Srinivasan Swamy, widely recognised as a luminary in the marketing and advertising realm, was awarded the esteemed IAA Golden Compass Award at the 45th IAA World Congress held in Penang, Malaysia.
Swamy, affectionately known as Sundar Swamy, currently serves as the chairman and managing director, of RK Swamy, an integrated marketing services company soon to be listed on the main bourses of the Indian Stock Exchanges.
The accolade, presented by Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, marks a significant milestone as Swamy becomes the first Indian industry leader to receive this prestigious honour, highlighting his profound impact on the global stage of marketing, advertising, and media industries.
The IAA Golden Compass Award is a symbol of excellence and innovation, bestowed upon individuals who have left an indelible mark on the industry through their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment.
Previous recipients include renowned figures such as Shelly Lazarus, Paul Polman, and Andrew Robertson, among others.
With a career spanning over two decades, Swamy has played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of the marketing services industry, both domestically and internationally.
Throughout his career, Swamy has held various leadership positions, including chairman of The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) and The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC). His tenure as President of the India Chapter of IAA witnessed the revitalisation of the organisation, marked by the launch of prestigious award events and the inception of Goafest, India's premier advertising festival.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Swamy has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, serving as president/chairman of educational and healthcare institutions, as well as contributing to social, cultural, and religious causes.
Ramesh Narayan, who has worked with Swamy for several years on various industry projects, said, “Sundar is a leader on steroids. His ability to set tall targets and get things done when the odds are stacked against him is inspiring. His leadership style is inclusive, but he will not brook any slackness from his teammates. It amazes me that he finds quality time for everything despite running a large diverse business. I wish him continued good health and energy as his group embarks on a new journey as a publicly listed entity.”
Swamy said, “I am happy to receive this most coveted award on behalf of all the professionals in my company as well as the industry who have supported me at work and in my various initiatives over the years. I want to dedicate this award to my father, the late Mr. R.K.Swamy, who once said to me that no amount of time given to the industry is wasted time, since that is the hand that feeds us!”
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