Abhinav Iyer, Senior General Manager – Marketing & Strategy, Muthoot Group, joins the esteemed jury for the Outdoor Advertising Awards (OAA) 2023. 

Abhinav has been spearheading the marketing campaigns for Muthoot Group, bringing Amitabh Bachchan onboard as a brand ambassador, collaborating with major sports leagues and franchises such as Chennai Super Kings (as their Principal Team Partner), Jaipur Pink Panthers, and also the Indian Super League, in addition to many other thought-provoking and high-impact campaigns that have not only cemented Muthoot’s position as one of the biggest gold loan firms, but also helped change the audience’s perspective on using gold loans. 

While speaking of the importance of the awards, Abhinav said, “The quality of entries and the tough scrutiny they go through are responsible for making OAA one of the most sought-after awards in the Indian OOH space. The new ideas that come up at these awards have also been superb nourishment for brand managers to think afresh while planning and rolling out their OOH campaigns. It is also heartening to see almost all leading OOH partners and media houses contribute and actively participate at OAA every year”. 

Having spent almost two decades in the industry, Abhinav has seen it all, and his expectations from this year’s submissions are high. Speaking on the same, he commented: “I look forward to some unique pieces of work which while being ‘simple’, are also engaging – not only for the audience but also for someone who is adjudicating the entries as well. I am also hoping to see the work coming in from a wide cross-section of categories, sectors and brands particularly from new-age businesses”. 

Abhinav believes that now more than ever, it is important to recognise that OOH is not only a great medium for brands to advertise, but also a canvas for creative expression. Talking about his previous experience as a jury member, Abhinav said, “Being a jury member is always a learning and insightful experience. The work being showcased at these awards provides great perspective on the need for a consciously drawn out OOH media strategy – both for traditional as well as new-age businesses”. 

Meanwhile the OAA 2023 contest entry submission deadline is fast approaching. Entries to be submitted latest by May 25, at https://www.oacasia.org/awards/