WOW Awards Asia 2025: Meet the Esteemed Experiential Marketing Jury

by  Komal Darji Industry Watch | April 7, 2025 | News

WOW Awards Asia 2025 WOW Awards Asia Experiential Marketing Jury

The WOW Awards Asia, the largest business and recognition platform in Experiential Marketing, MICE, LIVE Entertainment, and the Wedding industry, is set to return for its 16th edition at the JIO World Convention Centre on June 20-21, 2025.

The awards are now open for entries across 106 categories, distributed among five distinct groups: Experiential Marketing Awards, Experiential Celebrations Awards, Experiential Tech Awards, Hotel & Venue Awards, and Live Quotient Awards.

With a meticulous two-phase judging process conducted by a distinguished panel of jury members and validated by EY, the ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of excellence. Each jury member is carefully chosen from diverse backgrounds with extensive industry experience, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation to recognize the most deserving winners.

As the industry prepares to showcase its finest work in events and experiential marketing, the Experiential Marketing Awards category, known as Group A, takes center stage. This category honors outstanding campaigns, events, activations, and initiatives led by brands, corporations, associations, and government bodies focused on promotion, communication, and marketing. With 39 categories, every entry will be thoroughly assessed by an esteemed jury panel comprising industry experts.

Register and submit your entries here: WOW Awards Asia Categories

The esteemed Jury of Experiential Marketing Group are:

Anuj Somani – Senior Marketing Manager, Volvo Car

Anuj Somani is a marketing expert with experience across global and Indian markets, currently with Volvo Cars India. He has led impactful projects in retail, automotive, and consumer durables, and previously held key roles at LIXIL (Japan), Mahindra, Onida, and more.

Aparajita Ninan – Co-Founder, Nao Spirits & Beverages

Aparajita Ninan, a graphic designer who championed gender equality and transformed her passion into a successful career. From working with UNICEF and Penguin Publishing to leading projects at Sesame Street India, she now excels as Co-founder and Creative Director at Nao Spirits & Beverages.

Arkaprava Ray – Head – Marketing Strategy | Brand Partnerships & Events | Content, HSBC India

Arkaprava Ray (Arko) is a marketing leader with 16+ years of experience, currently heading Marketing Strategy at HSBC India. Known for campaigns like HSBC StarStruck and signing Virat Kohli, he boosted HSBC’s brand recall through sports, entertainment, and innovation.

Hector Anklesaria – Deputy Vice President, Tata Capital

Hector Anklesaria 18+ years experienced as Deputy Vice President of Marketing with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Proficient in Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Market Research, Sales Promotion, and Event Management.

Jaya Jamrani – Vice President – Global Marketing, Cars, Castrol India

Jaya Jamrani is a marketing leader with 19 years of experience at Castrol and Unilever, known for driving growth through purpose-led marketing, digital transformation, and influencer advocacy. An IIM Lucknow alumna and guest faculty at IIML and IIMA, she’s also a strong advocate for DEI and serves on the advisory board of Samavesh. A multi-award winner, passionate about women’s health, she’s also a travel enthusiast, mom, and blogger.

Nishank Joshi – Chief Marketing Officer, Nexus Mall

Nishank Joshi One of India’s most experienced shopping centre marketing professionals, he has launched or relaunched over 15 malls—more than any other marketer in the field. Known for creating strong brand architectures and experiential campaigns, he has also launched the highest number of mall IP events in India. An ICSC APAC Awards winner and jury member, his work has earned both national and international recognition.

Priya Rege Jaggi – Marketing Head, McDonald's

Priya Rege Jaggi A senior marketing executive with expertise across brands like Facebook, Cipla, and Neutrogena, known for driving growth through brand building and performance marketing. With experience in B2C, healthcare, and tech, they excel in digital strategy, customer acquisition, and leading cross-functional teams.

Rajesh Ambokar – Asst Vice President & Head Administration, GM Modular

Rajesh Ambokar, AVP and Head of Administration at GM Modular, is a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in corporate administration, global travel, MICE, and facility services. He has held key roles at top companies like GM Modular and Ambuja Cements (Adani Group), known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and people-first approach.

Sachin Tagra – Managing Partner, JSW Ventures

Sachin Tagra is the Managing Partner at JSW Ventures, an early-stage tech-focused VC fund. With a background in leading Capital18 and setting up Brand Capital’s investment model, he has been investing in startups since 2014. He has also led major businesses in retail, media, and consumer sectors, and serves on the boards of companies like Homesfy, Zvolv, CureSkin, and HealthPlix.

Sooraj Balakrishnan – Head of Marketing, Acer India

Sooraj Balakrishnan is the Head of Marketing at Acer, leading strategy across India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. He drives brand growth, product marketing, and GTM efforts across segments like PCs, IoT, and more. With experience in both tech and auto industries, he has led award-winning campaigns and is a regular speaker and jury member at media forums.