VP Young Professional to begin with, but was elected for three consecutive terms as the World Secretary, where her sound advice on business ethics, business growth and strategy, and her able assistance to World Presidents on governing the association, was immensely valued, informed an IAA statement. The former MD of Business India Publications was the first woman President of the Advertising Club Bombay, the Advertising Standards Council of India, India Chapter of the International Advertising Association, and up to very recently the Honorary Secretary of the World Board of the International Advertising Association based in New York.

Pradeep Guha, CEO, 9XM, has been the area director and VP, Asia Pacific, IAA. Last year, he became the first inductee into the Hall of Fame set up by the India Chapter of the IAA. He is also currently chairman of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA). The former BCCL and Zee hand is credited with organizing the AdAsia 2003, Jaipur. He has been the President of the Indian Newspapers Society (INS) and the India Chapter IAA.