The Indian advertising industry is grieving the loss of Walter Saldanha, the founder of Chaitra Advertising, who passed away at the age of 93. A trailblazer in the field, Saldanha’s remarkable career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the advertising world.

Saldanha’s journey began in 1947 as a typist, but his passion for creativity propelled him through the ranks at J. Walter Thompson and Aiyar Advertising. In 1972, he co-founded Chaitra Advertising with Brendan Pereira, marking the start of an era of innovative advertising in India.

Under Saldanha’s leadership, Chaitra Advertising quickly became one of the leading agencies in the country, renowned for its fresh, client-centric campaigns. The agency’s success caught the attention of global advertising giant Leo Burnett, which forged an affiliation with Chaitra in 1987. By 1992, Chaitra Advertising was fully acquired and rebranded as Chaitra Leo Burnett, later becoming Leo Burnett India in 2000.

Beyond his professional success, Saldanha was committed to shaping the future of the advertising industry. In 2001, he founded the Asian Institute of Communication and Research (AICAR) to equip aspiring communication professionals with both business knowledge and social consciousness. Known as a mentor, Saldanha was instrumental in the growth of many advertising professionals, who credited him for their career development.

In a statement, Leo Burnett India called Saldanha “the architect of modern advertising in India” and recognized his profound impact on the industry. Tributes have poured in from across the advertising community, praising his mentorship, vision, and the values he imparted.

Saldanha’s legacy as a pioneer in Indian advertising, from his early days as a typist to his role as an industry leader, will continue to inspire generations to come. His contributions remain foundational to the advertising world.