Mumbai: New York Festivals® New York Festivals® AME Awards®, now in its 31st year of celebrating the world’s best advertising and marketing effectiveness, is honored to welcome Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SE Asia, North Asia (Japan & South Korea), to the 2025 AME Awards Advisory Board. His trailblazing leadership and transformative approach are invaluable additions to the board.
Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SE Asia, North Asia (Japan & South Korea) said, “I am thrilled to be joining the coveted New York Festivals’ AME Advisory Board. Advertising is ever-evolving and rapidly changing, on the back of tech and digital. On one hand, I look forward to leveraging my three decades of industry experience as an advisor. On the other, I am excited to witness groundbreaking work from across the globe, emerging trends, and innovative storytelling that help brands stay at the forefront – shaping the future of our business.”
A transformative leader in global advertising and marketing, Rana Barua has spent nearly three decades reshaping businesses, fostering award-winning cultures, and driving industry growth. Since joining Havas India in 2018, he has turned the company into a thriving ecosystem, earning an expanded leadership role in 2024, overseeing nine additional markets across Asia.
Beyond his corporate role, Rana is a key industry figure in India, serving as President of The Advertising Club (TAC) and Vice President of the AAAI. As Chairman of The ABBYs Award Governing Council, he has been at the forefront of revitalizing the iconic awards through a prestigious partnership with The One Show.
Rana’s commitment to progressive initiatives is evident through his work with Havas India, a founding member of the UN Women Unstereotype Alliance India Chapter. Since 2021, he has spearheaded efforts to combat harmful stereotypes in advertising and promote gender equality. Under his leadership, Havas India has been certified a Great Place to Work® for three consecutive years, reflecting his commitment to fostering a progressive and inspiring work culture.
Barua joins an esteemed group of global industry leaders who bring their strategic expertise and insights to AME’s Advisory Board, shaping the future of effectiveness in advertising and marketing.
The AME Advisory Board brings together some of advertising’s most influential global leaders, providing invaluable guidance, regional perspectives, and strategic insights. Their expertise in emerging trends, industry evolution, and jury recommendations ensures that AME stays at the forefront of effectiveness. As industry champions, they play a pivotal role in shaping AME’s continued growth, strengthening its position as a global benchmark for creative and measurably effective campaigns.
“All of us at AME are beyond grateful that Rana Barua is joining the Advisory Board to provide ongoing support and insight,” said Gayle Seminara Mandel, VP, Executive Director of New York Festivals AME Awards. “As a global advocate for creativity that delivers measurable results, his regional expertise and industry perspective are invaluable. His contributions will help ensure that AME continues to honor the most effective, culturally resonant, and results-driven work from around the world.”
The deadline for entering the 2025 AME Awards competition is June 15, 2025. For competition details, please visit: www.newyorkfestivals.com/ame.
