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Tag: Mohit Joshi

  • Havas Media Network India fuels innovation with pioneering research through latest whitepaper

    Havas Media Network India fuels innovation with pioneering research through latest whitepaper

    Mumbai: In a resounding declaration of intent, Havas Media Network India, the media arm of Havas India, has embarked on a relentless quest to craft innovative and meaningful intellectual properties (IPs) that resonate powerfully with brands and marketers navigating the ever-evolving advertising industry. This whitepaper marks a pivotal milestone in understanding the evolving Indian e-commerce landscape.

    At the vanguard of this mission stands its latest and extremely timely whitepaper – ‘Shaping Consumer Experiences: How India Buys & How Tech is Shaping E-Commerce Adoption & Experience.’ This whitepaper is an uncharted expedition into the heart of India’s e-commerce realm, where seismic technological innovations forge its destiny. The report is launched at a time when India is taking valiant strides in the retail and ecommerce sector which is likely to touch $2 trillion in the next decade (source BCG*).

    In an era of rapid digital transformation, where technology and e-commerce are central to consumer shopping behaviour, this whitepaper delves into the catalytic role of technologies such as immersive AR/VR, AI-driven chatbots, Web 3.0, and ONDC in empowering consumers and driving business growth.

    This whitepaper was unveiled at the 12th edition of TiE Delhi-NCR’s Internet Day 2023 (iDay 2023), an initiative dedicated to fostering an ecosystem of technopreneurs and investors, bringing together industry-leading tech visionaries.

    Conducted in collaboration with YouGov and NFX across 10 key markets, this research prioritizes the preferences of online shoppers and tech enthusiasts aged 18 to 45 years. Data collection employed a hybrid approach, encompassing computer aided web interviews and focused group discussions alongside personal interviews.

    The study offers a profound analysis of how Indian consumers are reshaping the e-commerce landscape and how technology serves as the driving force behind this transformation. It sheds light on evolving consumer behaviour patterns, preferences, and expectations, emphasizing technology’s pivotal role in shaping these experiences.

    With the proliferation of smartphones, accessible internet connectivity, and innovative digital platforms, e-commerce in India has witnessed an unprecedented surge. These factors not only fuel online shopping adoption but also redefine consumer interactions with brands, purchase decisions, and post-purchase experiences.

    Key Insights – What can brands do to enhance customer experience in an ever-evolving digital landscape:

    Tier-Based Shopping Patterns: The whitepaper uncovers distinct shopping behaviours across different city tiers in India. Urban areas prioritize convenience and variety, while smaller towns emphasize affordability and value. Brands are encouraged to tailor their marketing strategies to cater to these unique preferences.

    Rise of Social Commerce: Instagram and Facebook now play a pivotal role in brand discovery and engagement. Peer and influencer-generated content drive shopping decisions, effectively turning social media into a direct shopping platform. Brands are urged to harness this trend for enhanced credibility, trust, and engagement.

    Elevated Role of Direct-to-Consumer Brands (D2C): D2C brands are gaining momentum, particularly among younger consumers. Their authentic narratives and personalized products are capturing interest. Established brands should consider collaboration with D2C brands to align with evolving consumer choices.

    Technological Empowerment & Convenience: Technology is revolutionizing shopping by providing convenience and empowerment. Features like chatbots, voice assistants, and AR offer seamless assistance, immersive experiences, and instant information. Brands that effectively integrate these technologies can elevate customer experiences and foster brand loyalty.

    Commenting on the report, Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “The findings of this whitepaper emphasize the transformative power of technology in reshaping the retail landscape in India. As consumers embrace the convenience and possibilities offered by e-commerce, businesses must adapt to these changing dynamics. At Havas, we recognize the significance of these trends and remain committed to innovating strategies that bridge the gap between businesses and tech-savvy consumers. Our data-driven approach enables us to create resonant and meaningful connections, ensuring that brands thrive in this evolving business environment.”

    Havas Media India, chief strategy officer Sanchita Roy added, “Understanding the nuances of consumer behaviour at various city tiers is pivotal for brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences. The insights from this study underline the importance of localized strategies that align with distinct preferences. As the retail landscape evolves, customization of marketing approaches becomes a powerful tool for capturing consumer loyalty and driving growth.”

  • Havas Media Group bags Firefox’s integrated media mandate

    Havas Media Group bags Firefox’s integrated media mandate

    Mumbai: In a multi-agency pitch, Havas Media Group India won the integrated media mandate for Firefox, the top premium bicycle brand in India and a subsidiary of the Hero Cycles Group.

    The mandate includes responsibilities for offline & online  media, and SEO. The account will be handled by Havas Media Group managing partner (head-North1) Roopali Sharma in the agency’s Gurgaon location, under the direction of the company’s president & chief client officer Uday Mohan.

    Firefox, a global leader in the premium and mid-premium bike categories since its establishment in 2004, offers an extensive and exclusive range of luxury motorcycles and accessories.

    The company sells high-end, stylish mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes (or hybrid bikes), bikes for women, kids, & juniors, electric bicycles, and adventure & outdoor gear including backpacks, bike panniers & pouches, jerseys & t-shirts, and windcheaters & breakers.

    In addition to its e-commerce-enabled website, Firefox Bikes has more than 500 outlets and customer experience centres spread out across tier 1 and metro cities in India.

    Firefox Bikes CEO Sriram Sundresan said, “At Firefox, we are driven by a passion for biking and adventure. Being the pathbreakers, Firefox takes pride in revolutionising biking as a means of transformation, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in the adoption of biking as a preferred lifestyle choice. In Havas, we found a partner that shares a similar passion for connecting brands and consumers through meaningful media experiences. We are delighted to have them on board as our media partners and look forward to a great partnership.”

    Havas Media Group India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “We are proud to have bagged the integrated media mandate of Firefox, a niche category brand that has pioneered the growth of premium biking in India. With people getting increasingly aware of leading a healthy lifestyle and embracing sustainable ways of living, there has been a paradigm shift in the preferred mode of transportation – from conventional ICEs to EVs to bicycles. We look forward to an adventurous partnership by further strengthening the brand’s journey and its vision, as it forges meaningful connections with its consumers.”

  • Havas Media Group India elevates Uday Mohan as president & chief client officer

    Havas Media Group India elevates Uday Mohan as president & chief client officer

    Mumbai: Havas Media Group India on Monday announced the elevation of Uday Mohan to the role of president and chief client officer, effective immediately. This new announcement is aligned with Havas Group India’s vision of building strong leadership across each of its agencies, said the company.

    In this new role, Mohan will continue to report into Havas Media Group India CEO Mohit Joshi. “I have completed 15 years with Havas Media Group India, while Uday has spent 14 years. Uday is a friend, partner and key to the resurgence of the Media Group in the last few years,” said Joshi. “He has been working closely with me and the leadership team to turn around Gurgaon operations into one of the largest in India; and in scaling up the Mumbai operations by forging strong client relationships, wins with marquee clients such as Tata Motors CVBU, TVS Tyres, ACC & Ambuja Cement among others. I look forward to his continued support and leadership.”

    The elevation comes on the heels of Mohan’s stint of 14 years with Havas Media Group India, during which he has consolidated his role as an effective leader and a strong partner to several clients. Over the last few years, Mohan drove innovation, transformation, and meaningful media strategy for clients, during extremely volatile market conditions. It led Havas Media Group India to garner strong growth, increase market share, win prominent clients and many industry awards and recognition, the agency said in a statement.

    “We have been consolidating the senior leadership teams of each of our agencies. Going forward, these leaders will not only drive our business growth but will further fortify our vision of integration, enhance our reputation, and help secure greater milestones and accomplishments,” said Havas Group India Group CEO Rana Barua. “Uday’s experience and client partnerships make him the apt leader to drive this for HMG India with Mohit’s vision.”

    Commenting on his new role, Uday Mohan said, “I have spent a long innings with HMG India and witnessed the agency go through several transformations. However, the innovations, integration and collaborations in the past three years have been unprecedented and put us in the top league in the country. I thank the group for empowering with newer challenges and look forward to working with the leadership team, many wonderful clients and colleagues, launching newer expertise, to consolidate our strengths further.” 

  • Star Sports successfully launches Picture in Picture ad format during Roland Garros

    MUMBAI: The date: 10 June 2021. The event: the first of the women’s semi-finals of the French Open between two debutantes Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Tamara Zidansek. The channel: Star Sports. The Russian seeded 31 in the world has just lost her first game to her competitor from Slovenia and the latter walks to her chair by the side of the court. 
     
    Tennis fans glued to their television at home are pleasantly surprised to see the appearance on their screens of two windows side by side – one showing Zidanesk as she wipes her racket off court, and the other a car commercial featuring world no 1 Novak Djokovic, followed by Rafael Nadal, and then Roger Federer, intercut with a Renault driving through water, ending with the auto maker’s logo and its association with the French Open telecast on Star Sports. Once, the TVC ends, the two windows give way to the match’s proceedings full screen. 
     

     

     

    Welcome to TV advertising innovation in 2021.  And this is one that India’s leading sports broadcaster Star Sports is especially proud of. Called Picture in Picture (PIP), it got a buy-in from car maker Renault India which was the presenting sponsor of the tournament’s telecast.   Put simply, PIP is a non-intrusive technique of playing an advertiser’s marketing commercial during live sports telecasts, when the ball is not in play. Despite not being a natural break, it provides unparalleled commercial stimulus during a live game.
     
    The marketers at Renault India not only took advantage of this first-time asset but they enthusiastically supported it as an extension of their own passion for creating experiences through technology, along with OMD India. Star Sports too pitched in and created a co-branded promo creative to showcase Renault’s brand and its association for a heightened visual treat.
     
    According to Renault India lead marketing communications Hardik Shah, the PIP option works very well for the brand. He was recently quoted in a publication as saying: “It helps break clutter, makes us stand out on live content, and builds association with the product (tennis), which usually is not offered in other premium sports. Though this is a classic advertising route, it puts across the message in a very subtle way without disturbing the audiences. If you have noticed, Renault India has not played a quintessential TVC in the PIP. Rather we chose to air an association promo that strengthens our relationship with Roland Garros and tennis as a sport overall through Star Sports.” The folks at Star Sports – like the druids of old – are constantly brewing up new potions in their AdTech labs in their endeavour to provide advertisers and agencies sticky ad solutions and give them further mileage for their spends on live sports.
     
    Yes, some may say PIP appears highly disruptive; its utilisation makes what many have considered a pipedream a reality: it makes an advertiser’s communication unmissable. It presents to them high-quality attention as viewers’ eyes are bound to stayed glued on the TV screen during the live telecast. To top it all, the team at Star Sports, along with the brand and the agency, works to co-create clutter-breaking custom creatives.

    SaysHavas Media CEO Mohit Joshi, a keen sports enthusiast: “We are brand custodians and we are constantly on the lookout for innovations in broadcast commercial advertising which would give us the comfort that spots and communications are indeed being watched by the multi-tasking TV viewer at home. Any innovation which enables this at a cost-effective price is welcome.”

    Agrees Indian Television Dot Com founder, CEO & editor in chief, Anil Wanvari who is an avid sports fan. “Overall, it’s a fantastic stickiness generating option that the Star Sports team has innovated. To some extent, TVCs have become a bit of a blind spot for viewers who have been locked at home for the past 16 months. Content and communications coming on a split screen together, will ensure that viewers don’t skip to another channel, and give a better guarantee that the advertiser’s money is well spent in terms of ROI.” 
     
    “Normally, I get irritated when I see commercials breaking up the play on the courts,” says 25-year-old Mumbai-based sports and automobile enthusiast Rohan Ghaneriwal. “I was watching the semi-final match between Nadal and Djokovic when there was this moment when both the court as well as a TVC was running simultaneously on screen. I was quite excited by it, as I wanted to know more about Renault’s car and watch the tennis court as well. I think more and more brands should take this route.”

    Indeed, Indian marketers and advertising agencies have a chance to fulfil Rohan’s wish and take advantage of this path breaking first time ad solution in the coming days. Star Sports has made PIP available to them and their brands for the mother of Grand Slams which starts on 28 June – the All England Lawn Tennis Championship at Wimbledon – and during the telecast of the next season of the Premier League. Both of course are premium tournaments and have a loyal cult following with fans swearing by the players vying for the title. 
     

  • Havas Media Group India announces key elevations for senior management

    Mumbai: Havas Media Group India on Monday announced several new elevations and promotions, as it gears up to accelerate its growth across key markets in the country.

    This year, the focus of the agency has largely been on the product offering and thus investing in people and consolidating client businesses under the global Mx operating system. “Mx is Havas’ new way of activating the most meaningful media to the audience for all clients. This transformation ensures higher focus on clients, better omni channel planning and a seamless workflow right from client briefs to business results, whilst

    keeping the audience and consumer behaviour at the centre of all planning exercise,” the agency said on Monday.

    North: Delhi/Gurgaon is one of the largest business units of Havas Media Group India with clients ranging from auto, consumer durables, real-estate to fashion, F&B and hospitality sectors among others. The north operations have been consolidated under two unit heads – Roopali Sharma, who completes eight long years, and Harbir Singh, who completes six years. They have been promoted as managing partners – Delhi. Chandradeep Kumar completes five years and has been promoted to senior vice president (Delhi).

    West: Mumbai will be led by Manish Sharma, previously vice president -Delhi as executive vice president & head – Mumbai. He has been with the organisation for over five years. Both North and West continue to report to president, north and west India Uday Mohan, who has been a pillar at the agency for the last 13 years. 

    South: Bangalore, which is another fast-growing market for Havas Media Group India with new-age clients such as Swiggy, Gamezy, MyGate and the recent win of Ola, will continue to be led by Saurabh Jain. He has been with the agency for over six years and has been promoted as managing partner – south.

    Digital: Rohan Chincholi is now elevated to head of digital to oversee and consolidate the overall digital business/services across markets, as the agency strengthens its digital footprint in the region through its new Mx methodology that combines both consumer insight and data. This is Chincholi’s second stint at Havas Media. He re-joined the agency in 2017.

    Saurabh and Rohan continue reporting to CEO, Havas Media Group, Mohit Joshi.

    Commenting on the re-organisation, Joshi said, “Continuing to invest in people as we reaffirm our focus on Mx operating system and four Ps – Product, People, Pitches and Passion, I am excited to announce the promotions for these deserving leaders. They have been with us for a long time, tireless with their efforts and commitment in what has been one of the toughest years to help Havas Media reach greater heights. We are confident that going forward this team of emerging leaders will continue to help us become a more agile and robust media group.”

  • Havas Group India announces senior management elevations

    Havas Group India announces senior management elevations

    Mumbai: Havas Group India has announced key elevations in its senior management team for Havas Media and Havas Creative. The elevations come as part of the group's overall growth strategy of identifying and acknowledging talent and leaders who have played a crucial role in the growth of the company.

    Erstwhile Havas Media managing partner — north and west Uday Mohan has been promoted to president — north and west. 

    Mohan has been with Havas Media for the last 13 years. He has been instrumental in building the Gurgaon operations of Havas Media Group into one of the largest operations in NCR. In spite a very difficult 2020, he was able to grow both the Gurgaon and Mumbai operations with key client acquisitions like ACC Cement, and most recently the esteemed Domino’s Pizza win.

    Havas Media national head buying R Venkatasabubramanian will now be president and national head investments. 

    Venkat has been associated with Havas Media Group for the last two years. He has been able to put Havas Media Group among the top media buyers in the country and built a very strong investment team across markets.

    Havas Creative managing partner – north Manas Lahiri has been elevated to president – north. 

    Lahiri has been with Havas for over two years and has astutely managed the turnaround of the Gurgaon Creative Operations in one of the most demanding and challenging markets. From stabilising the biggest relationship with Reckitt Benckiser which includes brands like Durex, Vanish, Harpic, Mortein, Veet to acquiring new clients like William Grant & Sons, Suzuki, Fortis, Norton, Hike, and finally Dabur Honey and many others, he has delivered exceptional results.

    Mohan and R Venkat will continue to report to Havas Media Group India CEO Mohit Joshi, and Lahiri will continue to report to  Havas Group India group CEO Rana Barua.  

    Rana Barua said “ I am excited to announce well deserved key elevations from our Havas Group Senior Leadership team, that will further accelerate growth and enhance the value proposition of our organisation and take the agency to greater heights. 2020 has been a challenging yet very satisfactory year for the agency in terms of clients, revenue, awards, and fame. I look forward to Uday, Manas and Venkat to soar higher and take us to even greater achievements and targets.” 

  • #Throwback2020: Rejigs in the Indian marketing world

    #Throwback2020: Rejigs in the Indian marketing world

    NEW DELHI: Change is the only constant, and 2020 was a year of change. Big ones.On personal and professional fronts, both. Folkspicked up new skills, explored previously untried things, made self-discoveries. The trend reflected in the way people moved across industries, looking for fresh challenges and opportunities – looking for change. The marketing and advertising industry was also no stranger to this. There were a number of movements within agencies, some also chose alternate industries to grow, and many others were promoted to new roles. Here is part one of an intensive overview of how the year fared for the marketing and advertising world in terms of people movements, appointments, and elevations: 

    The year started with WatConsult founder Rajiv Dingra vacating the CEO chair and taking up an advisory role in the agency from the house of dentsu International (earlier Dentsu Aegis Network). He was replaced by Heeru Dingra. Rajeev went on to launch a new venture, RD&X Network, later in the year. 

    Next, Cheil India social media strategist Abhishek Mudgal exited from the agency to join Cars24 as brand manager -digital. Erstwhile CCO south-east and south Asia and VC – India at Ogilvy Sonal Dabral moved on from the creative powerhouse after a two-and-half-year stint to start his journey as an independent creative consultant. 

    Sonal Dabral

    Another big exit from the agency world came whenHavas Media India and SEACEO Anita Nayyar ended her 13-year-long journey with the agency. She later joined Zee5 as head – customer strategy and relationships. Following her exit, Mohit Joshi was elevated to the India leadership role. 

    Anita Nayyar

    The next big transition was made by Anita Kotwani. She left the post of SVP – new business and client lead, The Walt Disney Business at Mindshare India, ending a 16-year-long relationship with the agency, and headed to Carat India as its CEO. 

    Anita Kotwani

    Most recently, Nabendu Bhattacharyya, an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience in the Indian out-of-home (OOH) space, stepped down as CEO and MD of Milestone Brandcom, the India-based OOH specialist agency from the house of dentsu international. He is moving on to follow his personal interests after spending six years with the network. 

    Another exit from dentsu International came earlier in the year with Isobar India’s chief growth officer Shekhar Mhaskar departing the company. Also, Dentsu India CCO Malvika Mehra bid adieu to the network to begin afresh as an independent creative director and brand consultant.  

    Malvika Mehra

     

    Dentsu roped in Rohit Mukherjee as creative director, south for Isobar India. Prior to this, Mukherjee was associate creative director with Bates India. 

    A slew of exits happened at Publicis Worldwide India too. Managing director for the company’s India operations including Publicis Ambience, Publicis Capital, Publicis Beehive, Publicis Health and Publicis Business Srija Chatterjee left as the group dissolved the position. CCO and MD Ajay Gahlout also stepped down from his position to pursue personal interests. Chief strategy officer and managing partner Neeraj Bassi also called it quits in 2020. He went on to join Havas Group India as the chief strategy officer. 

    Neeraj Bassi

    On the other hand, Publicis announced the appointment of Sanju Menon as chief operating officer of Publicis Ambience and Publicis Beehive. He joined from Leo Burnett India, where his last role was as executive vice president managing the entire Bajaj portfolio for the agency. The group also roped in Deepak Pant as head, data science practice, from Cognizant where he worked as the director AI & analytics of the digital business.

    GroupM, South Asia COO and CFO Sridhar Ramasubramanian on boarded as the CFO for Publicis Groupe, South Asia. The group appointed Mimi Deb to lead its dedicated bespoke unit platformGSK. 

    Simultaneously, Rachana Lokhande, co-chief executive officer (CEO) of GroupM-owned outdoor agencyKinetic India, chose to resign from her position. She was replaced by Ajay Mehta who took on the additional charge as MD – Kinetic along with the post of managing director of cinema (ITV). Mehta also joined the GroupM India executive committee (ExCo).

    Wavemakar also found its South Asia CEO in Ajay Gupte, who was earlier the COO for Wavemaker India, after Kartik Sharma moved on to join Omnicom Media Group as Chief Executive for India operations,

    Ajay Gupte

    In another internal rejig within the GroupM network, Mindshare Fulcrum SVP Premjeet Sodhi joined Wavemaker India as chief growth officer. He was soon elevated to the post of chief strategy officer. Mindshare chief innovation officer – South Asia Mac Machaiah was appointed as the lead of Wavemaker unit for ITC business. Vishal Jacob returned to Wavemaker India as chief digital officer, after close to two years with GroupM as a principal consultant – change planning and transformation. Additionally, Sandeep Pandey, who led product and strategy, was elevated as Wavemaker’s global head of analytics.

    Additionally, Mirum India brought on board former 82.5 Communications SVP Mohit Ahuja as the director of brand strategy and client services. 

    To be continued… 
     

  • Mohit Joshi elevated to CEO, Havas Media Group

    Mohit Joshi elevated to CEO, Havas Media Group

    Mumbai: Havas Group India has announced the elevation of Mohit Joshi to CEO of Havas Media Group with immediate effect. This appointment comes as part of the acceleration of the group's overall growth strategy.

    Prior to this Mohit was MD Havas Media Group. He will continue to report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India.

    Mohit’s 13+years at Havas Media Group has seen the agency grow exponentially. A seasoned media professional with 20+ years of experience in the industry, he has worked on a wide range of categories and brands. He has successfully straddled strategic planning, AOR management, buying functions and led multi-disciplinary teams across offices for the last many years. Some of the brands include Hyundai, Kia, Swiggy, Tata Motors, Voltas, Voltas Beko, TVS Tyres, Taj Hotels, amongst others.

    Mohit is a close observer of industry trends, he is a speaker and moderator at various leadership events including HT Leadership series, Media 360, ad:tech India, IAMAI, e-Tailing India, e4m Conclave, BW BusinessWorld; a judge at awards including Young Cannes, Spikes Asia; contributes to varied publications and is an advisory member of the MMA Forum India. Mohit is also in the mancom of AAAI and IAMAI and is actively involved in many other leading bodies.

    Havas Group Chairman and CEO – India and southeast Asia Vishnu Mohan said, “I have had the privilege of welcoming Mohit to Havas almost 14 years ago. A true dynamic leader with an in-depth understanding of consumers, brands, and the changing media landscape. 

    Mohit’s experience and long association with Havas makes him an ideal choice for the leadership role, as we look to significantly scale our presence in the media space.” 

    Barua said, “Over the last few years, Mohit has not just driven existing clients and business but has also played a lead role in driving the growth for the agency. He is a passionate and a visionary business leader, who brings invaluable expertise. His long-term vision coupled with his acumen will help us make a more meaningful difference to brands and consumers. I am happy that its Mohit who will leadHavas Media Group into the next phase of growth.”

    Joshi said, “In today’s dynamic and evolving business environment, Havas overall is undergoing a massive change to stay differentiated, relevant and meaningful. I’m excited to take on this huge responsibility and new responsibilities and combating the challenges during this crucial time and I look forward to the next chapter working closely with Rana, the senior management of Havas Group India, my wonderful colleagues and clients and the entire team across the region and all our global offices.”