Mumbai: Publicis Groupe India on Thursday announced that it has further strengthened its fast-growing content practice with the appointment of Hari Krishnan as managing director and head of Publicis Content.
Publicis Content is a strategic ‘horizontal’ practice which can be tapped into by any Publicis Groupe agency brand to deliver custom-created, multi-channel content solutions for brands. Its solutions span across content insight & strategy, social & influencer marketing, media content partnerships, publishing, and innovation in the metaverse and web 3.0.
Krishnan’s role involves bringing data-driven insight, platform content strategy, creative excellence, and seamless delivery to the rapidly expanding field of branded content. He will lead the Groupe’s expert teams of dedicated content specialists, as well as shape further the Groupe’s creative products, particularly around advice to brands about how to participate in culture.
He is a seasoned leader with a breadth of experience across creative, media, and integrated agencies, as well as most recently at his own strategic innovation consultancy, CultureDrum, where he collaborated on content innovation territories such as AR and gaming with India’s leading media agencies; co-created ‘Virtual Bharat,’ a culture-content channel; and worked with several start-up businesses on brand strategy and storytelling.
Prior to CultureDrum, Hari was managing director Zenith India; chief operating officer Cheil Worldwide; country head global team blue at WPP and executive director JWT. He has led large global brands such as PepsiCo, Samsung, Ford, and Nestlé.
Speaking on the appointment of Hari Krishnan, Publicis Groupe South Asia CEO Anupriya Acharya said, “Given that more and more brands are looking for newer, continuous storytelling formats, Publicis Groupe’s Content Practice is witnessing exceptional demand from advertisers for unique solutions at the intersection of media, data, and creativity. Hari, with his proven track-record and passion for content, is a perfect fit for the role, and I am sure that he will advance our content offering still further, through platform-fit ideation, data-led intelligence, strong IP leverage and innovation partnerships.”
Publicis Content Global chief content officer Mark Waugh said, “Hari’s a proven innovator with a unique blend of agency and independent start-up experience. As Publicis Groupe clients survey the new content battlefields of agile social content, immersive AR, gaming influencer marketing and the emerging metaverse, his leadership and technical expertise will show them where and how to win in their category.”
Hari Krishnan said, “This is an incredible opportunity, and I am excited to be joining Publicis Groupe India at a time of such great momentum, expansion, and growth. I look forward to bringing in best-of-breed content solutions and platform-native creativity for the Groupe’s outstanding roster of clients. The power of one model, encompassing capabilities like data, media, tech, and production, offers so much more potential for innovative, agile, and scaled content that elevates brands and helps them lead in a challenging, dynamic environment.”
Krishnan replaces Ravpreet Ganesh, who is now moving on from the Groupe. “Ravpreet’s contribution is invaluable. She’s played multiple roles within the Groupe over the years and has been integral to our growth and success. We thank her and wish her all the very best in future endeavours.” said Acharya.
