The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has appointed Sudhanshu Vats, Managing Director of Pidilite Industries Ltd, as its new chairman at the 39th annual general meeting. The milestone comes as ASCI celebrates 40 years of guiding responsible advertising in India. Alongside, S Subramanyeswar of Mullen Lowe Global was named vice-chairman, while industry veteran Paritosh Joshi was appointed honorary treasurer.
Vats emphasized the importance of self-regulation, noting that ASCI’s role is crucial as advertising adapts to digital platforms and new technologies. Outgoing chairman Partha Sinha highlighted the council’s transition from being a watchdog to an enabler of responsible communication.
To mark its 40th year, ASCI announced a series of initiatives, including a nationwide children’s advertising literacy program, ethnographic research among Gen Alpha, expansion to Bengaluru and Delhi, and the launch of a comprehensive advertising code resource in partnership with Khaitan & Co. In Kolkata, the initiatives could strengthen trust between brands and consumers in one of India’s most dynamic advertising markets. With rising digital adoption and a growing base of young audiences, the city’s advertising ecosystem is expected to benefit from ASCI’s expanded programs and stronger compliance framework. Founded in 1985, ASCI continues to play a pivotal role in consumer protection, with compliance rates exceeding 95% across print and television advertising.
