AD Agencies
Havas gets listed independently on Euronext Amsterdam
MUMBAI: It’s got its independence at last. Advertising and marketing services giant Havas today announced the successful listing of its ordinary shares on the regulated market of Euronext in Amsterdam under the ticker HAVAS. This follows the completion of its spin-off from Vivendi and the distribution of Havas’s ordinary shares to Vivendi shareholders on a one-for-one basis, approved by them at the combined general shareholders’ meeting on 9 December 2024.
Havas chairman & CEO Yannick Bolloré said: “The successful completion of Havas’s spin-off and listing on Euronext Amsterdam marks a pivotal step towards the realisation of our long-term vision. It gives us additional flexibility to accelerate our growth across our key business lines and strengthens our unique position within the dynamic marketing and communications industry. Our converged strategy, enhanced by exceptional talent, data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and targeted acquisitions, places us in the best possible position to be even more creative and strategic, and deliver robust financial performance, creating long-term value for our shareholders. I would like to thank our talented teams for all their hard work and commitment throughout this process, and all our clients for their trust.”
Through its converged strategy, has drawn up a three pronged way forward to drive growth, creativity and innovation by focusing on three key priorities:
1. Strategic acquisitions: Continue its disciplined approach to acquisitions, targeting high-growth markets and expanding its expertise in data analytics, digital transformation, and AI.
2. Investment in innovation: Prioritise the development of capabilities in data, technology, and AI to deliver cutting-edge solutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.
3. Increased Collaboration: Implement a group-wide operating system to fuse all Havas’ global expertise, tools and capabilities and further integrate its networks and agencies worldwide.
As disclosed at the capital markets day held on 19 November 2024:
* Havas is aiming to achieve an Adjusted EBIT margin ranging between 14 per cent and 15 per cent by no later than the financial year ending 31 December 2028. Havas is also aiming to generate contributions to net revenue from new acquisitions averaging between €40 million and €50 million per year over the medium term, driven by the execution of the group’s acquisition strategy.
* Havas believes it can achieve the following as of and for the year ending 31 December 2024:
o A change in net revenue on an organic basis ranging between a decrease of one per cent and no change, compared to the year ended 31 December 2023;
o Adjusted EBIT in excess of €330 million, reflecting management of operating expenses (such as personnel and travel expenses);
o Net cash and cash equivalents (excluding lease liabilities and earn-out and buy-out obligations) of around €150 million.
* For the year ending 31 December, 2025, Havas believes it can achieve the following:
o Net revenue on an organic basis growth in excess of two per cent, compared to the year ending 31 December 2024;
o Adjusted EBIT margin ranging between 12.5 per cent and 13.5 per cent
Regarding its dividend policy, Havas says it intends to provide a regular return on capital to its shareholders through an annual dividend payment. This payment is expected to represent around 40 per cent of the net income (group share) for the relevant financial year, starting in 2025 for the financial year ending 31 December 2024.
AD Agencies
ABBY Awards 2026 names 3 jury chairs across digital, PR and publisher
Aditiya, Dharmaraj and Puri to lead key categories at Goafest 2026
MUMBAI: The Ad Club has announced the appointment of PG Aditiya, Deepshikha Dharmaraj and Pavita Puri as jury chairs for the Digital, PR and Publisher categories respectively at the ABBY Awards 2026, powered by The One Club and The One Show.
The awards are set to take place during Goafest 2026 from May 20 to 22 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, bringing together some of the biggest names in advertising and marketing.
PG Aditiya, founder and CCO at Talented, will chair the Digital jury. A former chief creative officer at Dentsu Webchutney, he now leads Talented, an employee-owned independent agency known for its unconventional structure and award-winning work for brands such as Meta, Google, Britannia and Tanishq. The agency has also been recognised as a global ‘Best Place to Work’ by Campaign magazine for two consecutive years.
In the PR category, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO at Burson Group India, brings over three decades of experience in public relations and integrated communications. She oversees multiple entities including Burson Genesis, GCI Health India and Hill & Knowlton India. Known for her strategic counsel and leadership, Dharmaraj has also served as president of industry bodies such as PRCAI and PAFI, and has been a jury member at global platforms including Cannes PR Lions and D&AD Awards.
Pavita Puri, chief brand and marketing officer at The Indian Express Group, will chair the Publisher category. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she has been instrumental in driving the group’s transition into a digital-first media powerhouse, overseeing brands such as The Indian Express, Financial Express, Loksatta and Jansatta. Her earlier stints in advertising include roles at Rediffusion and Lowe India, where she handled marquee clients across sectors.
The appointments reflect a strong mix of creative, communications and media expertise, underscoring the awards’ focus on recognising excellence across evolving industry segments.
As the industry gears up for Goafest, the ABBY Awards 2026 promise to spotlight standout work, with seasoned leaders at the helm of jury deliberations shaping the benchmark for creative excellence.
