Ad Veteran Walter Saldanha Passes Away

Walter Saldanha, Co-founder of Chaitra Advertising (now Leo Burnett India), passed away on 28 December. He was 93 years old.

Beginning his journey as a typist in 1947, Walter climbed the ranks at J Walter Thompson and Aiyars before Co-founding Chaitra Advertising with Brendan Pereira in 1972. What started as a humble venture quickly gained recognition for its creativity and client-centric approach, attracting clients such as Dhirubhai Ambani’s Vimal.

In 1987, Chaitra became an affiliate of Leo Burnett, eventually transitioning into Leo Burnett India in 2000. Walter retired as Chairman Emeritus, having transformed the agency into one of India’s leading advertising powerhouses.

Walter’s contributions extended beyond the advertising world. He established the Asian Institute of Communication and Research in Matheran, actively supported leprosy eradication initiatives and collaborated with the Slum Rehabilitation Society to improve lives in underserved communities.