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Tag: R. Venkatasubramanian

  • 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).

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • Brands align their festive calendar as IPL 14 resumes

    Brands align their festive calendar as IPL 14 resumes

    Mumbai: The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 14 finally resumed on Sunday with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beating Mumbai Indians (MI) in the first match. The cricket bonanza, which got suspended mid-way in May due to the second wave of Covid has returned to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yet again, with Star Sports telecasting all the live-action.

    Despite the brief hiatus, the channel has managed to board a strong lineup of broadcast and streaming sponsors for the second leg of the tournament. For broadcast partners, Star has roped Dream11, PhonePe, BYJUs, Ajio, and JioFiber as ‘co-presenting’ sponsors and Bingo, Kamla Pasand, Mutual Funds Sahi Hai, Asian Paints, CRED, Prime Video, Dairy Milk, Thums Up, Garnier Men, and Upstox as ‘associate’ sponsors.

    Its streaming partners include Dream11 as ‘co-presenting sponsor’; Vimal Pan Masala and Upstox are ‘powered by’ sponsors; and Unacademy, PhonePe, Mutual Funds Sahi Hai, Livespace, Swiggy, Amazon.in, Volkswagen, and Fresh To Home have joined as ‘associate’ sponsors.

    There is Deja-vu, as the celebrated cricket league is once again being held in the second half of the year coinciding with the festive season. Advertising spends traditionally see a surge twice in the calendar year coinciding with the IPL in H1 during March-May and with the festive season in H2 between September-November.

    Many strategic factors determine brand associations with the IPL. Some brands want to piggyback on the enormous reach garnered by the T20 series. Others may associate with the tournament because it fits the brand ethos. There is a multitude of industry-related factors that marketers take into consideration. For example, food delivery brands associate with IPL because average order volumes generally spike when cricket matches are being played.

    The timing of the IPL is another important factor to consider. For example, beverage brands which are traditionally one of the top advertisers on IPL, associate with the sports property because it coincides with the peak summer months. Similarly, paint brands also associate with IPL as many consumers plan to paint their homes during summer before the monsoon begins.  

    According to the data provided by TAM Sports, a division of TAM Media Research, over 100 brands were advertised on the IPL 2019 and 2020 editions out of which 56 were common categories. The top advertiser categories during IPL 2019 were mobile handsets, auto, digital wallets, beverage, online gaming brands, paints, perfumes/deodorant, food/grocery delivery, pan masala, and OTT/social media brands.

    The category contribution among the top ten advertisers did not change significantly during IPL 13 with seven brands in common, however, the digital brands increased their share of overall spends. The top advertisers included mobile handsets, online gaming, digital wallets, OTT/social media, ed-tech, telecom, e-commerce, auto, pan masala, and beverage brands.

    It should be noted that the top ten advertisers of IPL 12 and 13 contributed 55 per cent and 61 per cent of ad volumes, respectively.

    Ad volumes of categories such as perfume/deodorant and air conditioners saw an obvious decline at 97 per cent and 96 per cent, respectively when IPL 13 no longer coincided with the summer season. Similarly, beverage brands also saw degrowth of 55 per cent.

    The mobile handset category, which was the top advertiser for both the 12 and 13 editions, saw an ad volume decline of 46 per cent for the 13th edition because Vivo, one of the top advertisers, was missing from the tournament. Auto advertiser’s ad volumes decreased by 54 per cent due to stress in the overall sector.

    The ad volumes for e-commerce and telecom grew tremendously by 400 per cent and 300 per cent, respectively, capitalising on the transition to digital forced by the pandemic conditions. Categories such as ed-tech, OTT/social media, and online gaming increased their ad volumes by 75 per cent, 32 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, to ride the digital wave.

    “This phase of IPL 2021 is going to be equally big or supersede phase one in terms of ratings and revenue. The entry cost is relatively very less considering it’s a high-impact property that is coinciding with the festival period once again, hence it will be bigger for advertisers than last year. We estimate that the overall festive spends would increase by 20-25 per cent over 2020,” said Havas Media Group India, president, and national head, R. Venkatasubramanian.

    According to a study by Havas Media and YouGov, during the first leg of IPL 14 (2021), e-commerce category was the top advertiser for the tournament followed by consumer durables and the auto sector. Food delivery, online gaming, and ed-tech brands were also highly visible during the tournament.

    “Every category is going gung-ho to advertise on cricket and its offshoots. Last year, Star Sports attached a premium to inventory because IPL was creating some kind of excitement for the ecosystem. This year’s edition would definitely see an increase in revenue realisation by 10-20 per cent over last year. Advertisers won’t be deterred by the fact that the tournament has been scheduled for the second half of the year. In fact, brands will have a tougher time with recall as a lot more advertisers are fighting to be associated with IPL,”said SYSKA Group, chief marketing officer, Amit Sethiya.

  • Havas Media India appoints R Venkatasubramanian as national head of investments

    Havas Media India appoints R Venkatasubramanian as national head of investments

    MUMBAI: Havas Media India has announced the appointment of R Venkatasubramanian as national head of investments. Venkat joins the agency from Initiative Media where he was serving as senior vice president.

    A former Havas employee, Venkat has over 22 years of experience in advertising specialising in media buying. He has worked with clients across sectors such as Maruti, Suzuki Motor cycle, DishTV, RB, MG Motor, Usha International and InfoEdge.

    In his new role, Venkat will be based out of Gurgaon and will be responsible for driving media investments, partnerships, and strategic thinking for all Havas Media clients across markets.

    Commenting on his appointment, Havas Media Group CEO – India and Southeast Asia Anita Nayyar said, “Venkat is an accomplished, seasoned professional, with his rich experience of over two decades, Venkat will ensure that the complex media environment is well navigated and negotiated for Havas Media clients. Collaboration is the cornerstone of our unified operating model, allowing us to deliver 100 per cent accountability and ideas that flourish without boundaries. Havas Media has the team, capabilities and is well positioned to be a data-cum-content driven media partner to brands across sectors driving their overall marketing and goal strategy. We wish Venkat a happy homecoming!”

    “We are delighted to have Venkat back with us once again. Havas Media has been growing at a phenomenal rate over the years. We have always been keen to get great professionals who have made a mark in the industry. Venkat is one such person who has contributed phenomenally in building brands through the creation of innovative media associations. We are looking forward to using his experience and commitment to develop our brand partnerships further,” added Havas Media Group MD – India Mohit Joshi.

    Venkat said, “I am motivated to come back to Havas Media as the company is open to innovative and creative ideas. My focus will be to drive new and dynamic properties across media with an added focus in the sports arena to ensure that our brands get the best ROI under the guidance of Havas’ senior management.”