RIP: Mike Khanna

Mahinder K Khanna (Mike Khanna), who headed J Walter Thompson (HTA when he joined) for 20 years, and was part of the transition of the agency to JWT, passed away on the weekend of 6 June 2015. 

 

Ad veteran Khanna took over the reins of HTA from Subhas Ghoshal in 1984. He assumed the role of chairman emeritus in January 2004, as he handed over the reins to Colvyn Harris.

 

Harris' successor Tarun Rai, CEO, J. Walter Thompson South Asia, said in a statement: "J. Walter Thompson owes so much to Mike. And many, like me, owe their careers to him.  He was a legend in Indian advertising and a great leader and motivator. For decades he and HTA (and later JWT) were synonymous. His legacy is extraordinary. He will be missed." 

 

Rai had worked with Mike during his first stint at the agency.

 

Khanna also played an active role in industry affairs, such as the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the statement added.