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Tag: Havas Group

  • With key appointments

    Havas Worldwide India strengthens strategy team

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Worldwide India, the creative arm of Havas India, has strengthened its strategy and account planning teams across its Mumbai and Gurugram offices with two key appointments. Mohini Varma has joined as Executive Vice President & Planning Head – North, and Jasravee Kaur Chandra has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Havas Worldwide India. Both will report to Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Worldwide India, and will be based out of Gurgaon and Mumbai, respectively.

     

    Anirban Mozumdar
    Anirban Mozumdar

    Commenting on the appointments, Anirban Mozumdar, said: “It is a very exciting time for Havas Worldwide India as we make even bigger strides in our growth journey. I’m beyond thrilled to welcome such impressive strategic thinkers with proven track-records as Mohini and Jasravee to our team. Mohini’s insights are the investment we need for our key clients to rise to the challenges of the new-age consumer and propel us in the right direction in our endeavour of providing integrated solutions. In Jasravee, we find the right blend of experience and thought leadership, which will be instrumental in nurturing and building on our strategic ability from a consumer, data, and integration perspective.”

     

  • We could see a shift into an eco-cool era

    Prosumer Report 2023: Go frugal to save planet

    By Our Staff

     

    The Havas Group unveiled the Havas 2023 Prosumer Report that polled over 12,929 people across 30 markets including India, Brazil, China, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. Prosumers are today’s leading influencers and market drivers. They have been a focus of Havas studies for two decades.

     

    Speaking about the findings, Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Creative India said: “As the world embraces Joyful frugality, the Prosumer Report notes that Indians are ahead of the forefront of the curve. From cultural belief to an urgent need to preserve the planet in crisis, Indian prosumers want to witness the influence of their contributions and make frugal choices not for the sake of value, but for the greater good. What’s even more interesting is their willingness to accept government directives, even they are hard ones. Prosumers also view brands and companies as the most responsible and capable of making the greatest impact.”

     

    Our findings show that less is more, notes a communique. Key findings include:

    :: In India, 84% prosumers believe that bigger institutions like brands & businesses, local communities, and government bodies are responsible for causing climate change.

    :: The motivation to adopt a frugal lifestyle is driven by a desire for a healthier way of living (89%) and ecological concerns (70%) more than economic reasons (47%).

    :: 93% Indians prosumers agree that they will act towards the environment when they can measure the impact of their actions.

    :: 70% Indian Prosumers feel that we must impose rules, even hard ones, and not wait for everyone’s good will.

    :: To live in a more frugal world, we must ban advertising for Fossil Fuel companies (51%), Big promotional events (45%), Fast Fashion (36%), Meat (35%), Plane & Plane companies (28%) and Cars (22%).

    :: Prosumers are willing to adopt a frugal lifestyle by saving energy (82%) and reducing their consumption (61%) but are not willing to compromise on lifestyle experiences such as consuming meat or traveling on long-haul flights.

    :: In India, consumers perceive that solution to climate issues will emerge through new technology (69%) rather than changing their behaviour (31%).

     

  • Consolidates the network's expertise in music, sports, gaming, etc

    Havas Group launches ‘Havas Play’ brand globally

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Group unveils Havas Play, a new global network that will earn consumers’ attention and create enduring business impact through meaningful experiences at the intersection of entertainment, sports, technology, and fandom.

     

    In India, three entities, Havas Sports and Entertainment and Havas Content, both of which are part of Havas Media Group India, and Cake India, which is part of Havas Creative India, will combine and rebrand as Havas Play.

     

    R Venkatasubramanian, President and National Head of Investments, Havas Media Group India, has been given the additional responsibility to lead Havas Play in India. Havas Play will be part of the Havas Media Group India network, which is led by Mohit Joshi as its Chief Executive Officer. Under the new structure, Arun Kumar Rao, Senior VP, Prachi Narayan, Vice President and Rajika Mittra, Managing Partner, will report to Venkat and will manage Sports, Content and Entertainment mandates, respectively.

     

    Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas Group, said: “Only Havas can maximize the real opportunity of Play for brands. The launch of this global network to activate consumer passions is something we are truly best positioned to do through our Villages in bringing together the range of skills, tools and services needed to succeed in activating brands in meaningful ways, and our completely unique position within Vivendi as a global leader in entertainment. Clients of Havas Play will have unparalleled access to create meaningful experiences in collaboration with the cultural influencers that command their consumers’ attention and passion.”

     

    Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India, added: “At Havas, we are constantly striving to assist clients in navigating the ever-changing and dynamic advertising and marketing industry by breaking down silos and creating more integrated solutions. The launch of Havas Play is a significant step in that direction. Havas Play will leverage Vivendi and Havas Group resources and has a distinct advantage that shapes core components of the planning process, such as custom data and insight from across Vivendi on fan behaviour, global music, film, gaming, and publisher IP access, and collaboration with top talent from the culture and media sphere. We saw a huge opportunity in sports, culture, and entertainment in India over the years and launched Havas Sports and Entertainment, Havas Content, and Cake India.I am confident that by joining the forces of these three entities, Havas Play becomes a first-ever and one-of-a-kind offering in India.”

     

  • To lead the strategy function of Havas

    Havas Creative India appoints Anirban Mozumdar as CSO

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Creative India has announced the appointment of Anirban Mozumdar as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), close on the heels of appointment of Tarun Jha as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Anirban will lead the strategy function of Havas Creative India. Based out of the Gurgaon village, he will work closely with Tarun and Anupama Ramaswamy, CCO, Havas Worldwide India.

     

    Said Bobby Pawar, Chairman, Chief Creative Officer at Havas Group: “At Havas, we believe that the future belongs to brands that make a meaningful difference to people and the societies, and our conviction is supported by the results of our annual global Meaningful Brands study. Anirban has extensive advertising and marketing consulting expertise and a passion for high-impact solutions, which is why we are thrilled to have him lead Havas Creative India’s strategic function.”

     

    Tarun Jha, CEO, Havas Creative India, added: “Havas Creative India has been scripting an incredible growth story over the last few years. From a single-client agency, Havas Creative India has grown to a network of 6 agencies. Our diversified portfolio of offerings are exactly what marketers are looking for in this constantly evolving industry, and we will be bringing in more specialist divisions soon. Anirban’s induction will further strengthen the team, alongside Bobby and Anupama, our two strong creative pillars, to propel us into a new era of growth.”

     

  • Report findings indicate that 70% of Gen Z believes in socially conscious brands

    Havas Group concludes internship programme with Gen Z Report 2022

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Group recently concluded the second edition of its flagship internship programme, Havas Spark, and launched the intern-led Havas Spark 2.0 Gen Z Report 2022.

     

    Vandana Tilwani
    Vandana Tilwani

    Said Vandana Tilwani, CHRO, Havas Group India: “The programme is meticulously designed so that the newcomers are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their respective disciplines as well as challenged to go the extra mile by engaging with clients via live projects. This experience not only gives the interns a taste of how the industry operates but is also a conscious effort on the part of Havas Group India to pump fresh voices and perspectives back into the industry. The experience of working on the Gen Z 2022 Report has been a key element in the overall learning journey of the SPARKs.  Our effort is to provide as much real experience as possible in these 6 months which is why the whole programme has been designed to ensure that the transition into a full-time role is seamless and natural.”

     

    Sanchita Roy
    Sanchita Roy

    Commenting on the findings of the Gen Z 2022 Report, Sanchita Roy, Head – Strategy, Havas Media Group India, added: “Gen Z is perhaps one of most misunderstood generations of our times and probably the most enigmatic at the same time. In keeping with our philosophy of finding meaningfulness in everything we do; we launched the second edition of our Gen Z study with the Havas SPARK interns this year. The study, divided in two parts, not only explores Gen Z’s relationship with brands and media but also busts some of the myths surrounding them. The report will help brands not only make a meaningful difference but also plan more effectively, as they try to forge stronger and better connections with this digitally native audience with a natural penchant for quick changes.”

     

  • Opening up new opportunities for brands and talent

    Havas Group opens its first virtual village in the metaverse

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Group has planted its flag in The Sandbox, opening up new opportunities for brands and talent. It now owns a plot of virtual land in The Sandbox video game where it plans to inaugurate its first virtual Village (the 69th Havas Village).

     

    Said Yannick Bolloré, Chairman & CEO, Havas Group: “The metaverse provides a wealth of new media and new opportunities for the communications sector and for brands. Whether the aim is to create original and meaningful experiences, reach out to new target audiences, or simply reinforce an existing bond, the possibilities are practically endless. Havas Group can count on a cutting-edge team of metaverse experts to lead this new venture and expertly guide brands into and around these virtual worlds. Our new Havas Village will be a ‘meta-flagship’ for the Group, drawing all our engaged communities together in an enriched extension of our bricks-and-mortar Villages.”

     

    Added Céline Merle-Beral, Global Chief HR Officer, Havas Group: “With Havas now a player in The Sandbox, we are banking on the metaverse because we are convinced of its potential in terms of accessing creative and innovative profiles, with highly sought-after skills ranging from tech to data. In doing so, the Group is enhancing its employer brand, offering an enriched candidate experience, and breaking new ground in our campus management strategy. The metaverse is a fantastic opportunity for us to attract tomorrow’s top talent.”

     

  • She will head all operations of the company – which includes research and client relations

    Priyanka Mehra to head Comvergence ops in South Asia

    By Our Staff

     

    Journalist-turned-communications and marketing professional Priyanka Mehra has joined Comvergence Worldwide as Regional Director – South Asia.

     

    An awardwinning professional, Mehra has worked for nearly two decades in journalism, content marketing, communications and later marketing services of an agency network. She was until a few months back Chief Marketing Officer at the Havas group, and before that with Creativeland Asia and Exchange4media. Said to be among the most connected journalists in advertising and marketing services, Comvergence will see her head all operations of the company in South Asia, which includes research and client relations.

     

    Founded in 2016 by Olivier Gauthier, Comvergence offers research data and rankings and varied support for advertising agencies and advertisers at the global, regional and country level. Gauthier incidentally was Partner and headed research and advertiser relations at Recma for nearly 14 years. In 2019, GroupM broke off its association with Recma and aligned with Comvergence. Comvergence has leapfrogged and most large network have aligned with but, and but its equity can be expected to grow with Mehra’s entry.

     

  • The future of e-com is personalised, transparent and responsible, says report

    Havas Prosumer Report: on future of e-commerce

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Group announced the launch of its Prosumer Report, a global perspective on the future of e-commerce that captures information and insights on the sector, done through the network’s proprietary research tool. Drawing on responses from 3,000 consumers from India, Brazil, China, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the survey examined the upcoming trends in the e-commerce experience.

     

    Pritha Dasgupta
    Pritha Dasgupta

    Talking about the report, Pritha Dasgupta, CMO, Havas Group India, said: “Prosumer is Havas Group’s global report that is released 3 to 4 times every year, each one covering a specific topic. It is one of the longest-running thought leadership properties of Havas Group that has become instrumental in predicting emerging trends in consumer behaviour,” adding: “Over the last two years, digital adoption has been extremely fast and has become a way of life. If we specifically look at the e-commerce sector, it has become a breeding ground of innovation and in the last two years every leading company in this sector has grown aggressively. Our latest Prosumer Report gives a clear direction to the industry of where this e-commerce sector is headed, and also identifies trends of the sector.”

     

    As per a communique, the study notes that throughout the pandemic, e-commerce has clearly established itself as the new retail norm as more than eight in 10 prosumers say they prefer the online shopping experience over the traditional format of in-store purchasing. However, one out of three respondents claim that their e-commerce experiences are quite boring. Havas Group’s Prosumer report came up with a few ways to upgrade the e-commerce experience by:

     

    :: Focusing on new rules of eCommerce: This includes free shipping & returns, seamless & fast delivery, customer ratings, loyalty discounts and purchases recommendations.

     

    :: Having a purpose beyond clicks: e-commerce must be about more than just access, it is about curating products that are good for society.

     

    :: Being on the right side of data history: Privacy is gaining momentum so data education should be mandatory.

     

    :: Expanding from a place to buy to a place to socialise: As e-commerce is becoming more human and is moving to social, making the experience more community-driven will bring results.

     

    The report threw light on some India-specific trends:

     

    :: The rise in community shopping experience: Post-pandemic, the desire to replicate in-store/mall experience has led prosumers to seek community shopping experiences from the e-commerce industry. In this context, we see a spike in demand for services such as the ability to shop on social media (66%) and the ability to interact with fellow shoppers (68%).

     

    :: The era of Transparency: Contrary to popular euphemism, consumers are not averse to data sharing. In fact, they demand transparency regarding what data is being collected. In this context, we see 97% of the prosumers rating privacy as the key attribute and 83% ready to boycott brands that do not have a transparent data collection policy.

     

    :: Personalised experience: 68% of Prosumers expect their e-commerce shopping experience to be tailored through personalisation and AI.

     

    :: Rise in responsible e-commerce practices: 95% of prosumers demand eco-friendly packaging and 69% want to see e-commerce organisations commit to sustainable practices across the value chain.

     

    The Havas Group Prosumer report notes that e-commerce is no longer just about business transactions; it’s about customer empowerment and with the e-commerce market touching $84 billion in July 2021, this is a sector one just can’t ignore. Meeting the needs of consumers will ensure that the e-commerce sector moves from strength to strength. It’s where the future is.

     

  • Colors and Havas Group to partner discussion

    IAA to host discussion on gender sensitisation in media

    By Our Staff

     

    The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) will be hosting a high-powered virtual panel discussion with leaders of the marcom industry on July 27. The subject is Gender in media and the impact on children and their future.

     

    Said Megha Tata, MD- South Asia, Discovery Communications India and President, IAA: “A few weeks ago, we released the toplines of the results of a unique market research conducted on 1000 Indian advertisements by UNICEF and the Geena Davis Foundation. The IAA had facilitated this important research on gender representation in Indian advertising on July 27. UNICEF will present the results in depth, and then there will be a discussion on the implication of these findings on gender in media and the impact on children and their future. This will truly represent industry as the Voice of Change”.

     

    Speaking about the initiative, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18 and Co-Chair – Women Empowerment Committee, IAA said: “Conversations and actions go hand in hand when tackling an issue as important and nuanced as gender representation in media and its impact. We are thus bringing together leaders across the ecosystem who can not only identify the change in discourse needed but also have the power to actually bring about that change.”

     

    The panelists include Rana Barua (Hon’ Treasurer, AAAI & Group CEO, Havas Group, India), Subhash Kamath (Chairman, ASCI & CEO, BBH & Publicis Worldwide, India), Atit Mehta (Head of Marketing, BYJU’s), Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (Artist, Filmmaker and Writer), Kainaz Karmakar (Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India), Dr A L Sharada (Director, Population First), Nina Elavia Jaipuria, (Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18) & Shreyasi Jha (Senior Advisor – Gender Equality, UNICEF, New York)

     

    Added Shreyasi Jha, Senior Advisor – Gender Equality, UNICEF, New York: “Gender related stereotypes are formed at very young age and prevent adolescents and young people from reaching their full potential. Advertising and media, more broadly, plays a key role in forming and perpetuating stereotypes. UNICEF is delighted to be the knowledge partner with IAA and its members for this important event that is the beginning of a very important journey to promote positive gender roles and practices through advertising so every young person can live a life free from stereotypes and achieve their full potential.”

     

    The discussion has UNICEF as its knowledge partner, Colors as the industry partner, Havas Group as an associate partner and Clutter Cutters as the on-ground knowledge partner.

     

  • Geet Nazir will lead the team

    Havas brings Conran Design to India

    By Our Staff

     

    Havas Group India has brought in Conran Design Group to India. This will allow Havas’ clients to tap into Conran’s expertise in brand strategy, visual identity, branded environment, and packaging. The Indian team will be led by Geet Nazir, Managing Partner, Conran Design Group Mumbai.

     

    Rana Barua

    Said Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India: “We are very excited to join forces with Conran Design Group (CDG). This joint venture complements our aggressive growth strategy and our mission to create meaningful work for clients. CDG’s competitive advantage of building brand strategy with deep consumer insights will add an enviable strength to Havas Group’s portfolio. I am delighted to welcome Thom and the team to the Havas Group Family.”

     

     

    Thom Newton

    Added Thom Newton, CEO, Conran Design Group: “I’m very excited about this partnership. India has vibrant creativity at its heart and rich design heritage. The forward-looking Indian consumer demands that global brands re-imagine their experiences and build a relevant local connection. This creates the perfect opportunity to test the impact that design-driven brand experiences can have to inspire, engage, and build long-term brand loyalty. We are confident that this joint-venture with Havas Group will help us become an even stronger identity and we look forward to a meaningful journey ahead, together.”

     

    Conran Design Group (CDG) is part of the Havas Group at a global level, as is Havas Group India.  The communique for CDG however mentions the entry is thanks to a joint venture. We have reached Havas Group India for a clarification on the same and will update this report when we hear from it.

     

  • … to foster gender diversity and women leadership across all its group companies

    Havas launches ‘Women Who Inspire’ initiative

    By A Correspondent

     

    Havas Group India has kickstarted ‘Women who Inspire’, an initiative to foster gender diversity and women leadership. A core group has been formed which consists of members in senior roles, across the six Havas agencies. This core team will meet every alternate month to discuss key issues, opportunities, and changes relevant for the group as a whole and works towards recognising and celebrating the great work that women leaders do across the group.

     

    Said Rana Barua, Chief Executive Officer, Havas Group India: “Being diverse is all about enabling a culture that is conducive to freely express, share thoughts & perspectives. As we embark on this journey, we are excited about the potential cultural and mindset change that it can bring to the lives of women employees within Havas Group India. We see this as a step to bring about a huge transformation and one that will help us move in the direction of building a versatile workforce that is futuristic and aligned to the changing global world order and economy.”

     

    Added Vandana Tilwani, CHRO, Havas Group who is leading the initiative: “As we gear up for our next phase of (post-covid) growth at Havas, we have to adapt to a different way of working which involves merging of work and life, remote working and adapting to agile and flexible team structures. Becoming a gender-diverse organization, breaking of many fixed rules and taboos and thus encouraging more women leaders is not only important in creating a futuristic workplace, it is now a necessity in order to have a competitive advantage.”

     

    Members of the core committee:

    # Rana Barua, Chief Executive Officer, Havas Group India

    # Vandana Tilwani, Chief HR Officer, Havas Group India

    # Mohit Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, Havas Media Group India

    # Susan Josi, Managing Partner, Havas Life Sorento

    # Deepali Saini, Co-founder and Design Director, Think Design

    # Priyanka Mehra, Director Marketing and Communications, Havas Group India

    # Toral Shah, General Manager HR, Havas Group India

    # Sanchita Roy, Head – West, Havas Media

    # Geetika Thakur, Senior Vice President – Client Servicing, Havas Creative

    # Dr Rasika Bhat, Senior Manager Scientific Communications, Havas Life Sorento

    # Sreyashi Datta, Creative Director, Shobiz

    # Pavithra Eshwar, Head HR, Langoor Havas

     

     

  • He will continue to report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India

    Mohit Joshi is now CEO, Havas Media Group

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mohit Joshi

    We thought he was CEO of Havas Media already, but now it’s formal and official. Havas Group India has announced the elevation of Mohit Joshi to Chief Executive Officer of Havas Media Group with immediate effect. Prior to this, Joshi was Managing Director of Havas Media Group. He will continue to report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India.

     

    Joshi has spent over 13 years at Havas Media and has 20+ experience in the media. He is also in the mancom of AAAI and IAMAI and is actively involved in other industry bodies as well.

     

    Vishnu Mohan

    Added Vishnu Mohan, Chairman and CEO, Havas Group, India and Southeast Asia: “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.”

     

     

    Rana Barua

    Said Barua: “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 lead Havas Media Group into the next phase of growth.”

     

    Added Joshi: “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.”