Ramesh Narayan: The adman who built, led and gave back to the industry

Some leaders build businesses, some build legacies. Ramesh Narayan has done both. As he turned a year wiser yesterday, it's only fitting to celebrate the man who has been a force in Indian advertising, a champion of industry associations, and a storyteller in his own right.

Narayan’s name is synonymous with Canco Advertising Pvt. Ltd., a firm he founded in 1983 and ran for an impressive 23 years before stepping away in 2006. In an industry where agencies rise and fall with trends, leading a company for over two decades is no small feat. Canco wasn’t just a business—it was a reflection of his strategic mind and creative approach, ensuring brands found their voice in an increasingly competitive landscape.

But Narayan’s contributions to advertising go far beyond his own company. He has played a strategic role in the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), shaping the regional ad industry’s future. As a Mancom Member of the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), his influence extends beyond brands—it's about setting global standards and fostering industry collaboration.

For someone who built a career on communication, Narayan’s love for storytelling isn’t confined to ad campaigns. His passion for writing and photography highlights a creative mind that sees the world beyond business metrics. Whether through words or visuals, he has found ways to engage, inspire, and document stories that matter.

And then there’s his dedication to giving back. His tenure as Past President of the Rotary Club of Bombay is a testament to his belief in service and community building. Advertising might have been his career, but service is his calling.

From his early days at Campion School Mumbai and Sydenham College (1963-1971) to leading one of the most respected ad firms in the country, Ramesh Narayan’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, creativity, and impact.

As he celebrates another year, the industry he helped shape no doubt raises a toast to him. Because whether it's building brands, mentoring professionals, or serving the community, Narayan’s influence is here to stay.