HAVAS GROUP INDIA You joined Havas Group India as CEO What makes Havas stand out from in October 2018. Can you tell us about other agencies in India? Tell us more your journey so far? about the transition from an agency to a nimble-footed network. When I joined the company, we were around 200 people with a limited footprint (3 agencies) Compared to the other networks, we started KEY INFO and a perception within the industry which was our journey in India quite late so the attempt extremely ambiguous. We required a dramatic has always been to have a different story and upheaval of who we were and how we were seenboth externally and internally.create a unique space for ourselves. From arelatively unknown agency, we have now become . 3 AGENCIES a network that is talked about positively, seen as JANUARY We started with fixing our core product, hiring thebest talent, creating interesting stories, focusingon clear business targets, integrating ouran effective partner in building brands, creatingeffective solutions while building a strong cultureof a work place that we are all proud of. 2019 200 PEOPLE acquisition agencies and finally forming a core . FEW CLIENTS team that stood together and delivered. For me We position ourselves as a new age integrated & AWARDS personally “growth” has been our utmost priority Village and the pitches that we are now being and winning new clients the mantra, which I have invited to are for the biggest names in the been driving relentlessly. Indian market which was rare before. Our The results have been spectacular. Today HavasGroup India is totally integrated and has overground-breaking industry initiatives, our thoughtleadership stories & reports, our proprietaryinsights, the fabulous set of versatile clients we 10 AGENCIES 1000 people working with 10 specialist agencies have on board and the emerging work we are 3 across 3 Villages (Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai) delivering for them all make us stand out. VILLAGES with a fantastic list of clients. In the space of just two years we have won over 75 new clients and And lastly, belonging to Vivendi leads to 1000+ . 62 awards! conversations and partnerships with our sister PEOPLE companies, and gives us a different story to tell. JANUARY It has been a team effort and the comingtogether of the Senior Leadership Team, from allWhat are the key lessons you 2021 25 MEMBERS INTHE SENIOR the group companies, especially in the last 12 have learned from the pandemic? . LEADERSHIP months, has helped in building a solid ecosystem. TEAM We have accomplished an amazing turnaround Stay focused on the task at hand and keep in one of the toughest markets, which will surelypay dividends in the long run.working steadily with the vision in mind. Romewas not built in a day. So the task of buildinga formidable and successful network needs 75+ CLIENTSNEW What are your focus areas in 2021? resilience, a calm and stable mind and a go- 62+ getter attitude. AWARDS Clients, talent and industry players now see us as a group that has fantastic skills, armed with The pandemic has taught us the art of being technology, craft & expertise, size & stature, and flexible - think of several ways to beat the curve thus able to compete with the more established and prepare for the unexpected. And above and larger agencies and legacy networks. all, stay positive, be a great listener, learn from others and definitely be a leader who proactively To keep this momentum going we have to be on takes decisions. our toes, be consistent in our deliveries, ensure we have the best talent and tools, stay hungry What brings you a ray of hope in these for more and not get complacent or slacken unpredictable times? HAVAS GROUP INDIA’S our efforts. “Tomorrow Is Another Day”… isn’t it? SPECIALIST AGENCIES Our focus areas will be to further consolidate as an integrated network, creating meaningful I am an eternal optimist. In our “Meaningful HAVAS MEDIA brand conversations and winning awards, Brands® 2020: COVID edition” study, India is 1 sharpening our core product group offerings, identified as one of the most optimistic countries 2 ARENA MEDIA adding new expertise to our portfolio, and driving in APAC, with 53.3% of consumers showing the CX, Sports & Entertainment, Marketplace, overwhelming optimism towards the country’s 3 TRIBES (OUT-OF-HOME) Health and Conran Design Group offerings (to economic growth. name a few), which are all clear differentiators 4 HAVAS CREATIVE and potential disruptors for us. I am confident we will all come out better and (INTEGRATED CREATIVE) stronger as a human race. Yes, it is a dramatic We have acquisition plans and multiple ongoing pause that is going to have a long-term impact conversations for Media and Creative. We have on the economy, businesses and our lives but I 5 SHOBIZ HAVAS certain identified gaps that will need to be filled will also add that humans are inherent survivors. (EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING) quickly and I see new domains, companies And together we will resurface and regain a lot and expertise getting added to provide greater of the things that we might temporarily lose 6 HAVAS CX strength to the overall ecosystem for the Group in along the way. So – chin up – and let’s get India to further set us apart in the market. going everyone… THINK DESIGN HAVAS 7 (DESIGN) 8 LANGOOR HAVAS (DIGITAL) CONRAN DESIGN GROUP 9 (BRANDING & DESIGN) HAVAS LIFE SORENTO 10 (HEALTHCARE) 35 DARE!