PRITHVI HANDA HONOURED FOR REDEFINING WHISKY MARKETING AT PITCH CMO AWARDS 2026

Prithvi Handa, Category Marketing Head at Suntory Global Spirits, has been honoured at the Laqshya Media Group  Pitch CMO Awards 2026. His creativity and human insight are setting new benchmarks in brand storytelling, blending heritage with innovation. The recognition underscores his visionary leadership in shaping the future of whisky marketing.

Prithvi Handa, Category Marketing Head for Teacher’s & Malt Scotch Whisky Portfolio at Suntory Global Spirits, has been recognised at the Laqshya Media Group Pitch CMO Awards 2026, a celebration of marketing excellence that honours leaders who are redefining the industry with creativity, strategy, and human insight. His achievement reflects not only personal distinction but also the evolving landscape of brand storytelling in India and beyond.

Handa’s recognition comes at a time when marketing is increasingly expected to balance tradition with innovation. Teacher’s, a brand with deep heritage, and Suntory’s malt whisky portfolio demand a nuanced approach—one that respects legacy while appealing to contemporary audiences. Handa’s leadership has been marked by campaigns that resonate emotionally, blending cultural relevance with sharp business impact. This award underscores his ability to craft narratives that go beyond product promotion, positioning whisky brands as symbols of identity, aspiration, and shared experience.

The Pitch CMO Awards, organised by Laqshya Media Group, have become a benchmark for creative leadership in India’s marketing and advertising ecosystem. They spotlight individuals who not only deliver results but also set new standards for how brands engage with audiences. In recognising Handa, the jury has acknowledged his capacity to harness human insight—understanding consumer motivations, cultural shifts, and the subtle interplay of tradition and modernity. It is this sensitivity that has allowed him to elevate Teacher’s and Suntory’s malt portfolio in a competitive market.

Colleagues and peers describe Handa’s approach as visionary yet grounded. He is known for encouraging teams to think beyond conventional boundaries, fostering innovation while ensuring campaigns remain authentic to the brand’s voice. His work reflects a belief that marketing is not just about visibility but about shaping perception, building trust, and creating lasting connections. In an industry often driven by metrics, his emphasis on human-centred storytelling stands out.

This recognition also highlights the growing importance of Indian marketing leaders on the global stage. Suntory Global Spirits, with its international footprint, benefits from Handa’s ability to interpret local cultural nuances and translate them into strategies that resonate universally. His success demonstrates how Indian creativity and insight are increasingly influencing global brand narratives, reinforcing the country’s role as a hub of marketing innovation.

For Handa, the award is both a milestone and a motivation. It affirms his belief in the power of creativity to drive business growth and cultural relevance. More importantly, it sets a benchmark for others in the industry, encouraging marketers to embrace vision, empathy, and originality. As the whisky category continues to evolve, his leadership promises to shape its future in ways that honour heritage while embracing change.

In celebrating this achievement, the industry recognises not just an individual but a philosophy of marketing that values human connection as much as commercial success. Prithvi Handa’s journey is a reminder that at its best, marketing is storytelling with purpose—an art that can inspire, influence, and endure.