As part of an ongoing series highlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia presents “One Under 30” – a special feature that focuses on up-and-coming talent in the ad world, one person at a time.
This time we talk to Aahant Singh, 27-year-old Senior Account Executive at Grey Dubai. Singh brings experience across multiple regions, brands, and industry sectors to the job.
Over the course of our conversation, he talks about how he got his first break in the industry, what he loves about the work, what he looks forward to in the future, and more.
The Basics
Name: Aahant Singh
Age: 27
Agency: Grey Dubai
Position: Senior Account Executive
Hometown: Mumbai
Current Location: United Arab Emirates
Education: University of California, San Diego. Bachelor in Communications, minor in Economics
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
I actually started off my career in business development at the Walt Disney Company in India, fresh out of college. Having studied communications and minored in Economics – Business development seemed like a lucrative avenue to pursue as I had equipped myself with the knowledge of how to solve business problems.
It was there, when I was focused on building their promising gaming division that I was exposed to a multitude of brand partnerships with many other companies, and I deviated towards marketing. After a little over a year, I moved to Grey in India as an account manager.
Handling some interesting clients over the course of my stay in India; like Raymond, Gillette, and an online start-up called Rummy Culture – I began to love being an account liaison between the client and the agency. From there, I moved to Grey Dubai, where I am currently located, working on brands such as Lego, HSBC, P&G etc.
What is your personal mantra?
Work Hard, Play Hard.
From what person, place or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
I am a product of popular culture. Some of my biggest inspirations in terms of creative expression would be Canadian rapper Drake, street artist Banksy, Movie director Christopher Nolan and late Fashion designer Virgil Abloh. All of the above are always pushing boundaries within the creative realm and I am always inspired by their craft.
What do you love about the job?
The people. I am and always have been an extrovert, a people person. I am a firm believer in the fact that relationships are the cornerstone of every business. Once you start having a real relationship with your client, that is when your best work gets done.
I also love being in the account management field, as I get to see a campaign from the brief to the strategic executions, to the creative manifestations and finally to the delivery of a sealed and packaged campaign/product.
What about your job are you looking forward to in the future?
I look forward to building my portfolio and working with brands from various industries. I love the diversity in working for more creatively rigid clients like banks and then having the freedom to come up with ground-breaking creative work for more imaginative brands like Lego.
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
From Grey Dubai, one of the first campaigns I worked on was ‘brick the rules’ for Lego. I absolutely loved the idea and the eventual execution of the campaign, and it’s something I’m super proud to have been a part of.
For Grey India, I was part of the initial stages of a beautiful campaign for Gillette about redefining gender stereotypes – prevalent in the less developed areas of India.
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
Talent Manager for sports stars, actors, and musicians.
