Savarimuthu honoured with IAA Inspire Global Champion Award

DENTSU LHS CEO Tony Savarimuthu has been awarded the 2017 International Advertising Association (IAA) Inspire Global Champion Award at the IAA Global Conference, held in Bucharest, in recognition of his notable contribution and commitment to advancing communications in the global marketing and advertising industry.

IAA Global chairman and world president Felix Tataru said at the recent IAA regional executive committee meeting that Savarimuthu is the only recipient from this part of the world.

“The IAA, with its global footprint in over 70 countries, is proud to recognise his accomplishments, commitment and service to the industry.

“The IAA Inspire Awards was initiated to pay tribute to the spirit of Leadership, Vision, Commitment and Service, in advancing the IAA globally as well as to make a difference in the worldwide arena of marketing communications.

“Savarimuthu has contributed his professional expertise and inspired the marketing communications community locally, regionally and globally,” he noted.

Winners were selected based on various criteria, including career experience, industry contribution and involvement in and advancement of the IAA across local and global markets.

Meanwhile, IAA Malaysia president and vice-president (Asia Development) John Chacko says: “Savarimuthu is a member, advisor and friend of the IAA. The decision to bestow him this award was unanimous.

“Over the years, he has exemplified thought leadership, creative leadership and organisational leadership in the industry. It’s gratifying to have a Malaysian ad luminary recognised at a global level with this award.”

Commenting on the recognition, Savarimuthu stresses the importance of drawing on creative work for brands and businesses to excel. “Our clients’ businesses and brands, not forgetting agencies’ own businesses too are challenged through new and dynamic competitive forces. It requires greater creativity, and advertising is being redefined each day. Creativity and the talent who work in our industry must evolve and continue to be a source of competitive advantage for brands and businesses,” he says.

Savarimuthu led award-winning agencies and served in leadership positions at McCann Worldgroup Malaysia and Singapore, Leo Burnett and the Malaysian 4As in a 25-year career span.

He chaired the first Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands project and introduced many initiatives for the betterment of the Malaysian advertising industry, including The Effies, Graduate Fellowships for industry professionals, Astro-Berlin School of Creative Leadership postgraduate scholarships and the 4As Shine programme which saw over 700 young industry talent pass through a signature career and personal development initiative.

The IAA, headquartered in New York, was established in 1938 and has a presence in 76 countries.