MAM
Havas Group India brings in Shubhangi Gupta as associate VP
Mumbai: Shubhangi Gupta has joined Havas Group India as the associate vice president, according to her LinkedIn update.
Gupta comes with an experience of over 14 years. Previously, she was associated with Mindshare as senior director for nearly three years. She has worked at organisations such as Discovery Networks, OMD India, Vizeum India, Brand Capital, Group M, and Star News, having started her career as a business manager at Maxus in 2007.
Moving from there, Gupta joined Star News as assistant manager. She also worked with Brand Capital as the deputy manager for more than two years. Gupta joined Discovery Networks in 2016 where she single-handedly worked on the successful launch of Discovery’s new mass entertainment channel among other things.
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.
