MAM
Eye on inclusivity, Havas India bats for ‘Women Who Inspire’
MUMBAI: It is a truth universally acknowledged that women face more challenges in the workplace than members of the opposite sex. Even as more and more women join the workforce, there are still many obstacles for them to overcome, be it in terms of equal pay, career opportunities, harassment or work-life balance. With this thought looming large, Havas has started ‘Women Who Inspire’ – an initiative to foster gender diversity and women leadership.
Ultimately, the goal is to bring about a cultural transformation and mindset shift that will help build a diverse and strong workforce that is futuristic and encourages many more women leaders in the group. A core group has been formed which consists of members in senior roles, across all our six agencies, who are in a position to influence, inspire, and mentor the next rung of leadership. This core team meets 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.
The initiative has been devised with four key objectives in mind: mentoring high-potential women leaders; promoting the exchange of ideas and networking opportunities; enhancing the growth of women staffers as leaders and decision-makers; and creating the right environment that allows development and growth opportunities.
Havas Group India CEO Rana Barua said, “Being diverse is all about enabling a culture that is conducive to freely express, share thoughts and 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.”
Havas Group CHRO Vandana Tilwani who is leading this initiative added, “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:
Havas Group India CEO Rana Barua
Havas Group India CHRO Vandana Tilwani
Havas Media Group India CEO Mohit Joshi
Havas Life Sorento managing partner Susan Josi
Think Design co-founder and design director Deepali Saini
Havas Group India director marketing and communications Priyanka Mehra
Havas Group India general manager HR Toral Shah
Havas Media head – west Sanchita Roy
Havas Creative SVP – client servicing Geetika Thakur
Havas Life Sorento Sr Manager Scientific Communications Rasika Bhat
Shobiz creative director Sreyashi Datta
Langoor Havas head HR Pavithra Eshwar
MAM
Google appoints Karan Dugal as Head of Quick Commerce, FoodTech and Gaming
Veteran digital leader steps up to drive AI-powered growth in high-velocity consumer sectors at Google.
MUMBAI: Google has served up a fresh leadership move that’s anything but slow Karan Dugal is now officially in the driver’s seat for some of the fastest-moving parts of the digital economy. The tech giant has elevated Karan Dugal to Head of Industry for Quick Commerce, FoodTech and Gaming, a strategic role that puts him at the helm of sectors defined by speed, convenience, and instant gratification. The appointment comes after nearly six years at Google, capping a 15-year career in the digital ecosystem that includes previous roles at InMobi and Meta, where he served as Client Solutions Manager for over three years.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the move, Dugal described it as “a thrilling new challenge” and spotlighted the explosive “instant gratification” economy. He pointed to ultra-fast delivery models in quick commerce, the booming food technology space, and the continued surge in gaming as key areas ripe for transformation.
Dugal emphasised that artificial intelligence will act as a powerful catalyst, accelerating consumer journeys across these ecosystems by enhancing user experiences, streamlining operations, and capturing shifting demand in digital-first categories. He expressed excitement about collaborating with teams in this “high-velocity landscape” and thanked Roma Datta Chobey and Preeti Lobana for their support during the transition.
The timing is spot-on. As platforms and brands pour resources into AI-led solutions, Google is sharpening its focus on consumer-driven verticals where speed and personalisation are winning formulas. From 10-minute grocery deliveries to seamless food ordering and immersive gaming sessions, these sectors are reshaping how Indians live, eat, and play.
With his deep experience in sales, marketing strategy, and digital growth, Dugal brings the perfect blend of insight and execution to help Google and its partners stay ahead in an always-on world. In an industry that never hits pause, his new role promises to keep the momentum firmly on fast-forward.
Whether it’s lightning-quick deliveries or next-level gaming thrills, expect plenty of smart moves ahead after all, when it comes to quick commerce and tech, Google just levelled up its own game.
