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 Swamy,
one of the doyens and pioneers of Indian advertising, passed away
in Chennai on 5 June 2003.
Swamy was a man who was a living embodiment of the BBDO worldwide
vision statement - "At BBDO, the three things we care about most
are 'The Work', 'The Work', and 'The Work'! But it is the stories
behind the stories we tell that gives The Work meaning." Work is
worship!
In his illustrious career, Swamy had fashioned and influenced the
development of two top ranking advertising agencies. The first part
of his career was fully devoted to the development of JWT/HTA.
At the age of 50, when most people in the stressful business of
advertising would be dreaming of retirement, Swamy promoted RK Swamy
Advertising Associates Private Limited. Interestingly, he chose
to operate from Chennai. The agency grew to be amongst the top 10
agencies in the first five years of its operations. He is credited
with developing Chennai as one of the key advertisement centres
in the country.
Swamy was quick to realise that the future belonged to those Indian-bred
agencies that would forge strategic alliances with global firms.
Foreseeing the need to associate with a strong international network,
he partnered his agency with BBDO Worldwide in the late 80s, to
convert his company into RK Swamy BBDO Advertising. As early as
1986-87, he foresaw the need for high quality television programming
and set up HansaVision, which is a well recognised name among advertisers
and agencies all over India.
Also read:
A tribute to RK Swamy,
chairman of RK Swamy BBDO RK Swamy - eighty to eternity
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