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Tag: Mohit Joshi

  • 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.

  • Jaideep Gandhi: “The return on experience is going to be really high” at Goafest 2025

    Jaideep Gandhi: “The return on experience is going to be really high” at Goafest 2025

    MUMBAI: The sunny sands of Goa are abuzz again, and this time the buzzword is “experience”. South Asia’s iconic advertising and media festival, Goafest 2025 kicks off from 21-23 May at the luxurious Taj Cidade de Goa – Heritage and Horizon. Steering clear of clichés, the festival theme boldly invites participants to “Ignite Creativity”. As Goafest 2025 Organising Committee chairman and Another Idea founder Jaideep Gandhi enthusiastically put it, “the return on experience is going to be really high”.

    What sets Goafest 2025 apart is its immersive ‘Goafest Village’ concept. Inspired by global festivals like Cannes Lions, the village sprawls across the heritage venue, packed with parallel-running sessions, interactive zones and entertainment spots. Gandhi explains, “The objective was to make it inclusive, hosting parallel sessions, entertainment, engagement, and sports”.

    Adding spark to the sandy shores, the festival introduces two fresh initiatives—Ad Plays and Goa Fresh. Goafest 2025 Organising Committee co-chair and Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi highlights, “Ad Plays integrates wellness activities like pickleball, yoga and a walkathon. Goa Fresh brings in students from top institutes, offering them mentorship and industry insights”.

    Goafest 2025 promises a dynamic blend of content with over 60 illustrious speakers delivering more than 35 sessions and 20 masterclasses. Among the notable figures are Rishad Tobaccowala from Publicis, Youri Guerassimov of Marcel Worldwide, Hindi cinema’s Kareena Kapoor, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, and pioneering AI film director Vivek Anchalia. “Almost 25-30 speakers are clients this year, representing top brands like Spotify, Tata Motors and HUL”, Gandhi notes proudly.

    Reflecting on this mammoth event, Joshi stresses that the real charm lies in its community-driven spirit, “We have one vision—to grow Goafest together. It’s not ‘you’ or ‘me,’ it’s ‘us’”.

    Another record-breaking highlight is the ABBY Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, boasting an unprecedented 4,076 entries from 233 organisations. As Gandhi succinctly puts it, “Every year the challenge becomes more interesting. It’s all about continuously improving”.

    Compared to the previous edition in Mumbai, which revolved around adaptability, this year’s festival pushes proactive transformation through meaningful experiences. The integration of sports, wellness, student mentorship, and the vibrant Goafest Village ensures a unique, memorable celebration.

    “We spend six months organising Goafest, and each year we aim to outdo ourselves”, shares Gandhi. Joshi adds, “We take lessons from every global event and bring those insights home, aiming for improvement every year”.

    Indeed, with creativity at its core and collaboration in its spirit, Goafest 2025 is ready to ignite fresh perspectives, cement new connections, and redefine industry standards on the idyllic Goan coast.

  • 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.

  • Goafest 2025 levels up with ‘Advertising Plays’ to spark camaraderie through sport and wellness

    Goafest 2025 levels up with ‘Advertising Plays’ to spark camaraderie through sport and wellness

    MUMBAI: Goafest 2025 is serving up more than awards and panels. The festival’s latest initiative, ‘Advertising Plays’, will bring delegates out of boardrooms and onto courts, beaches and walking trails for inter-agency competitions and wellness experiences designed to build industry bonds through play.

    Conceptualised as a people-first property and curated by Havas Play, ‘Advertising Plays’ will debut this year as part of the revamped Goafest Village format. The programme features gender-neutral games including Chess, Carrom, Darts, Arm Wrestling and Net Cricket, alongside high-energy matchups in Pickleball and Table Tennis. Wellness activities like Yoga by the Bay and the Beach Walkathon will help delegates start their day with clarity and calm.

    “The connections that move our industry forward aren’t always made in boardrooms or at award ceremonies. Advertising Plays offers a space for professionals to engage beyond the usual format. It’s a people first initiative which will enable our industry to build more connections and collaborate in the longer run”, said Goafest 2025 Organising Committee co-chair and Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    Havas Play India COO R. Venkatasubramanian added, “Goafest has long been a premier platform that unites the brightest minds in the world of advertising. In 2025, it takes a bold new leap by introducing Advertising Plays—a dynamic initiative designed to elevate the spirit of friendly competition among industry professionals”.

    Inter-agency contests will run throughout the festival, culminating in awards for performance and team spirit. Winners will take home trophies and year-long bragging rights. The initiative aims to encourage participation across all fitness levels, offering spontaneous play zones and community-led wellness formats.

    The 18 edition of Goafest will take place from 21-23 May 2025 at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon. The festival is co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC).

  • AI takes the spotlight at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 in New Delhi

    AI takes the spotlight at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 in New Delhi

    MUMBAI: As artificial intelligence reshapes industries at an unprecedented pace, the Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 is set to decode its impact on media. Slated for 27 February in New Delhi, the event will centre around the theme “Media Transformations in the Age of AI”, bringing together policymakers, technology leaders, media veterans, and marketing experts to explore the evolution of digital journalism and the ethical responsibilities that come with it.

    Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will deliver the keynote address, joined by EU’s AI Working Group co-chair Michael McNamara, and senior bureaucrats S Krishnan (MEITY) and Sanjay Jaju (I&B ministry). These high-profile policymakers will discuss the intersection of AI, media regulations, and governance.

    The conclave will also host stalwarts from the corporate world, including Havas Media CEO Mohit Joshi, EY partner Amiya Swarup, Dabur VP Rajiv Dubey, and Policybazaar.com CMO Sai Narayan, who will explore AI’s role in revolutionising digital advertising and cost structures.

    The rise of AI-generated content has sparked a crucial debate—where do we draw the line between machine efficiency and human editorial judgement? At the conclave, top news anchors will engage in a thought-provoking session examining AI vs. human journalism and the ethical boundaries in reporting.

    Tech innovators, including CoRover AI’s Ankush Sabharwal, Frammer AI’s Kawaljit Singh Bedi, and Elevenlabs – Audio AI’s Siddharth Srinivasan, will demonstrate how AI is making digital news content richer, more interactive, and highly personalised. Meanwhile, Google’s Durga Raghunath and Boom Live’s Jency Jacob will address fact-checking, misinformation, and deepfakes—the growing challenges in an AI-driven news cycle.

    DNPA, representing India’s top 20 print and TV media houses—including Times of India, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Zee Media, The Hindu, and Dainik Jagran—has curated this conclave to pave the way for an equitable, sustainable, and responsible digital media ecosystem.

    From showcasing AI-driven newsroom innovations to providing a platform for startups to present their breakthroughs, the Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 promises a day packed with insights, debates, and groundbreaking ideas.

    To know more, visit: Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave

  • 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 with team Singham creates new Guinness World Record

    Swiggy with team Singham creates new Guinness World Record

    Mumbai: Swiggy along with the team of the film Singham Again has created a new Guinness World Record for delivering the largest vada pav order in a single delivery. In collaboration with the team of Singham Again, Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, Swiggy delivered 11,000 vada pavs to children from the Robin Hood Army, an NGO that focuses on fighting hunger through surplus food distribution across multiple locations in Mumbai.

    Mumbai’s iconic vada pavs from MM Mithaiwala, were delivered using Swiggy’s newly launched Swiggy XL Fleet, designed for handling bulk food deliveries. Swiggy collaborated with the Singham Again team and delivered 11,000 vada pavs across various Robin Hood Army-supported schools in Mumbai.

    The first stop was Airport High School & Junior College in Vile Parle, where Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty and Swiggy co-founder Phani Kishan received the order, creating a Guinness World Record for the largest number of Vada pavs delivered in a single order. The vada pavs were distributed across RobinHoodArmy-supported schools in Bandra, Juhu, Andheri East (Chandivali and Chakala), Malad, and Borivali.

    Swiggy co-founder and chief growth officer, Phani Kishan said, “In the 10 years of Swiggy, we have delivered millions of vada pavs across Mumbai, and other cities. We’re going XL by teaming up with Singham Again to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single food order for Vada pavs. This exciting event perfectly captures Swiggy’s commitment to delivering food whether big or small—and celebrates the love for Mumbai’s iconic street food in a truly spectacular Singham style.”

    Swiggy XL, a fleet of electric vehicles introduced to efficiently handle high-volume orders, played an instrumental role achieving this Guinness World Record. This first of its kind initiative demonstrated Swiggy’s focus on leveraging technology and innovation to address evolving delivery needs while making a significant contribution to the community.

    Speaking about the record, Rohit Shetty expressed, “We are elated to have collaborated with Swiggy for this record-breaking delivery of vada pav, bringing food and joy to children. Just like Singham’s larger-than-life personality and strong ethics, this initiative has achieved a meaningful cause.”

    The event concluded with children enjoying their meals, marking the success of this collaboration between Swiggy and the Singham Again team. The record-breaking delivery was made possible by Swiggy’s newly launched XL fleet designed for large scale orders. Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) is the vehicle manufacturer with Moeving Urban Technologies Ltd. operating the fleet on the ground.

    The idea was conceptualised and executed by Havas Play. Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “We’re always driven by the ambition to create meaningful connections through meaningful media that reflect cultural shifts. With Swiggy, we’ve once again tapped into the pulse of pop culture, delivering a campaign that’s bold, innovative, and community focused. Securing the coveted Guinness World Records title for the largest vada pav delivery exemplifies not only the disruptive potential of Swiggy XL but also our strategic vision in crafting high-impact, culturally resonant campaigns that redefine the industry. ”

  • Tech Mahindra Global Chess league to host its second edition in London

    Tech Mahindra Global Chess league to host its second edition in London

    Mumbai: The Global Chess League, a joint initiative between the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, is set for a highly anticipated second edition in London. Following the success of the first edition, the league aims to unite the world’s top chess players in one of the most historic cities.

    The 10-day, one-of-a-kind chess league featuring top players will take place at Friends House, located in the heart of central London, from October 3rd to 12th, 2024. Based on the feedback from fans worldwide, London was selected as the venue for this season to connect with the fast-growing fan base and enthusiasm for chess in the European region.

    FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich said, “After a fantastic response to the inaugural season, we are excited to continue our mission of expanding the reach of chess worldwide and drawing in new experiences for chess fans. Tech Mahindra’s commitment to usher in a new era in the modern chess ecosystem is commendable, and we are confident that the second edition of the league will provide the right platform and push needed to further elevate the sport.”

    Through this innovative league, FIDE and Tech Mahindra aim to revolutionize the fan experience of chess through a new format and ecosystem, providing an inclusive platform for fans to support their favourite teams and stars, similar to major global sports leagues. The second edition will feature top players from around the world, including reigning world champions and rising stars, competing in a unique team format that emphasizes strategy, collaboration, and high-stakes play.

    Tech Mahindra chief executive officer & managing director Mohit Joshi said, “Chess and business share key values such as planning, speed, strategy, and risk management. The infusion of technology opens exciting new opportunities, transforming both fields. The Global Chess League’s second edition creates a unique platform for the global growth of Chess.”

    Building on the success of its first season, the league aims to further broaden the viewership base through live broadcasts, interactive fan experiences, and community engagement activities like soon to be launched Global Chess League Trophy Tour. In the tournament, the players will compete in a unique joint team format consisting of six players, including two top women chess players and a prodigy player per team. Each team will play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system.

    Global Chess League Board chairperson Peeyush Dubey said, “We will continue to leverage the Global Chess League’s innovative format and next-gen technologies to captivate and engage fans worldwide. The second edition is seeing unprecedented excitement from our partners and stakeholders. Together with FIDE, our vision for the league is to bring the best from the chess world.”

    The second season will see FIDE and Tech Mahindra collaborate to tap into the growing chess fan base, build a larger audience for chess viewing, and engage in exciting fan activities such as the ongoing all-inclusive hackathon. The hackathon engages with participants of all chess skill levels and technical expertise and collates ideas for improving the way chess is experienced, played, and consumed. Participants can propose ideas in various categories, including education, digital innovation, social impact, business, and arts, among others.