Marico’s Saugata Gupta named Jury Chair for e4m IDMA 2026

The e4m Indian Digital Marketing Awards (IDMA) is back with its 17^th edition this year! The upcoming edition of the awards will be held in July in Mumbai. Saugata Gupta, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Marico Limited, has been named as the Jury Chair for the 17th edition of the Indian Digital Marketing Awards. As the MD and CEO of Marico Limited, Gupta brings with him extensive experience in brand building, consumer engagement and digital-first marketing strategies that have helped shape some of India’s most recognised consumer brands.

Joining him as the Co-jury Chair is Dr Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor in Chief, BW Businessworld & exchange4media. The other jury members will include industry leaders, seasoned professionals, and renowned personalities who will bring together a wealth of experience from diverse fields.

Saugata Gupta joined Marico in 2004, at a time when the company was poised for transformation. From leading Marico’s India business to taking on the role of Managing Director in 2014, Gupta has been at the heart of the company’s most defining strategic shifts - reshaping portfolios, unlocking new categories, strengthening the core, and building a sharper, more digitally attuned consumer organisation.

With over 34 years of experience across consumer and retail-led businesses, Gupta brings together deep expertise in sales, marketing, and enterprise leadership. Prior to Marico, his experience included leading large-scale marketing initiatives at Mondelez, where he spearheaded high-impact campaigns that strengthened brand equity and accelerated growth. His leadership style blends strategic discipline with a deep understanding of people, culture, and consumers.

Over the years, the e4m Indian Digital Marketing Awards, popularly known as e4m IDMA, has become one of the most respected platforms celebrating excellence in the digital ecosystem. The awards recognise outstanding work across internet, mobile, gaming, social media, influencer marketing, content and the broader digital communication landscape. The platform highlights campaigns and innovations that are redefining how brands connect with audiences in today’s digital world.

With digital marketing continuing to evolve through AI-driven campaigns, storytelling and consumer experiences, the upcoming edition of IDMA is expected to shine light on the pathbreaking ideas and impactful execution from across industries.

Under Gupta’s leadership as Jury Chair, the awards are likely to place strong focus on creativity, effectiveness, innovation, and measurable business outcomes. The upcoming edition of IDMA will bring together leading marketers, agencies, digital specialists, media professionals, and technology innovators from across the country. The awards continue to serve as a key benchmark for excellence in India’s digital marketing industry while encouraging brands and creators to push the boundaries of storytelling, engagement, and consumer experience in the digital era.