The former vice chairman of Lowe Lintas, Fali Vakeel, has passed away on March 16, 2024. Advertising veteran Vakeel was appointed as chairman of the agency in 2011.
Vakeel’s career spanned over several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian advertising. Even after his retirement as vice chairman of Lintas, Fali Vakeel remained deeply intertwined with the agency, serving as the trustee of its employee welfare trust.
Throughout his career, Fali Vakeel witnessed the evolution of the advertising industry, navigating through numerous changes with resilience and grace. Fali Vakeel is not only known for his quick wit, wisdom, he was titled as the ‘Last of the Mad Men in Indian advertising,’ by his colleagues and peers in the industry.
Expressing his profound grief, Subramanyeswar S (Subbu), group CEO India and CSO (APAC), MullenLowe Global, said, “Once in a rare while, someone like Fali comes along to not only raise the bar in their field of operation, but they create an entirely new standards of measurement – CREATIVITY, in our case. Our deepest condolences goes to his family, personal friends, and to the entire Lintas community. He will always be an inspirer and admirer to us. May he rest in peace!”
The advertising veteran, who was raised in Bombay, has also held positions at JWT and McCann in London. However, in the early 1980s, he went back to India. Under his leadership, Lintas experienced significant growth, securing prestigious clients and accolades. His impact extended beyond the boardroom. Fali was admired for his mentoring and nurturing of talent within the industry, shaping the careers of many aspiring advertising professionals. His dedication to fostering a culture of creativity will continue to inspire generations to come.
According to his family, Vakeel’s burial will be held in the Parsi Prayer Hall in the Worli neighbourhood of Mumbai at 3:40 pm, and Uthumna will follow on Sunday at the same time.