Piyush Pandey, the legendary creative force of Ogilvy India and a defining figure in Indian advertising, passed away, leaving the industry in deep mourning. Over more than four decades, Pandey transformed the advertising landscape, mentoring generations of professionals and crafting campaigns that resonated deeply with the Indian audience. Tributes have poured in from industry leaders, colleagues, and public figures, reflecting his far-reaching impact.

Tributes from the Industry:

• Sanjiv Mehta, L Catterton India Executive Chairman & Former HUL CEO: “Piyush was not just an emblem of creativity but a visionary who transformed Indian advertising, setting benchmarks that will inspire generations. His gift for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary enabled campaigns that resonated across the nation. His contributions will continue to inspire future creators.”
• Talha Bin Mohsin, Founder BLTN Films & Former ECD, Ogilvy: “Working with Piyush shaped not just my career but my view of creativity and life. He had the rare ability to turn simple ideas into unforgettable stories, always respecting the audience and reminding us that emotion outweighs execution. His warmth and curiosity made him exceptional.”
• Prathap Suthan, CCO, Bang in the Middle: “Piyush understood the Indian pulse like few others. He led Indian advertising onto the global stage, chaired juries worldwide, and became a mentor and friend to many. His moustache became an icon of creativity itself. This is the greatest loss our business has known.”
• Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry: “A phenomenon in advertising, his genius redefined storytelling with authenticity, warmth, and wit. He leaves a deep void in the industry.”
• Arindam Paul, Atomberg CBO: “Piyush inspired at least three generations of marketing and advertising professionals with timeless campaigns like Cadbury’s ‘Kuch Khaas Hai’ and ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai.’”
• Suraja Kishore, Former BBDO India CEO: “His stories of owning emotions, calling out BS, nurturing people made him larger than life. The madness, the moustache, the magic, the man!”
• Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications & DoNER: “His storytelling discovered magic in the ordinary and emotion in every story of Bharat. Campaigns like ‘Dak Seva Jan Seva’ reflect his unmatched ability to humanize ideas.”
• Manish Porwal, MD, Alchemist Group: “A sad day for Indian and global advertising. He was a poster boy for creativity and cultural marketing.”
• Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister: “Saddened by the passing of Shri Piyush Pandey, a legend who brought warmth, humor, and everyday language to Indian advertising. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the creative community-his legacy will inspire generations.”
• Smriti Irani: “Piyush Pandey wasn’t just an ad man – he was one of India’s finest storytellers. He taught us that emotion is the truest language of creativity. His words made brands human, and ideas immortal. Farewell to a legend who made us feel, think, and smile.”

Pandey’s legacy lies not only in the campaigns he created for brands like Cadbury, Fevicol, and Asian Paints but also in the generations of creatives he inspired to embrace authenticity, simplicity, and emotion in advertising. The industry mourns the end of an era, honoring the man who gave Indian advertising its voice, soul, and heart.