MAM
Abhishek Bansal resigns as Chief Financial Officer of Just Dial
Long-serving finance head steps down after more than 12 years with the company.
MUMBAI: Just Dial is saying goodbye to a key numbers man after more than a decade of balancing the books. Just Dial Limited has announced the resignation of Abhishek Bansal as Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel, effective from the close of business hours on 15 April 2026. The departure is based on personal career considerations, including his intention to take a short professional break and explore opportunities outside the company.
Bansal had been associated with Just Dial for over 12 years, including more than eight years as its Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure, he handled a wide range of responsibilities encompassing finance, corporate strategy, business analytics, accounting, audit, legal, taxation, treasury, compliances, and investor relations. He also served as Whole-time Director on the company’s board from October 2019 to September 2021.
The company placed on record its deep appreciation for his contributions and services rendered.
Before joining Just Dial, Bansal worked as an Equity Research Analyst at Credit Suisse and as a Derivatives Trader at Jaypee Capital. He holds an MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.
In a crisp note to the company, Bansal confirmed that his resignation is not connected with the company’s operations, financial reporting, audit processes, governance matters, or any other material reason.
Just Dial has not yet announced a successor for the role.
After more than 12 years of steering the financial ship at Just Dial, Abhishek Bansal is ready to chart a new course. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the company’s finance leadership.
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
