The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has set up its first-ever Creative Council as part of its 2026–27 agenda, with Josy Paul, Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Group India, appointed to lead it.
The council aims to advance creative excellence in Indian advertising by bringing together diverse creative voices, independent agencies, regional talent and emerging practitioners. It will focus on collaboration, experimentation, mentorship and the exchange of ideas across disciplines and generations.
Commenting on the initiative, Paul said the council would facilitate intergenerational conversations, experiments, debates, demonstrations, readings and film screenings. It will also invite people from outside advertising, including artists, scientists, filmmakers, designers, entrepreneurs and thinkers, to bring fresh perspectives to the creative community.
“I hope we can spark a renaissance of human possibility, with creativity as the force that brings us together and moves our industry forward,” Paul said.
Paul’s work has won more than 25 Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and multiple Golds. Ariel’s ‘Share The Load’ campaign was ranked the world’s most effective campaign by WARC twice in a row and remains a benchmark for long-term brand building and effectiveness.
AAAI President Dr Sandeep Goyal said the council would put creativity at the forefront of the association’s institutional framework and help mentor the next generation of talent while championing the diversity of India’s independent and regional agencies.
“We are entering a new era where strategic innovation meets pure creative excellence,” Goyal shared.
The Creative Council is a key part of AAAI’s restructured 2026–27 board, underscoring the Association’s focus on collaboration, inclusion and creative excellence across the advertising industry.
