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Tag: Havas Play

  • 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.

  • Urvashi Sharma joins Havas Play, bringing digital flair to experiential marketing

    Urvashi Sharma joins Havas Play, bringing digital flair to experiential marketing

    MUMBAI:  Urvashi Sharma has announced her move to Havas Play, taking on the role of associate vice president. This appointment marks a significant step in Sharma’s career, transitioning her extensive digital advertising sales experience into the realm of experiential marketing. 

    Sharma’s career boasts a strong track record in digital advertising sales, with significant tenures at MX Player and Zee5. At MX Player, she held various roles, including LCS lead: north and regional manager, demonstrating her expertise in strategy, account management, and business development. Her time at Zee5 as a business partner: north LCS further solidified her skills in digital brand solutions and strategic partnerships.

    Prior to her digital media roles, Sharma gained experience in brand solutions and events management at Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd. (Times group), askme.com, The Walt Disney Co, BloombergUTV, and Fever FM (HT Media Ltd.). These positions honed her abilities in client relations, negotiation, and large-scale event management. Her foundational experience includes a stint as a relationship specialist at Genpact

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • Ganga Kinare Music Festival to telecast on Zee News

    Ganga Kinare Music Festival to telecast on Zee News

    Mumbai: Gear up for a night of cultural euphoria on 30 December at 10 pm, when Zee News illuminates screens with the radiant Ganga Kinare Music Festival, promising a symphony of enchantment!

    Varanasi recently witnessed the grandeur of the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, a collaborative masterpiece orchestrated by Zee Media and Havas Play presented by Aditya Birla Hindalco. Led by Padma Shri Kailash Kher and Pratibha Singh Baghel, this dynamic duo transcended mere entertainment, creating a fusion of cultural magnificence. Aligned with the ‘Namami Gange Programme’ endorsed by the United Nations, the festival fostered a vibrant community of river enthusiasts and contributed to the broader mission of environmental conservation.

    Beyond mere entertainment, this cultural extravaganza is a heartfelt celebration of Varanasi’s spirit and a collective pledge to safeguard the sanctity of the holy river Ganga. The event honoured individuals, including classical singer Padma Vibhushan Pandit Channu Lal Mishra, Dr Kulpati Tiwari, mahant of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Vishambhar Nath Mishra, Mahant of Sankat Mochan Mandir, and Padma Shri awardee Rajeshwar Acharya. The celebration of the legacy of Indian classical music extended to the felicitation of Nasir Abbas Bismillah Khan, the grandson of the legendary Bismillah Khan to honouring excellence across diverse realms.

    The stellar line-up of attendees also featured luminaries such as Swatantra Dev Singh, Jal Shakti minister, UP govt., Anupriya Patel, minister of state for commerce and industry, GoI, Rajshree Birla, Sourabh Raaj Jain, and more, promising showcase.

    Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Abhay Ojha expressed his enthusiasm, said, “The Ganga Kinare Music Festival is not merely a melody; it resonates as a testament to our commitment to cultural heritage and environmental guardianship. Zee News stands proudly as the telecast partner for this transformative event, bringing more than just a broadcast to your screens. The festival is a curated experience, an intricate portrayal of Varanasi’s essence, and a pledge to Ganga conservation.”

    Zee Media Corporation Limited CRO Mona Jain said, “As an esteemed telecast partner for the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, our enthusiasm is coupled with strategic commitment as we unfold a cultural spectacle intricately aligned with our dynamic revenue growth strategy. Through skillful utilization and programming of the festival’s cultural richness and broad audience appeal, our objective is to forge inventive pathways for advertisers, sponsors, and partners, creating a platform that not only entertains but also serves as a fertile ground for mutually beneficial collaborations.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi emphasised, “Havas Play takes pride in curating a unique experience with the Ganga Kinare Music Festival. This festival isn’t confined to a physical location; it’s a journey that brings cultural magnificence and environmental consciousness to screens worldwide. Through our collaboration, we aspire to create not just content but a meaningful narrative that reflects the festival’s essence—a seamless blend of tradition with technology and fostering constructive engagement towards our environment which creates a lasting impact on the audience.”

    The grand telecast of Ganga Kinare Music Festival promises to deliver an evening of visual and auditory delight, blending cultural richness, soul-stirring performances, and a profound commitment to the conservation of the Holy River Ganga.

    This festival received substantial support, with the Uttar Pradesh government as the state partner Himgange, V-Guard, Royale Touche and Sujata as special partners, PISM (partner) and co-powered by AU Small Finance Bank. Additional support was received in association with Namami Gange, Kailasa Entertainment Private Limited, Rungta Steel TMT Bar, Meghdoot Ayurvedic, PMCH Health Advisors, Radio City as the Radio partner and AMC Media as outdoor partner.

    Event will be broadcast on 30 December at 10 pm, exclusively on Zee News.

  • Zee Media, Havas Play and Namami Gange launch ‘Ganga Kinare’

    Zee Media, Havas Play and Namami Gange launch ‘Ganga Kinare’

    Mumbai: To celebrate the harmonious blend of music, culture, and environmental consciousness, Havas Play, Zee Media, and Namami Gange has come together to launch a unique music festival ‘Ganga Kinare’ on the ghats of Varanasi. The inaugural edition of the festival will take place on Saturday, 9 December 2023. The initiative aims to celebrate the cultural richness of Varanasi and raise awareness about the significance of the holy river Ganga.

    Nestled against the timeless ghats of Varanasi, the Ganga Kinare Music Festival promises an unforgettable sojourn, a symphony that reverberates through the sacred waters of the Ganga. Beyond being a melodic extravaganza, this grand celebration is a poignant ode to the purity and essence of rivers. Beyond the enchanting performances, the Ganga Kinare Music Festival aspires to be a catalyst for change, calling upon its attendees to become stewards of river preservation, fostering a lasting bond between the festival-goers and the sacred waters that flow through the heart of Varanasi.

    Aligned with the globally recognized ‘Namami Gange Programme’ championed by the United Nations, the festival transcends the realms of entertainment, aspiring to create a dynamic community of river champions. The Ganga Kinare Music Festival aligns with the national mission for a cleaner Ganga. It seeks to build a community dedicated to championing rivers and establishing a unique bond between the younger generation and the holy river. The journey begins in Varanasi in 2023 and will continue through Rishikesh (2024), Prayagraj (2025), Patna (2026), and Kolkata (2027).

    Zee Media Corp Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha highlighted, “At Zee Media, we believe in the power of storytelling through diverse mediums. Our partnership with Havas Play and Namami Gange, stands at the forefront of a cultural and environmental movement. Through this festival, we invite our widespread viewers and readers to not just witness but actively participate in the call for river conservation and cultural preservation. Let the music be the bridge that connects us to the soul of Varanasi and the sacred Ganga.”

    Zee Media Corp Ltd CRO Mona Jain further expressed, “Ganga Kinare Music Festival is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to unite people in celebration. We firmly believe in the profound impact of cultural initiatives and are thrilled to be part of this initiative that harmonizes the beats of our traditions with the melodies of the Ganges, fostering a deeper connection with our roots and a commitment to the conservation of our sacred rivers.”

    Interestingly, Havas Play will ensure a seamless blend of cultural immersion and entertainment, leveraging digital and social media exposure to extend the festival’s reach. Collaborations with headline artists will include exclusive content creation and behind-the-scenes access. Speaking on the collaboration, Havas Play MD and Havas Media president investments R. Venkatasubramanian said, “India’s rich legacy continues to influence and enthral people from around the world. It is critical that we find newer ways to celebrate them and pass on the legacy to the newer generation. Music is the universal language that binds people across all age groups, and transcends geographies. Hence Ganga Kinare Music Festival blends in the power of music in the historic city of Varanasi on the banks of the holy Ganga. The Festival aspires not just to captivate audiences but to crescendo into a global festival deeply rooted in India’s history, evolving with the beats of our collective journey.”

    At its core, the event seeks to forge a unique connection between the younger generation and the holy Ganga, weaving together the threads of music and cultural heritage to illuminate the path of river preservation. This initiative encourages an enduring dedication to the preservation of our revered waters and the safeguarding of our rich cultural heritage.

  • Havas Play announces strategic partnership with sports marketing agency, Gameplan Sports

    Havas Play announces strategic partnership with sports marketing agency, Gameplan Sports

    Mumbai: Havas Play, the sports, entertainment, and content agency of Havas Media Network India, has entered a strategic partnership with one of the oldest sports marketing companies in the country, Gameplan Sports Pvt. Ltd, which aims to bring together the expertise and capabilities of both agencies.

    The partnership will entail managing athletes, major sports league in cricket, football, badminton, kabaddi, tennis, table tennis, golf, marathons, chess, and others. It will also include sports events like tournaments, competitions, exhibitions, matches, displays and more. The alliance will also include sports media services like media consulting, strategy, execution, sponsorship, and creating Ips in the space of content and entertainment.

    Talking about the new venture, Havas India group CEO Rana Barua said, “At Havas India we place our clients at the heart of our growth journey. Our ecosystem is built and tailored to meet their business needs and to empower them. Earlier this year, Havas launched a new global agency Havas Play – uniting sports, content, culture, and entertainment expertise under one agency. In India, the booming sports sector, which goes much beyond cricket, has become increasingly crucial for brands and marketers and is quite under leveraged. Havas Play along with Gameplan will help brands explore the vast potential of this untapped market. This makes us a formidable player creating distinctive and impactful opportunities for brands and businesses.”

    Gameplan Sports Pvt Ltd director Jeet Banerjee and Havas Media India president – investments and Havas Play MD R Venkatsubramanian will collaborate to construct and build this strategic alliance and jointly pursue this new venture.

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “The Indian sports sector is currently thriving with a surge in interest and funding, reflected in double-digit growth and an increased sports budget this fiscal. This underscores the growing opportunities which are lying untapped. With Havas Play and Gameplan coming together, brands and marketers can explore their unique capability to leverage this burgeoning market. This alliance further strengthens our meaningful media capability to provide tailored business solutions to our clients, through sports properties and unique Ips.”

    Banerjee said, “Gameplan is one of the oldest sports marketing companies in the country. We turn 25 this year and have left our footprint across several verticals in the sports industry. Our legacy spans across numerous sectors within the sports industry, catalysing innovations that have since become industry standards, from revolutionary 3D signage to transforming chess into a riveting spectator experience. Beyond sports, we’ve ventured into literature, cinema, and the arts over the past decade, notably shaping the cultural landscape with the Kolkata Literary Meet, a cornerstone event on India’s cultural calendar. We take pride in our agility, innovation, and boundless imagination. In collaboration with Havas Play, we embark on an exciting journey, leveraging their extensive activities and cross-market exposure. Together, we aim to elevate our existing intellectual properties and forge powerful new ventures in sports and beyond.”