Harshad Rajadhyaksha

Based in Mumbai

Harshad Rajadhyaksha is the Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy—India's largest and most awarded integrated communications agency.

After graduating in Applied Arts and Illustration from Sir JJ School of Applied Arts, Harshad started his professional journey in 1995, as a junior visualiser at Trikaya Grey, from which he moved to Da Cunha as a visualiser. Only some time later, he joined (then) Mudra as a senior visualiser. He had also served as an associate art director at Saatchi & Saatchi, creative superviser and senior art director at Leo Burnett, and senior art director at JWT—before starting his 15-year-long stint at Ogilvy.

Harshad's contributions from 2010 to 2020 helped Ogilvy India earn the title of India’s Agency of the Decade in the inaugural Cannes Lions Creativity Report (2010–2020). In addition, he has served on international juries, including the Cannes Lions, the Clio Awards, and AD STARS 2019, South Korea.

Some of his notable work includes HUL 'Shower', Dove #StopTheBeautyTest, Imperial Blue 'Men Will be Men', Red Label 'India's Favourite Social Network, and more recently, Clinic Plus 'Beti Bann Ke Aana' and Colgate 'Indianis Dentris'. Her brand portfolio also includes Fiat, Bajaj, McDonald’s, Heinz, Brookebond, ICICI Lombard, Cadbury, and Amazon.

At the Good Ads Matter Awards, India '25, his work for Adani Group, 'Pehle Pankha Aayega, Phir Bijli Aayegi' won four Golds and a silver, and his work for Cadbury, 'New Neighbour' won another two Golds and a Silver.

Harshad’s work, spanning 30 years, has been celebrated globally and nationally—having won accolades at Cannes Lions, One Show, D&AD, Clio, Effies International, Spikes Asia, AdFest, London International Awards, New York Festivals, and AMEs. Among his most significant achievements are 25 Cannes Lions of every colour, including India’s first Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix (2018) and the Glass Lion for Change (2016). He has also earned multiple D&AD White Pencils for impactful work.

Outside the world of advertising, Harshad is an avid street photographer, capturing the vibrant pulse of Mumbai through his long-running photo-essay series, “A Close Shave Called Mumbai.” This personal passion reflects the same keen eye for detail and storytelling that defines his professional craft.

Social Media Handles:

- LinkedIn - Harshad Rajadhyaksha

- Instagram - @as_harshad_sees