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Tag: Havas India

  • Havas India launches Gate One consultancy in Bengaluru

    Havas India launches Gate One consultancy in Bengaluru

    BENGALURU: Havas India has launched Gate One, its global business and digital transformation consultancy, signalling that the Indian consulting market is too large—and growing too fast—to ignore. India becomes the fourth market for Gate One after the UK, Ireland and the US, with France lined up next. For Havas, it also marks the sixth global agency launch in the country, underscoring India’s rising weight in its worldwide network.

    Gate One India will be led by Karan Ingle, client director, based at Havas’s integrated village in Bengaluru. He will report to Rana Barua, group chief executive of Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia, and to Ben Tye, managing partner, Gate One.

    The consultancy will offer expertise in customer experience, marketing transformation, digital, data and AI strategy, as Havas looks to position itself as a full-service player combining creativity, media and consultancy. 

    The expansion aims to help Indian brands unlock new opportunities and reimagine customer engagement at a time when digital transformation budgets are ballooning.

  • Havas Creative India paints Cannes purple with ‘Ink of Democracy’ campaign

    Havas Creative India paints Cannes purple with ‘Ink of Democracy’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India has left an indelible impression at Cannes Lions 2025, taking home one Gold in Print & Publishing and two Bronze Lions in Direct and Best Use of Media for its bold campaign ‘Ink of Democracy’, created in partnership with The Times of India.

    The campaign transformed the newspaper’s editorial page into a wall of silent protest — printing it entirely in electoral ink purple, the same hue used to mark voters’ fingers. The striking visual served as a powerful reminder ahead of the general elections: democracy thrives when ink hits paper and the ballot.

    Havas India, Group CEO, South East Asia and North Asia, Rana Barua said, “Our momentum at Cannes Lions 2025 has been incredible with one Gold in Print & Publishing and two Bronze Lions in Direct and Media for Ink of Democracy. These wins reflect the kind of culture we’ve been nurturing at Havas, a culture rooted in meaning, collaboration, and fearless creativity. It is also a testament of the product and ecosystem we’ve built over the last 7 years. I’m incredibly proud of Anu and our young talents who brought home the lions. A big thank you to Joji and our global teams for the continuous support. Our hearts are full, and I believe this is just the beginning for us.”

    Havas Creative India, joint MD & CCO, Anupama Ramaswamy added, “We’re incredibly overwhelmed and humbled to bring home two more Bronze Lions for Times of India – Ink of Democracy in Direct and Best Use of Media, along with our Gold in Print & Publishing. For a country that still begins its day with the newspaper, this was more than a campaign, it was a responsibility. And what could be more direct than telling 1.4 billion people to leave their homes and go vote? We didn’t chase engagement; we sparked participation. We didn’t count likes; we counted inked fingers. This is creativity serving democracy. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners at The Times of India, and a big shout out to my brilliantly talented young team — Soham, Ravinder, and Annie. You made this real. These wins matter. They bring visibility, open doors, and most importantly, they shine a light on the next generation of talent. At Havas we are committed to making sure they’re seen, heard, and celebrated.”

    Stripped of headlines but not of intent, the campaign challenged apathy with colour and symbolism, proving that sometimes, silence shouts the loudest.

  • Havas Creative India wins India’s First Gold at Cannes Lions 2025 for ‘Ink of Democracy’

    Havas Creative India wins India’s First Gold at Cannes Lions 2025 for ‘Ink of Democracy’

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India, the creative agency of Havas India, has brought home the country’s first Gold Lion at Cannes Lions 2025 for its powerful campaign ‘Ink of Democracy’, created in partnership with The Times of India.

    Rooted in the symbolic power of electoral ink, Ink of Democracy, which won in the Print 
    & Publishing category, was a visceral call to action for India’s citizens ahead of the general elections. By printing The Times of India’s editorial page entirely in purple – the very colour used to mark fingers of those who vote – the campaign served as a silent yet powerful protest against voter apathy. No headlines. No logos. Just a stark reminder of the voices that were never heard.

    Havas India group CEO South East Asia and North Asia, Rana Barua said, “Winning a Cannes Lions for Ink of Democracy is a moment of immense pride—for the work, the people behind it, and what it stands for. At our core, we’ve always believed in the power of creativity. We truly believe it has the power to shape conversations and spark change.

    I’m incredibly proud of Anu, Ravinder, Soham and our team that brought this idea to life. Also, a huge shoutout to Team TOI, Joji, and our global team for their belief in the idea and all the support. Here’s to a team that continues to raise the bar, pushing boundaries with integrity, heart, and fearless creativity.”

    Havas Creative India joint MD & chief creative officer, Anupama Ramaswamy added, “From the moment we thought of Ink of Democracy, I knew in my gut this idea needed to be made and needed to be seen by the world. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but it had truth, purpose, and heart. One thing I held onto was patience. And a quiet tenacity to see it through, no matter how long it took.

    What makes this Cannes Lions win truly special is my young team that brought it to life—Soham, Ravinder, and Annie—who poured everything into it. They carried the idea with courage and craft, and I couldn’t be prouder.

    A big thank you to Rana and the global team at Havas for believing in the work and helping us take it beyond borders. This is a shared win, and a reminder of what’s possible when we trust our instincts and support one another.”

  • Pandit hits the write note with memoir on adland, music and more

    Pandit hits the write note with memoir on adland, music and more

     MUMBAI: From the buzz of boardrooms to the rhythm of raag, Bipin R. Pandit’s journey finally finds its hardcover harmony. At Goafest 2025, amidst Abby cheers and industry nostalgia, The Advertising Club’s beloved COO Bipin R. Pandit launched his long-anticipated biography titled Impassioned. The launch wasn’t just ceremonial, it marked the culmination of 28 years spent scripting not just award shows, but a legacy in Indian advertising’s cultural corridors.

    Released by Ad Club President and Havas India group CEO for SEA & North Asia, Rana Barua, the book dropped during the 58th edition of the Abby Awards, a fitting venue, given Pandit has helmed 28 editions himself.

    But Impassioned is no dry professional recollection. Co-authored by Gokul Krishnamoorthy and supported by Gour Gupta’s Tribes, the book oscillates between Pandit’s rise from Castrol’s data division to becoming the backbone of India’s most prominent advertising secretariat and his other passions: cricket, Kishore Kumar and Khumaar, the live music IP he founded.

    It also swings into his personal innings, including a rooftop romance in Dadar that turned into a lifelong partnership. Reflections from industry stalwarts Piyush Pandey, Prasoon Joshi, Ramesh Narayan and Barua himself add emotional resonance to a story that’s both deeply personal and distinctly adland.

    The book also traces the birth of now-iconic properties like the Effies and Emvies, first conceptualised under Pandit’s watch in 2001 as part of a three-day Mumbai festival alongside the Abbys. Today, these awards stand as pillars of the Indian advertising industry.

    “Writing started with a LinkedIn blog post post-Abbys,” Pandit shared. “Rana called me and said ‘You need to make this a book’. The rest, as they say, got written.”

    Barua added, “Bipin’s been the pulse of the Club steady, smiling and always switched on. This book lets us meet the man behind the magic.”

    Adding heart to history, Pandit has pledged 10 per cent of all proceeds from Impassioned to the Light of Life Foundation, which supports underprivileged communities.

    From overseeing award ceremonies to belting out old classics, from managing committees to cricket trivia debates Bipin R. Pandit hasn’t just worked in adland, he’s lived it. And now, finally, it’s all on record with rhythm, recall and a whole lot of raag.

  • Havas India reels in Prashanth Challapalli to spark digital & innovation fire

    Havas India reels in Prashanth Challapalli to spark digital & innovation fire

    MUMBAI: Havas India has hired Prashanth Challapalli, a digital dynamo, to ignite its creative network as chief digital & innovation officer. Based in Mumbai, he’ll be reporting to  Havas India, SEA, and north Asia group CEO  Rana Barua. Challapalli, a veteran of the digital trenches with over 25 years under his belt, is tasked with fusing cutting-edge tech with creative wizardry, conjuring up digital-first solutions that’ll make brands pop.

    Said Barua: “Innovation is no longer an option; it is imperative. The creative industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology, data, and consumer behaviour. Prashant will work closely with network leaders to drive the convergence of creative, media, and health, powered by data-driven innovation and technology, while seamlessly integrating storytelling to enhance impact.”

    Challapalli, formerly boss of Gravity Integrated, where he sprinkled his stardust on the likes of Amazon Pay, Google, and Tata Motors, reckons he’s ready for the challenge. “We’re in the ‘Attention Economy’, where AI’s rewriting the rulebook. Creativity’s still king, but innovation’s gone beyond a fancy advert. 

    Havas’s integrated model, with its AI-powered Converged OS, is like a digital Swiss Army knife. I’m chuffed to be joining a team that’s pushing the envelope, setting new creative benchmarks, and crafting a fresh narrative for Havas, its brands, and its people.”

    This appointment is a clear shot across the bow, a digital thunderbolt aimed at shaking up the advertising landscape. Havas is betting big on Challapalli’s ability to weave digital magic, and deliver solutions that are not just innovative, but downright electrifying.

  • Havas Life Mumbai brings home old hand as managing director

    Havas Life Mumbai brings home old hand as managing director

    MUMBAI: Havas Life Mumbai, the healthcare communications arm of Havas India, has tapped industry veteran Dorelle Kulkarni as its new managing director in a move that feels like a homecoming for both parties. Kulkarni, who previously spent a decade at what was then Sorento Healthcare (now Havas Life Mumbai), steps into the role vacated by Sangeeta Barde.

    “Joining Havas Life Mumbai feels like a homecoming,” said Kulkarni, who brings 30 years of health and wellness marketing expertise to the table. “I am excited to collaborate with a team that shares my passion for innovation and excellence in healthcare communications.”

    The appointment comes at a critical juncture for healthcare communications in India, which stands “at the forefront” of the global healthcare revolution, according to global chief client officer and CEO Havas Health Latam & APAC Charles Houdoux. Kulkarni will report directly to Houdoux while working closely with Havas India, SEA, and North Asia  group CEO Rana Barua.

    Kulkarni’s has had  stints at Publicis Health and Lowe Lintas, where she managed blue-chip clients such as Abbott, GSK, Pfizer and Novartis. Her appointment is expected to bolster Havas Life Mumbai’s position as a key player in Havas’s global health and wellness network.

    “Her deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and passion for innovation will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of growth,” said Barua, who also thanked outgoing chief Sangeeta Barde for her leadership.

    Havas India has been on a tear recently, acquiring new clients across various sectors and winning prestigious awards, including being Great Place To Work Certified™ for three consecutive years. The network comprises 25 agencies across three verticals: Havas Health Network, Havas Creative Network and Havas Media Network, with offices in Mumbai, Gurugram, Bengaluru and other major Indian cities.

  • Havas India goes green with swanky eco-certification

    Havas India goes green with swanky eco-certification

    MUMBAI:  Havas India has polished its environmental halo after scooping the coveted ISO 14001:2015 certification, positioning itself as the advertising world’s unlikely eco-warrior in a notoriously wasteful industry.
    The certification – which required a full year of scrutiny by the rather stern-faced British Standards Institution (BSI) – covers six agencies under the Havas umbrella, including its creative, media and design outfits across multiple locations.

    “We believe the future of business lies in responsible and sustainable growth,” declared Havas India group chief executive SEA & North Asia Rana Barua presumably while sitting under an energy-efficient light bulb. “This milestone sets a new benchmark in the industry, reinforcing our position as the most future-ready advertising network in India.”

    The rigorous certification process subjected the agency to a forensic examination of its environmental policies, carbon footprint and sustainable resource management – a far cry from the champagne-soaked, private-jet lifestyle traditionally associated with advertising bigwigs.

    Havas India chief HR officer & Havas APAC chief inclusion officer Vandana Tilwani was quick to emphasise this wasn’t just a “tick-box exercise” – corporate speak for “we’re actually serious about this” – while hinting at even more ambitious green plans ahead.

    Industry insiders suggest the eco-certification could give Havas a competitive edge when pitching to increasingly environmentally conscious clients, allowing them to smugly flaunt their green credentials while rivals desperately recycle their plastic water bottles in meetings.

    “Reducing environmental impact not only contributes to a healthier planet, but also inspires stakeholder trust,” said BSI India managing director Theuns Kotze carefully avoiding mention of the mountains of foam board, vinyl banners and promotional material that advertising agencies typically churn out.

    With this certification, Havas has thrown down the biodegradable gauntlet to competitors, suggesting that in tomorrow’s advertising world, the ability to save the planet might be just as important as the ability to sell fizzy drinks and luxury watches.

  • Manas Lahiri back at Havas India as chief growth officer

    Manas Lahiri back at Havas India as chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: After years of charting remarkable successes across the advertising world, Manas Lahiri returns to where it all began—Havas India.

    In a move that echoes both nostalgia and forward momentum, Lahiri steps back into the fold as chief growth officer, poised to reignite the spark of innovation and propel the network to greater heights.

    A seasoned leader with a knack for transformative growth, Lahiri’s homecoming marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of India’s fastest-growing communications networks.

    Lahiri’s appointment marks his return to Havas India, where he previously served in multiple roles, including MD of Havas Creative India (formerly Havas Worldwide India), between 2018 and 2023. In his new role, Lahiri will collaborate closely with the executive leadership team and report to Havas India, SEA, and north Asia group CEO, Rana Barua.

    Barua welcomed Lahiri’s return, emphasising the significance of his role in the network’s growth trajectory, “Manas’ return to Havas India comes at a crucial time as we continue our strong momentum as a proven integrated and future-facing network. With Havas India’s phenomenal transformation over the past few years, we needed a proven leader to scale our growth ambitions further. Manas’ strategic acumen, extensive industry experience, and deep understanding of our network’s values make him the ideal choice to take on this role.”

    Prior to rejoining Havas India, Lahiri held the position of executive growth partner at VML India, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the agency’s presence and securing key accounts. His career spans over two decades across advertising, brand marketing, and business leadership, including roles at Ogilvy, McCann, and Contract India. Lahiri has worked with marquee brands such as Samsung, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Reckitt, providing him with a holistic perspective on brand strategy and growth.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Lahiri said, “I am thrilled to rejoin Havas India at such an exciting juncture. Havas has always been close to my heart, and the network’s journey of transformation into a consolidated, client-centric ecosystem is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this next phase of growth by driving meaningful partnerships, fostering innovation, and building on the strong foundation created by Rana and the team.”

    An MBA graduate from Bangalore University, Lahiri began his career on the client side, working with brands like Motorola and Samsung in sales and marketing before transitioning to advertising. During his previous tenure at Havas Creative India, Lahiri played a critical role in reshaping the agency, driving business wins, and strengthening client relationships. His expertise lies in fostering growth strategies, building high-performing teams, and delivering integrated solutions that yield tangible results.

    This appointment underscores Havas India’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and fostering innovation across its integrated network.

  • Prasanth Kumar re-elected as president of AAAI

    Prasanth Kumar re-elected as president of AAAI

    Mumbai: GroupM Media (India) CEO – South Asia Prasanth Kumar was re-elected as the President of  Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the year 2024-25 at its Annual General Body Meeting  held in Mumbai.

    Havas India, South East & North Asia (Japan & South Korea) group CEO Rana Barua was unanimously  elected Vice-President of the Association.

    Other elected members of the Board in alphabetical order are:

    Madison Communications Pvt Ltd Sam Balsara Madison

    Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd Tanya Goyal

    BEI Confluence Communication Ltd Tapas Gupta

    Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd Vishandas Hardasani

    Havas Media India Pvt Ltd Mohit Joshi

    Innocean Worldwide Communications Pvt Ltd Santosh Kumar

    Crayons Advertising Pvt Ltd Kunal Lalani

    Kinnect Pvt Ltd Rohan Mehta

    Advertising Works Pvt Ltd, Cochin Chandramouli Muthu Maitri

    Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd Vikram Sakhuja

    Standard Publicity Pvt Ltd Kalyan Sarkar

    Advertising Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, K Srinivas Sloka

    Immediate past president, Anupriya Acharya will be the ex-officio member of the AAAI Board for 2024-25.

    On this occasion, Kumar said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust AAAI  members have placed in me for another term as President of this distinguished institution. Our commitment  to championing innovation, upholding the highest standards of planning and creativity, and building on the  momentum we have achieved remains unwavering. Our goal is to provide steadfast support to the entire  ecosystem, helping the industry navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. With the exceptional team  of AAAI members and the broader ecosystem, I am confident we will continue to shape the future of our  industry to greater heights.”

    Prasanth Kumar is a GroupM veteran having worked in the organisation in various capacities for over 20  years in his overall experience of over two decades in advertising. He has also worked at Pepsi, The Hindu,  The Media Edge & McCann Erickson prior to joining GroupM. He has also been Vice President of AAAI  during 2020-22.

    On his appointment as vice president, Barua said “Being appointed Vice President of AAAI for  the third time is both an honor and a testament to the trust the industry places in me. I look forward to  continuing our efforts in driving innovation and excellence in advertising while supporting the growth of this  dynamic industry.”

    Some experienced persons will be inducted on the Board of AAAI and more positions filled up later on to  make the Board broad-based. 

  • Havas Worldwide India strengthens strategy team with three new appointments

    Havas Worldwide India strengthens strategy team with three new appointments

    Mumbai: Havas Worldwide India has strengthened its strategy team by appointing Dhananjoy Ray, Aniruddh Subramanian, and Jahan Nargolwala as associate vice presidents – planning & strategy. All three will report to Havas Creative Network India’s Chief Strategy Officer, John Thangaraj and will be based in Gurgaon.

    John Thangaraj commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Dhananjoy, Aniruddh and Jahan to the Havas family. The world is changing and so are we. Strategy needs to be more business forward, digital first and data driven than ever before and our journey towards creating a more converged, multi-disciplinary team begins now. Each of them brings a deep and divergent level of expertise and experience to the table. Dhananjoy brings a deep passion and excitement for all things tech and auto. Aniruddh’s understanding and experience on the CPG category is second to none. And Jahan’s digital-first expertise across multiple categories nicely rounds out the team. Their hires underscore Havas’ deep commitment to delivering insight & data backed strategic solutions that focus on keeping our clients ahead of the curve. That said, we’ve only just begun – watch this space!”

    With over a decade of experience, Dhananjoy Ray has worked with agencies such as FCB India and Publicis India, contributing to brands like Horlicks, Uber, Pernod Ricard, Vivo, BMW, Google, Maggi, and Nokia. His expertise lies in communication and brand strategy.

    Jahan Nargolwala brings nearly 13 years of experience from agencies including Creativeland Asia, Yaap Digital, and Law & Kenneth. His work spans brands like Pizza Hut, Uniqlo, Godrej, Taj Hotels, Coca-Cola, UPI, and RuPay. Jahan specialises in creative strategy, brand planning, and cross-functional project management.

    Aniruddh Subramanian joins FCB India, with experience at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Famous Innovations. He holds a Master’s in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati and has worked across FMCG, FMCD, healthcare, and tech sectors with brands like Horlicks Plus, All Out, Bata, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Google Pixel.