Meet the afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League class of 2026

The second edition of the afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League (aDEL) took centre stage on August 21, 2026, in Mumbai, bringing together professionals who have played a meaningful role in advancing digital advertising and marketing in India.

As digital has evolved from an emerging medium into an essential part of the marketing ecosystem, the professionals behind that transformation have become increasingly important. Media planners, buyers and brand marketers have consistently pushed digital into new categories, markets and consumer conversations, often making the case for the medium before its potential was universally accepted.

The afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League was created to recognise these professionals and the influence their work has had on the industry's evolution.

The event was supported by CREX as Gold Partner and KRAFTON Ad Platform India (KADP) as Silver Partner, with Nians as Agency Partner. Lemma, Mediakart, SocioClout, CTV Scale and BE Group joined as Co-Partners, bringing together a strong mix of brands and platforms from across the advertising, media and marketing ecosystem.

At the 2026 edition, 50 professionals were inducted into the League, joining a community built around leadership, innovation and sustained contribution to digital marketing.

Recognising the people behind digital's evolution

Digital marketing is shaped by more than platforms and technology. It is shaped by the people who decide where brands should invest, how audiences should be reached and which emerging possibilities are worth pursuing.

The Digital Evangelists' League recognises professionals whose careers demonstrate this kind of influence. Their contribution may have come through successful campaigns, innovative approaches to media, the building of brands and platforms, or decisions that helped expand the role of digital within the wider marketing mix.

By bringing these professionals together, the League also seeks to encourage the next generation of digital marketers to challenge established thinking and continue expanding what the medium can deliver.

What membership brings

Being inducted into the afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League extends beyond recognition at the event.

Members become part of the afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League Class of 2026 Community, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and senior industry leaders.

Membership also offers opportunities to participate in afaqs! events as jury members or speakers, attend relevant industry gatherings as delegates and receive an assured invitation to future editions of the League.

The programme also creates editorial opportunities. Members can contribute their perspectives through afaqs! Guest Articles and gain visibility through People Spotting, afaqs!' column tracking movements across the industry.

Members receive a special Digital Evangelists' League badge for their professional profiles, alongside a permanent presence on afaqs! as members of the League.

How the Class of 2026 was selected

The selection process was based on a review of each contender's professional record by a jury comprising senior industry leaders.

Candidates were assessed across four parameters:

• Career milestones
• Campaign successes
• Innovation at work
• Role in launching or building a new brand, agency or platform

The criteria considered both individual achievements and the contribution professionals have made to the wider development of digital advertising and marketing.

The Grand Jury

The Grand Jury for the afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League 2026 comprised of veteran industry leaders, including: Abhijeet Ranjan, chief revenue officer, Hook Media Network, RPSG Media Group; Aditi Mishra, chief executive officer, Lodestar UM; Ajay Gupte, chief operating officer, South Asia, dentsu; Alap Ghosh, chief executive officer, India, Assembly Global; Alok Kohli, head - marketing & ecommerce BU, Carrier Midea India (P) Ltd.; Amandeep Malhari, head of marketing - white cement and paints, JK Cement; Dr. Kushal Sanghvi, director, Komerz UK; Karthi Kumar Marshan, advisor at large, Marshan.ink; Madhu S Dutta, founder and CEO, HOUSE OF MSD; Meera Sharath Chandra, founder CEO & chief creative officer, Tigress Tigress; Prrincey Roy, co-founder & chief executive officer, Huella; Rahul Vengalil, chief executive office & co-founder, tgthr; Raji Ramaswamy, former CEO, Contract India; Rana Barua, group CEO - India, SE Asia, North Asia (Japan & South Korea), Havas India; Sairam Ranganathan, head of commerce, WPP Media; Sanjay Sindhwani, whole time director, The Indian Express Group; Tarun Ummat, managing director - India, Teads; Varun Mohan, chief commercial officer India, MiQ; Vivek Das, chief digital officer, Madison World.

The afaqs! Digital Evangelists' League Class of 2026

For more details, click here.

The Class of 2026 represents professionals working across brands, agencies, media and the wider digital ecosystem, each bringing a distinct career trajectory and contribution to the evolution of digital marketing in India.