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Amit Akali
Managing Partner & Creative Head at What's Your Problem
Professional Background
Amit Akali is a highly accomplished advertising professional with a remarkable career spanning over 18 years. His extensive experience in the advertising industry is marked by key leadership roles, notably serving as the National Creative Head at Grey India. In this position, Amit demonstrated exceptional skills by managing a large and dynamic team of 75 creative professionals. He was instrumental in shaping the creative direction of the agency and played a critical role on the Grey Global Creative Council, overseeing creative work from multiple offices worldwide.
Throughout his career, Amit has garnered a wealth of expertise from various prominent advertising agencies, including Enterprise Nexus and Ogilvy & Mather, where he spent four productive years as the Creative Head at Ogilvy Bangalore. His tenure at these well-established firms allowed him to cultivate a unique creative vision, developing several iconic brands that resonate deeply with consumers today.
Education and Achievements
Amit's educational background is rooted in business and commerce, having earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Jai Hind College. His foundational education set the stage for a diverse career in the advertising industry. Early influences from his schooling at Campion School in Mumbai have also contributed to his impressive skill set, establishing his ability to articulate creative ideas and devise compelling advertising strategies.
Amit's career is distinguished by numerous accolades and achievements that highlight his innovative approaches to advertising. He has won over 200 awards reflecting excellence in both creativity and effectiveness, including national honors such as the Abby, Effies, and Emvies. Internationally, he stands out with numerous prestigious awards from Cannes, One Show, Media Spikes, London International, D&AD, and Clio. Notably, Amit has celebrated back-to-back Cannes Gold wins in 2013 and 2014, underlining his capacity to deliver outstanding results in advertising campaigns.
Among his significant achievements, Amit's work on the campaign for the State Bank of India titled ‘Surprisingly SBI’ received one of three Grand Prix ‘Campaign of the Year’ Abby Awards, alongside two other impactful projects: the Hutch Rangashankara Theatre Festival and the Killer ‘Green Fold’ campaign. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in the launch of Bingo!, the ITC Foods snack brand, which has become one of the most successful product introductions in the Indian market in recent years.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Beyond his professional accolades, Amit Akali is a self-proclaimed food enthusiast. His passion for gastronomy is reflected in his past contributions as a restaurant reviewer for the Bangalore Mirror, where he penned a popular weekly column titled ‘Live2eat’. Amit's love for food not only allows him to engage with the culinary arts but also offers a creative outlet that complements his work in advertising. His unique insights into the dining experience connect well with his aptitude for storytelling through advertising, demonstrating that his interests extend well beyond the boardroom.
Amit's journey in the advertising world is a true testament to talent, creativity, and leadership. His commitment to inspiring and enhancing brand narratives through innovative campaigns sets him apart as a visionary in the industry. As a Managing Partner and Creative Head at his current agency, What's Your Problem, Amit continues to influence the advertising landscape, collaborating with talented professionals to push boundaries and create compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
Achievements
- National Creative Head at Grey India, leading a team of 75 creative professionals.
- Influential member of the Grey Global Creative Council, overseeing global advertising initiatives.
- Creative Head at Ogilvy Bangalore for 4 years, part of a prestigious advertising agency.
- Developed renowned brands like Britannia, Reliance Mobiles, Honda, and many more.
- Secured three Grand Prix ‘Campaign of the Year’ Abby Awards.
- Instrumental in launching Bingo!, a successful snack brand by ITC Foods.
- Won over 200 national and international advertising awards, highlighting exceptional talent and creativity including Cannes Gold awards for two consecutive years (2013, 2014).
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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