News

Piyush Pandey, the iconic figure in Indian advertising and the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide as well as Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy, passed away today at the age of 70.

His death marks the end of an era in which advertising in India evolved from simple product promotion to a reflection of the country’s culture, emotions, and values.

Born in Jaipur in 1955, Pandey grew up in a large family of nine children, which included film director Prasoon Pandey and singer-actor Ila Arun.

He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School, Jaipur, and earned a postgraduate degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.

Before joining the advertising world, Pandey played cricket for the Rajasthan Ranji Trophy team and worked as a tea taster, experiences that enriched his understanding of people and everyday life.

Pandey began his advertising career in 1982 as a client servicing executive at Ogilvy India, writing his first ad for Sunlight Detergent. He soon moved into the creative department, where he created some of the most memorable campaigns in Indian advertising history.

His portfolio included Fevicol campaigns like the Fevicol Bus, Fevicol Fish, and Fevicol Sofa ads, and Fevikwik ads such as “Todo Nahin, Jodo.”

He also worked on Cadbury Dairy Milk campaigns like “Kuch Khaas Hai,” Ponds’ Googly Woogly Woosh, Vodafone’s Pug and ZooZoos campaigns, Asian Paints’ “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai”, Luna moped’s Chal Meri Luna ad.

Apart from this, he also led several political and social campaigns, including the 2014 “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar” campaign with the slogan “Achche Din Aane Wale Hain” and the polio awareness campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan.

He even co-wrote the patriotic song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” in 1988, promoting national integration.

Under his leadership, Ogilvy India became the largest advertising agency in the country and consistently ranked among the most creative offices worldwide. He was the first jury president from Asia at the Cannes Lions Festival and mentored creative professionals globally.

Over his 40-year tenure, Pandey received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2016 and the LIA Legend Award in 2024, acknowledging his lasting influence on advertising in India and beyond.

Anubhav Maurya is a Senior Sub-Editor at Zee Business, focusing on the stock market, personal finance, corporate news, and related sectors.

He has previously worked wi