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Tag: Havas Media Network India

  • Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    MUMBAI:  Havas Media Network India  chief executive Mohit Joshi has been awarded media agency head of the year at the International Advertising Association (IAA) Leadership Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on 7 August. The honour caps a stellar run for Joshi, whose leadership has propelled Havas into the top tier of India’s media and advertising ecosystem.

    With nearly three decades in the industry, Joshi took charge at Havas in November 2020 and has since driven a transformation built on digital scale, data-led strategy, and deep integration. His efforts have not only expanded the network’s client portfolio but also embedded its global converged philosophy across teams, operations, and disciplines.

    ‘Mohit has evolved Havas into an integrated powerhouse, aligning media, digital, data, tech, and content into a unified strategic vision,’ said Havas India, Southeast & North Asia  group CEO Rana Barua. ”His leadership, focus on collaboration, and purpose-driven culture make this recognition richly deserved.”

    The IAA, a global body celebrating excellence in marketing and communications, lauded Joshi’s contributions to the industry. ‘Mohit’s track record speaks for itself. He is respected not just for results, but for his collaborative, warm, and helpful approach,’ said IAA India chapter & The Free Press Journal group president Abhishek Karnani.

    ‘This award is a collective win for all of us at Havas Media Network India,’ said Joshi.” It reflects our relentless drive to build an intelligent, impact-driven ecosystem. I’m grateful to my colleagues, clients, and partners for their trust and belief.”

     

  • Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    MUMBAI: Havas Media India is mixing things up at the top, elevating a clutch of seasoned insiders in a bid to fuel its growth spurt and flex its media muscle.

    Ramsai Panchapakesan, a media maven with 28 years under his belt, has been bumped up to president – investments & partnerships. Since joining the agency in July 2024, Ramsai has been steering the ship on integrated investment strategy and scaling up client alliances across the board.

    Meanwhile, managing partner – investments & buying is now the new badge for Binu Thomas. A Havas veteran of nearly two decades, Binu’s got a sharp nose for investment strategy and a track record of wrangling performance-driven outcomes across sectors.

    Also stepping into the limelight is Manish Sharma, who takes over as president – Arena India, the specialised arm under Havas Media Network India. Over the past nine years, Manish has built a reputation for crafting content-first client engagement strategies, driving growth for big-ticket names like Kia, Bumble, Realme, Zupee, and Kajaria Tiles.

    Commenting on the development, Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “Ramsai, Binu, and Manish have been instrumental in driving our investment and business strategy, unlocking consistent growth for our clients and the network. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the success story of Havas Media. I am confident that in their new roles, they will further accelerate our progress and deepen our market leadership.”

    Havas Media India COO Uday Mohan added, “These well-deserved elevations reflect the strength and depth of our leadership team. Ramsai and Binu have been the backbone of our investment function, while Manish has led Arena India with great vision and execution. Their contributions embody the Havas ethos of Meaningful Media, and I look forward to collaborating closely with them as we steer the next phase of growth.”

    The elevations are in line with Havas Media’s continued focus on empowering internal talent and scaling leadership across core and emerging verticals.

  • R Venkatasubramanian steps down as COO of Havas Play amid ongoing restructuring

    R Venkatasubramanian steps down as COO of Havas Play amid ongoing restructuring

    MUMBAI: In a significant development within the Indian media and entertainment ecosystem, R Venkatasubramanian has stepped down as the chief operating officer of Havas Play. His departure comes amid an ongoing internal restructuring at the agency, as confirmed by Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    “We are currently in the middle of a restructuring, but Venkat has decided to move on. I wish him all the best”, said Joshi in an official statement responding to the exit.

    Venkatasubramanian’s association with Havas Media spanned over six years, during which he held multiple leadership roles including president – investments and Havas Play MD, and later elevated to COO of Havas Play in May 2024. Prior to this, he played key roles across Initiative Media, MPG, and Lintas Media Group, with a two-decade-long track record of building media investment strategies and driving business transformation.

    His leadership tenure coincided with a period of rapid evolution at Havas Play, where the agency expanded its experiential, content, and sponsorship-led offerings. While the company has not named a successor, sources indicate that the restructuring may lead to a redefined leadership structure.

    Venkatasubramanian’s departure adds to a string of high-level exits across India’s media-buying industry, as agencies increasingly reorient operations toward tech-first and performance-driven models.

  • Puma India & Bumble partner to launch a joint singles run

    Puma India & Bumble partner to launch a joint singles run

    Mumbai: Sports brand Puma India has partnered with Bumble, the women-first dating app, to launch a singles-only running event. This collaboration merges sport and dating, offering young adults a new way to meet in person ahead of Singles’ Day (11 November).

    Targeting ages 21–35, the three km run will take place in Bengaluru on 10 November, starting at Nexus Koramangala mall and ending with a social mixer for runners to connect.

    With sports becoming a key factor in social connections, a recent Bumble survey found 72 per cent of Indians are open to a sports-themed first date, and 44 per cent consider a lack of interest in sports a dealbreaker. Puma and Bumble are combining their strengths—Puma’s focus on running and Bumble’s commitment to fostering connections—to create a unique experience.

    Puma India MD Karthik Balagopalan said, “At Puma India, we are committed to looking for novel ways of engaging with our young consumers and bringing them together through the power of  sport. Finding a like-minded partner in Bumble, who shares our vision of creating unique properties for youngsters to meet and connect, is exciting. We strongly believe that the running community is a great opportunity for people to meet, jointly experience the thrill of this fantastic sport and make new memories. Together with Bumble, we have created a differentiated meeting experience that is all about movement, energy, and in turn foster a vibrant running community in the country. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned together for the run and the year ahead.”

    Bumble India senior marketing manager Pracheta Mazumdar said, “With the growth of sports documentaries and international competitions, sports is playing a bigger role in how we connect so it’s not surprising that it’s also showing up in a big way in dating. Our research shows that for 1 in 3 single Indians, a shared love of sports has now become a ‘must have’ regardless of whether they actively participate in sports or just watch it. This reflects a changing approach amongst singles to fit their dating life into their personal lives, focusing on turning what they already enjoy into a date instead of treating dates as a separate activity. We’re excited to partner with Puma India to bring this to life with a singles run that allows our Bumble community to meet like-minded people in a relaxed and fun setting, reducing the pressures often associated with dating.“

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “We at Havas have always believed in fostering meaningful connections through our meaningful media ethos. This collaboration between Puma India and Bumble – two extremely popular youth-oriented global brands for the singles-only run is a testament to the human need for connection and companionship. The stage is set for singles to bond through this unique platform, which is a delightful mix of fitness and fun. This collaboration is just what is needed to bring in a spirit of freshness and community building in the lives of youngsters who will be participating in the run.”

    Puma India has been actively promoting running as a sport, supporting key events like the Vedanta Delhi Half-Marathon, Ladakh Marathon, quarterly Nitro 5k and 10k runs, and weekly training sessions in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, led by Puma India run coaches. This partnership with Bumble marks the start of more experiences designed to inspire connection through sport and running.

  • Swiggy Instamart & Hamleys partner to deliver toys in 10 minutes

    Swiggy Instamart & Hamleys partner to deliver toys in 10 minutes

    Mumbai: Swiggy Instamart, a quick commerce platform, has recently partnered with Hamleys, world’s popular toy store, offering doorstep delivery of toys in just 10 minutes. Havas Media Tribes, the OOH arm of media conglomerate Havas Media Network India, marked this collaboration through a striking outdoor display, featuring an installation comprising a Swiggy delivery bike carrying Hamleys toys. The vibrant setup with the iconic Hot Wheels brand in the form of the Swiggy delivery bike brought alive nostalgic memories for spectators, standing as a testament to the innovative idea behind the installation.

    The eye-catching installation at DLF Cyber Hub, Gurugram offered a visually compelling display of this new service. Delhi NCR residents also availed an exclusive 25 per cent discount on online orders.

    This partnership aims to enhance customer convenience in metro cities by making premium toys from top brands like Disney, Mattel (Barbie), Kingdom of Play, Simba, Mattel Games, Paw Patrol, Hot Wheels, and Play-Doh delivered within minutes. This innovative service is the first-of-its-kind in India offering a wide range of toys for all ages, promoting fun and learning for both children and adults. Currently, there are122 SKUs of Hamleys Toys on Swiggy IM.

    Speaking on this collaboration, Swiggy Instamart marketing lead Abhishek Shetty said, “At Swiggy Instamart, our vision has always been to bring convenience and joy to our customers’ lives. We are the first QC platform to partner with Hamleys, allowing us to extend our mission to a new realm, ensuring that children and families can enjoy premium toys delivered right to their doorsteps in a matter of minutes. The installation encouraged high customer engagement, especially from kids as they were drawn to the vibrant and playful corner.”

    Speaking on this partnership, Havas Media India COO Uday Mohan said, “Havas Media India is best known for its innovation and creating Meaningful media experiences for the brands that we work with. Our goal with this campaign was to blend nostalgia with modern-day convenience. The matchbox installation is a symbol of the magical experience Hamleys has stood for over the years, combined with the speed and efficiency of Swiggy Instamart. It is a perfect way to showcase this unique partnership.”

  • Harshdeep Kaur to judge Advertising Rocks’ at Goafest 2024

    Harshdeep Kaur to judge Advertising Rocks’ at Goafest 2024

    Mumbai: Goafest’s ‘Advertising Rocks,’ provides India’s advertising and media fraternity with a platform unlike any other. Offering  participants the opportunity to showcase their musical talent, Goafest’s Advertising Rocks is currently in its second season. Raising the bar higher, Goafest 2024 now welcomes Bollywood playback singer Harshdeep Kaur as a judge. Additionally joining Harshdeep will be Brandmusiq founder & soundsmith Rajeev Raja, and music director and Brandmusiq founding partner & principal composer Merlin D’Souza. Nominations for Advertising Rocks can be submitted until Sunday, 19 May 2024.

    Goafest 2024 invites participants to submit their nominations in two categories: Indian soloists and international soloists. Entries received will be shortlisted by Rajeev Raja, Merlin D’Souza, and BBH former CEO and curator Subhash Kamath, ‘Advertising Rocks’. Finalists will be presented with an opportunity to perform for Goafest 2024 attendees in Mumbai and winners will take home prizes up to Rs. 50,000.

    “The Indian advertising and media industry is teeming with talent”, said BBH former CEO and curator of Advertising Rocks Subhash Kamath. “It’s always inspiring for our industry youngsters to perform in front of professionals. Last year we had Papon as one of the judges and this year we have Harshdeep Kaur, who’s a fabulous singer.”

    “Music transcends language, culture, and genre; it’s a universal emotion and given my passion for music, it is an integral part of my life,” said Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024 co-chair Mohit Joshi. “We were greatly impressed by the talent showcased last year and are incredibly excited to see this year’s performances. Goafest is truly a celebration of creativity, and we are committed to evolving it with new and exciting concepts every year. We encourage all eligible performers to participate and make the most of this wonderful platform to showcase their talent to the industry,” he added.

    Submit your entries for Advertising Rocks here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUKKIsShHz6YwEc71ap_9-wbK1sIavU2lkShgd9-HBhq0row/viewform

    Presented by The Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 is scheduled to take place on 29, 30 and 31 May, 2024 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai.

  • Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as COO

    Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as COO

    Mumbai: Havas Media Network India, the specialised media division of Havas India has announced the elevation of two of its senior leaders to significant roles within the organisation. While Uday Mohan steps into the position of chief operating officer of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian assumes the role of chief operating officer of Havas Play. They will continue reporting to Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    In his new role as chief operating officer, Uday Mohan will spearhead the comprehensive operations and strategic growth initiatives of Havas Media India. With more than two decades of expertise in the media industry, Uday has been instrumental in driving the success of Havas Media India over a span of 16 plus years in the agency. His adept leadership has led to the acquisition of several prestigious clients and garnered acclaim for the agency’s innovation across sectors.

    R. Venkatasubramanian took charge of Havas Play last year when the specialised function was launched in India along with several other countries globally. Under his guidance, Havas Play has championed numerous successful IPs and initiatives across its Sports, Content, and Entertainment divisions, solidifying its position as a leading player in a highly competitive landscape.

    Commenting on the elevations, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea) group CEO Rana Barua said, “Uday and Venkat’s elevations come at an important juncture for Havas Media Network India, as the agency experiences remarkable growth. Their strategic prowess and dedication have been instrumental in driving our agency’s success over the years and their elevation reflects our confidence in their vision and ability to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction. I wish them all the best.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “With Uday and Venkat at the helm of their respective business divisions, Havas Media Network India has made significant strides, evident in the agency’s expanded client portfolio, new acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This elevation underscores our unwavering dedication to fortifying our organizational framework by nurturing our in-house capabilities. Leaders like them are key to our goal of making media meaningful for our clients and the industry at large as their exceptional industry acumen is pivotal in leading a team as diverse as ours. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Uday and Venkat on their new roles and look forward to our continued trajectory of growth and success together.”

  • Advertising Rocks to electrify Goafest 2024

    Advertising Rocks to electrify Goafest 2024

    Mumbai: Following the success of its inaugural edition, Goafest 2024 is set to bring back ‘Advertising Rocks’, an initiative that offers a unique platform for India’s advertising, media, and marketing community to showcase their musical talents. Embracing the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the organising committee invites solo performers to submit their entries. Selected participants will have the exclusive opportunity to captivate audiences at Goafest 2024, solidifying their presence at South Asia’s premier and largest creative festival.

    With two solo categories – Indian and International – Advertising Rocks 2024 promises a global showcase of musical talent. Four shortlists from each category will have the esteemed opportunity to perform for a distinguished jury and delegates at Goafest in Mumbai.  The ultimate champions will be determined through a combination of jury evaluation and live voting by Goafest attendees, ensuring a fair and thrilling competition.

    Winners in each category will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while the first runners-up will receive Rs 25,000.

    On ‘Advertising Rocks’, Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024’s co-chair Mohit Joshi said, “Advertising Rocks is back with another exciting edition at Goafest 2024 to celebrate the musical talents of our fraternity. As a fellow music enthusiast, I can’t wait to witness the exceptional performances this year. Looking forward to this unforgettable showcase of talent.”

    Former BBH CEO and curator of ‘Advertising Rocks’ Subhash Kamath, further added, “Advertising Rocks was a big hit at Goafest last year and we’re hoping we’ll have a lot more participation in 2024. There’s so much musical talent in our industry. They deserve a platform to perform and Goafest is the perfect place for it.”

    The deadline for submitting entries for Advertising Rocks is May 15, 2024. Entries by solo performers only belonging to the Advertising, Media, and Marketing fraternity will be considered.

    Submit your entries for Advertising Rocks here.

    Presented by The Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 is scheduled to take place on 29, 30 and 31 May 2024 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai.

  • Havas Play inks strategic partnership for Valvoline & Lucknow Super Giants at IPL 2024

    Havas Play inks strategic partnership for Valvoline & Lucknow Super Giants at IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Havas Play, the specialised sports, entertainment, and content division of Havas Media Network India, has tapped into the world’s largest T20 cricket extravaganza, the Indian Premier League 2024 by facilitating a strategic tie-up between IPL team Lucknow Super Giants and Valvoline as its official lubricant partner. This association will further strengthen the brand perception of the lubricant behemoth, for which Havas Media India has been managing the integrated duties since 2022.

    With fandom at the center of its ethos, this collaboration is all about maximizing brand exposure, and enhancing fan experiences during one of the most anticipated sporting events globally.

    At the heart of this collaboration lies the seamless integration of Valvoline’s branding on the helmets and caps worn by players of the Lucknow Super Giants team during match days and training sessions. This strategic placement ensures that Valvoline’s brand message resonates with millions of cricket enthusiasts worldwide throughout the IPL 2024 season. The innovative approach of incorporating helmet branding not only amplifies Valvoline’s visibility on air during live IPL broadcasts but also adds an authentic touch that aligns perfectly with the fervor of the game on the ground. As part of the brand activation strategy, a Valvoline kiosk is set up inside the stadium concourse where spectators are kept engaged through various activities such as face painting, merchandise displays, and the distribution of product leaflets and brochures. This interactive approach fosters meaningful connections with the audience, reinforcing Valvoline’s presence and fostering positive brand associations during the IPL season.

    Valvoline Cummins CMO Ipshita Chowdhury said, “Evidently, cricket holds a significant place in Indian culture, with millions of passionate fans across the country. The IPL, with its colossal viewership and widespread popularity, serves as a prime platform for Valvoline to amplify its brand identity. Partnering with a property as popular as the IPL enables Valvoline to extend its reach to various segments of its target audience, including dealers, mechanics, and other key stakeholders within the automotive industry. The collaboration emphasizes Valvoline’s commitment to quality, performance, and innovation in automotive lubricants. This partnership not only enhances brand visibility but also fosters deeper engagement and loyalty among consumers, solidifying Valvoline’s position as a trusted and influential player in the market.”

    Lucknow Super Giants CEO Col Vinod Bisht said, “We are thrilled to join forces with a distinguished brand like Valvoline, a true leader in the lubricant market. Valvoline’s unwavering commitment to excellence mirrors our own relentless pursuit as a team. The shared synergies between Valvoline and the Lucknow Super Giants are unmistakable – as we are driven by a common goal of achieving recognition as performance-driven and passionate champions. This partnership, orchestrated by Havas Play, exemplifies the essence of brand relatability and a value-driven proposition.”

    Talking about the collaboration, Havas Media India president – investments and  Havas Play MD R. Venkatasubramanian said, “Leveraging Havas Play’s expertise in experiential marketing and content creation will serve to amplify the reach and impact of this collaboration. By harnessing its proficiency in crafting immersive brand experiences, we will create compelling narratives around the partnership, resonating with fans both on and off the field. Through innovative storytelling and captivating content, Valvoline will cultivate deeper connections with the audience, ensuring that the brand experience extends beyond traditional advertising avenues.”