Sam Balsara, chairman and managing director, Madison World is going to be presented the ‘AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award’ for 2009 by the organisation on November 13 in Mumbai.
The AAAI is the official, national organisation of advertising agencies made up of 100 members, which acts as the spokesperson for the advertising industry at all forums.
Balsara heads the Indian-owned Madison World, which operates in 10 specialised verticals namely advertising, media, public relations, outdoor, BTL, rural, retail, entertainment, events and sports management.
In a press statement, Madhukar Kamath, president, AAAI, and managing director and chief executive officer said, “Sam Balsara is a respected professional and an acknowledged leader in the industry today. He has made immense contribution to the Indian advertising industry with his participation in the agenda of AAAI, Advertising Standards Council of India, International Advertising Association, Advertising Club, etc. He has been in the forefront of championing industry issues, be it with the Government or the media.”
Balsara, on his part, accepted the honour and appreciated the fact that AAAI chose to recognise media agencies as well. He also clarified that even though he has won this prestigious award, he has no plans of retiring.