Kunal Gurnani, Head of Marketing, Utkarsh India, joins OAA 2025 jury

Kunal Gurnani, Head of Marketing at Utkarsh India, will bring his expertise to the judging panel of the OOH Advertising Awards (OAA) 2025. 

The OAA 2025 ceremony will celebrate the industry’s finest campaigns on the evening of July 19, 2025, marking the culmination of the OOH Advertising Convention (OAC) 2025. This premier industry gathering is slated for July 18-19, 2025, at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. The 19th edition of OAC is set to delve into “Mapping a New OOH-scape,” a theme designed to explore the evolving landscape of the Out-of-Home medium, embracing technological shifts, changing consumer behaviors, and novel creative approaches.  

Kunal Gurnani is a seasoned marketing leader with over 21 years of experience in brand building, strategic communication, and market development across the Engineered Infrastructure and home-building solutions sectors. As the National Marketing Head at Utkarsh India Ltd., he drives brand strategy, digital innovation, and consumer engagement for one of India’s leading infrastructure solution providers. Kunal excels in integrated marketing, product management, and influencer ecosystems, with a strong focus on ROI and sustainability. Known for his collaborative leadership, he brings strategic foresight and market insight to every initiative—making him a catalyst for transformative growth in both domestic and global arenas. 

When asked what excites him most about being part of the OAA jury this year, Kunal shared, “OAA is a prestigious platform which sets industry benchmarks, and serving on the jury allows me to gain valuable insights into emerging trends and creative excellence. It’s an honor to contribute to recognizing work that is shaping the future of outdoor advertising.” 

Regarding the central role of creativity and AI in campaigns over the past year, Kunal detailed his judging focus: “I’ll be looking for a harmonious blend of innovation and human insight. While technology can enhance precision and personalization, it’s the emotional connect that truly resonates with audiences and drives impact. As a jury member, I’ll value campaigns that not only leverage AI smartly but also tell authentic stories, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences that stay with the consumer.” 

On balancing craft and impact when evaluating entries, Kunal explained, “For me, exceptional craft elevates a campaign’s storytelling, but it’s the impact—emotional, cultural, or behavioral—that defines its true success. A well-crafted idea must not only look and feel good, but also strike the right emotional chord and deliver meaningful resonance with the audience. The most powerful entries are those where creativity, execution, and emotional impact work seamlessly to leave a lasting impression.” 

Highlighting the importance of the OOH Advertising Awards for the medium, Kunal emphasized, “It is important because they celebrate creativity, innovation, and effectiveness in the outdoor space. They not only recognize excellence but also inspire the industry to push boundaries, set new benchmarks, and elevate the overall quality of OOH campaigns.” 

The convention provides a vital platform for leading marketers, OOH media owners, advertising agencies, technology providers, and industry stalwarts to engage in knowledge sharing, robust discussions, and essential networking.