Piyush Pandey to be next "Godfather"

Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman and Creative Director, South Asia Ogilvy & Mather India to follow Sir John Hegarty as the next Berlin School "Godfather"

Starting September 2011 and running through August 2012, Piyush Pandey will attend select program modules and serve as an honorary industry mentor to senior creative executives as they complete the Berlin School's five-module global Executive MBA in Creative Leadership program.

Pandey joins previous "Godfathers" who have also generously donated their time and energy to the Berlin School in the past such as Keith Reinhard (DDB Worldwide), John Gough (Distraction Formats), Seymour Stein (Sire Records) and most recently Sir John Hegarty (BBH).

Piyush Pandey with EMBA participant Cathrin Loose (Sept. 2009)

"It is not enough to source talent to be successful in today's creative industries; one has to nurture, encourage and develop creative talent on an on-going basis." says Pandey. "By emphasizing the importance leadership as a key differentiator in driving creative excellence, the Berlin School offers tremendous value and inspiration to creative companies as well as their clients."

“My experience working in the fast-paced colorful Indian marketplace has taught me many things and I am excited about bringing my experience into the classroom to help participants gain different perspectives and tools for tackling the challenges they face in their own marketplace. Having been involved with the Berlin School in various capacities over the years, but never as mentor, it is an honor for me to be able to work more closely with the students in this special capacity. I am glad I was asked to give a hand." 

"We are thrilled to have won Piyush Pandey's continuing support for the school, mentoring our participants as our next "Godfather", explains Michael Conrad, the Berlin School's co-founder and President. "Pandey has been the very influential figure behind the remarkable rise of Indian advertising and communication. Globally he is one of the most recognized leaders in the ad-industry - and always fun to be with."

Pandey’s previous involvement at the Berlin School includes commencement speaker at the 2009 EMBA program graduation ceremony and speaking at the closing of the inaugural Cannes Creative Leaders Programme in 2010.

Applications for the "Piyush Pandey Class" are due July 19th. Courses start September 4th in Berlin. Learn more here.

Read related article in 'The Hindu Business Line' (April 19, Mumbai) here.