AD Agencies
Havas CX India appoints Amandeep Singh Kochar as EVP –experience strategy & martech head
Havas CX India has strengthened its leadership bench, appointing Amandeep Singh Kochar as executive vice president, experience strategy and martech head, as the group doubles down on customer experience as the core of brand growth.
Based in Gurugram, Kochar will report to Manas Lahiri, chief growth officer of Havas India, who also oversees the Havas CX India operations. He will work closely with leadership teams across the network to position Havas CX India at the centre of client conversations.
In his new role, Kochar will focus on building future-ready customer experience and marketing technology capabilities, spanning martech, CRM and data analytics. His mandate includes strengthening the network’s go-to-market strategy and driving deeper integration across Havas India agencies.
David Shulman, global ceo of Havas CX, said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Amandeep to the Havas CX team. In today’s landscape, brands are increasingly recognizing the importance of uniting communications and experience. Amandeep’s leadership will empower our clients to gain deeper insights into customer needs and develop experiences that deliver on the promises brands communicate.”
Lahiri said customer experience now sits at the heart of brand relationships and long-term value creation. “Across markets, CX is emerging as the core driver of brand relationships, loyalty and long-term value, and today sits at the centre of every client conversation. As brands navigate an increasingly complex marketplace, CX has become the lens through which strategy, creativity, data and technology must converge. Amandeep brings a rare blend of strategic depth, martech expertise and regional leadership experience. His ability to build CX capabilities and drive growth will be critical as we scale our CX strategy and go-to-market practice.”
Kochar said Havas CX India was at a pivotal moment. “Havas India has emerged as one of the most progressive integrated networks today, with a powerful blend of creativity, data and media. Havas CX India is at an exciting inflection point where these capabilities are coming together with technology to deliver real business outcomes. There is no better place to build the future of CX, and I’m looking forward to partnering with Manas and the wider Havas teams to create scalable CX and martech solutions that deliver seamless, impactful consumer journeys.”
Kochar brings 15 years of experience across India and South-east Asia, working with enterprise brands on aligning brand strategy, customer experience and marketing technology. His expertise spans first-party data programmes, personalisation at scale, CRM, martech orchestration and marketing effectiveness. He most recently worked at VML, helping build CX and commerce capabilities across India and South-east Asia, and has also pursued an entrepreneurial consulting stint focused on Bharat-first brands. His client portfolio includes Ford, Colgate, Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, PepsiCo and BAT.
A frequent contributor to industry thought leadership, Kochar has authored reports for WARC and publishes a biweekly newsletter, Marketing Mediator.
With experience, data and technology now inseparable, Havas is making its bet clear. The future of brand growth, it believes, will be won where experience, martech and meaning meet.
AD Agencies
IAA unveils jury for 16th Olive Crown Awards
Industry leaders and a global juror to judge green marketing awards
MUMBAI: The India chapter of the International Advertising Association has announced the jury for the 16th edition of its Olive Crown Awards, a platform that celebrates communication promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
This year’s jury brings together a mix of seasoned creative leaders and fresh perspectives from across the advertising and marketing world.
The panel includes K V Sridhar, Carlton D’Silva, Ambareesh Chakraborty, Rymn Massand, Kalpesh Patankar, and Preeti Vyas.
Abhishek Karnani said the awards have steadily built credibility within the global advertising community.
“The Olive Crowns are now in their 16th year and have earned the respect of the global marketing and advertising community. Any award is only as good as its jury, and I am delighted we have a strong blend of members who have judged the awards over many years alongside those evaluating them for the first time. This year we also have an international jury member,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Janak Sarda noted that the awards have seen record participation this year, reflecting their growing stature within the industry.
“I am happy that we have received a record number of entries this year, which clearly validates the respect and prestige these awards have garnered over the years,” Sarda said.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 8 April in Mumbai, where the industry will gather to celebrate campaigns that put sustainability at the centre of their message.
