AAAI NAMES KUNAL LALANI TO LEAD NEW NORTH INDIA CHAPTER, SANTOSH KUMAR APPOINTED CO-CHAIR

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has launched its North India Chapter and appointed Kunal Lalani, Managing Director of The Crayons Network, as Chairman. Santosh Kumar, COO of Innocean Worldwide Communications, will serve as Co-Chair, with the body aiming to strengthen regional engagement, collaboration and industry development.

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its regional presence with the launch of its North India Chapter, appointing Kunal Lalani, Managing Director of The Crayons Network, as its first Chairman and Santosh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Innocean Worldwide Communications, as Co-Chair.

The move reflects AAAI’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with advertising and communications professionals across key markets while creating stronger regional leadership structures that can address local industry needs and opportunities.

As Chairman, Lalani will be tasked with guiding the newly established chapter’s vision and activities, helping to foster greater collaboration among agencies, industry stakeholders and emerging talent across North India. His appointment brings leadership experience from one of the region’s recognised integrated communications agencies and places him at the forefront of a chapter expected to play an important role in shaping the future of the advertising ecosystem in the region.

Joining him in the leadership team is Kumar, whose role as COO of Innocean Worldwide Communications has seen him closely involved in business transformation and innovation initiatives. As Co-Chair, he is expected to contribute expertise in digital transformation and evolving communication practices at a time when agencies are increasingly adapting to rapid technological change, shifting consumer behaviours and new media platforms.

The creation of the North India Chapter comes as industry bodies seek to strengthen local networks, encourage knowledge sharing and provide platforms for professional development. With advertising agencies navigating an increasingly dynamic marketplace, regional chapters can serve as important forums for collaboration, advocacy and skill-building.

Announcing the appointments, Dr Sandeep Goyal, President of AAAI, highlighted the significance of the new chapter in advancing the association’s objectives across the region.

“The launch of the North India Chapter reflects AAAI’s commitment to deepening regional engagement and strengthening local leadership,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in the leadership duo’s ability to drive meaningful outcomes for members and the wider industry.

“With Kunal’s strategic vision and Santosh’s digital transformation expertise, the chapter is well positioned to drive collaboration, innovation, and professional development across the region,” Goyal added.

Industry observers view the formation of the chapter as a timely initiative as agencies continue to balance creativity, technology and business transformation in a competitive environment. Greater regional representation is expected to provide members with stronger opportunities to engage with peers, exchange best practices and address market-specific challenges.

For AAAI, the North India Chapter represents more than an organisational expansion. It signals an effort to empower leadership closer to local markets while strengthening connections between agencies operating across diverse geographies. With Lalani and Kumar at the helm, the chapter begins its journey with a mandate centred on collaboration, innovation and professional growth, positioning itself as a key platform for the region’s advertising and communications community.