Oct 24, 2025 – Piyush Pandey, widely recognised as one of India’s most influential advertising professionals and referred to as the father of Indian advertising, passed away in Mumbai today at the age of 70.  He had been suffering from an infection.

Pandey is credited with redefining the world of advertising in India. He was the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and executive chairman, India, at Ogilvy and under his leadership, the company became one of the most creative offices globally.

Originally from Jaipur, Pandey joined Ogilvy & Mather India (O&M) in 1982 and at a young age of 27, he entered an ad world which was dominated by English and went on to completely change the language of Indian advertising. He played a key role in the use of Hindi or culturally-rooted language in advertising with the intention of making it more relatable to the mass audience. Well-know and popular advertising campaigns carried out under his leadership include Fevicol, Hutch, Cadbury (“Kuch Khaas Hai”), Asian Paints (“Har khushi mein rang laaye”) and the slogan for Narendra Modi’s political campaign “Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar”. 

Pandey received many recognitions during his lifetime including the presitigious Padma Shri in 2016 for his contributions to the advertising world. He was also given the CLIO Lifetime Achievement award in 2012 and the Lion of St Mark (at Cannes Lions) which he received jointly with his brother Prasoon Pandey, becoming the first Asians to receive this honour.

The Indian Prime Minister paid tribute to Pandey on X writing, "Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was admired for his creativity. He made a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications. I will fondly cherish our interactions over the years. Saddened by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

With Media Inputs

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