Sharad Hegde, founder and CEO of IRIS Global Media, is redefining the media landscape with innovation, grit, and a relentless drive to create meaningful impact. From humble beginnings in advertising to becoming one of the most respected media entrepreneurs in India, Hegde’s journey is one of bold decisions, calculated risks, and uncompromising values. His story reflects the evolution of the global media industry, and his influence is reshaping how the world communicates.
After earning his MBA, Sharad began his career at a top-tier advertising agency, where he managed national accounts and executed high-impact branding campaigns. But he was never one to settle. His sharp strategic insight and instinct for storytelling led him to envision a media company that could offer more something boundary-breaking. That vision became IRIS Global Media, a full-spectrum communications powerhouse offering everything from traditional PR to cutting-edge digital media innovations.
Advertising, however, is just one part of his expertise. Sharad has significantly expanded into large-scale events, live concerts, film festivals, exhibitions, fashion weeks, films, and a wide array of entertainment ventures. His company also leads major conferences and conclaves, supporting India and other countries in aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister of India and contributing actively toward national and international development goals.
Building a brand in a competitive media space takes more than just creative flair. It demands adaptability, foresight, and leadership. Sharad faced multiple market disruptions, including shifting consumer behavior, rapid digitization, and evolving brand demands. Yet he navigated every challenge with clarity and focus, turning potential setbacks into opportunities. His ability to align technology with storytelling has made IRIS Global Media the go-to agency for global leaders, startups, and even royal families looking to make an impact.
Sharad Hegde’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious honors, including the Leadership Award in Marketing and Advertising. But beyond the recognition lies something deeper: his passion for social responsibility. From launching education-focused media drives in rural India to supporting sustainability campaigns across Asia, Hegde uses media as a tool for social change. His work stands as a powerful reminder that business success and positive social impact can go hand in hand.
With a deep belief in value-driven growth, Sharad champions inclusion, transparency, and long-term impact across all his projects. Whether collaborating with billion-dollar brands or mentoring new-age startups, he promotes ethics and innovation equally. His global collaborations across the US, Europe, and the Middle East have turned IRIS Global Media into a borderless brand rooted in purpose. This rare balance of scale and sincerity makes Sharad one of the most admired digital media leaders in the world today.
Sharad Hegde’s rise is more than a personal achievement. It is a case study in visionary leadership. As the media continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the need for authentic voices and powerful stories. Sharad delivers both. Through IRIS Global Media, he is not only rewriting narratives but also shaping the very fabric of how modern communication works. In a cluttered media world, he stands out as a force of clarity, purpose, and change. Sharad Hegde isn’t just influencing the future of media. He is building it.
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