AD Agencies
Havas India launches incubation programme – EmpowHers
Mumbai: Havas India, the India operations of Paris-headquartered communications network Havas, has launched a one-of-a-kind incubation program for women entrepreneurs called EmpowHers, in collaboration with Her Entrepreneurial Network (H.E.N), a community for women entrepreneurs.
The inaugural 6-month program has been flagged off with 22 mentees and 11 mentors comprising senior leaders from across the Havas India network agencies. The program aims to propel these business leaders in the field of marketing, branding, and business development through effective training and mentorship.
The program also aligns with several key Havas ethos like championing women leaders, inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship, DE&I, and making a meaningful difference to the larger community.
Havas India invited applications from H.E.N members to define their business challenges. These challenges were mapped with the expertise of Havas India and its agencies, and how its leaders could help these entrepreneurs in their business journey.
These 22 businesses represent a wide spectrum of sectors including retail, health and wellness, food, and beverage, advisory, fashion, and lifestyle. Interestingly, each business has an inspiring story behind its inception that demonstrates the resilience of these entrepreneurs. Be it the 63-year-old Dr. Sarah, founder of Eevolve, a holistic healing center, or Shikha’s undertaking Shikha’s Kitchen that started during Covid to support her family, or the Shark Tank-famed Kirty Datar, founder of CaneBOT, make an eclectic first batch of EmpowHers. Through this program, the mentors and mentees not only exchange technical knowledge but are also deeply invested in building these brands ground up.
EmpowHers is also offering Havas India invaluable insight into these sectors, businesses, and the challenges they pose, hence, giving the network an incredible opportunity to innovate and offer business solutions.
Havas India CHRO Vandana Tilwani said, “As we embark on the inaugural EmpowHers mentorship program, we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that defines us at Havas India. As a family-run business, we understand the transformative power of nurturing initiatives from their inception. EmpowHers embodies our commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and empowerment, reflecting our dedication to see the growth of women in business and in entrepreneurship. We are proud to partner with H.E.N, and work with our leadership team in this journey of providing meaningful solutions, guidance, and mentorship to aspiring women who want to propel their business to the next phase.”
Her Entrepreneurial Network co-founder Priyanka Changia added, “A shared vision to make an impact in the entrepreneurial journey of women brings Havas and HEN together. This collaboration brings the expertise of senior leaders to HEN members. The biggest challenge for any entrepreneur is marketing… the leadership of Havas brings immense experience and insight in marketing communication along with industry expertise. It has been a fabulous opportunity for 23 Hen members to get mentoring from such industry stalwarts. I am sure each of them will benefit greatly from their support and guidance.”
AD Agencies
Havas Media Network India bags integrated media mandate for Aakash Educational Services Limited
PivotRoots and Arena Media to drive 360° strategy for student outreach
NEW DELHI: Havas Media Network India has secured the integrated media mandate for Aakash Educational Services Limited, following a competitive multi-agency pitch, signalling a fresh push by the education major to sharpen its reach among students nationwide.
The mandate will be jointly handled by PivotRoots and Arena Media, both part of the Havas network. Together, they will roll out a full-spectrum media strategy designed to boost AESL’s visibility across digital and traditional platforms.
At the heart of the partnership lies a simple idea: making the brand not just seen, but sought after. The agencies will blend data, technology and creative storytelling to craft campaigns that resonate with students and parents navigating an increasingly digital-first education landscape.
Aakash Educational Services Limited SVP marketing Kanika Kumar Nijhawan said, “At Aakash, we believe success is built through a structured, long-term and data-driven approach. As we expand across the country, adopting a more integrated approach to media is essential. This partnership marks a significant step towards building stronger connections with our audiences.”
Under the arrangement, PivotRoots will spearhead digital and performance marketing, covering social media, influencer collaborations and data-led optimisation. Meanwhile, Arena Media will focus on traditional channels including print, television, radio, cinema and outdoor advertising, ensuring consistent messaging across touchpoints.
Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Delivering for a powerhouse like AESL requires both scale and precision. By combining Arena Media and PivotRoots, we are deploying our Converged.AI platform to create a 360-degree strategy that drives engagement, conversions and long-term growth.”
Echoing the sentiment, PivotRoots founder and chief executive officer Shibu Shivanandan added that the collaboration would focus on building “impactful, full-funnel experiences” powered by deep analytics and performance-led marketing.
With a strong legacy in coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams, AESL is now doubling down on integrated media to stay ahead in a crowded, fast-evolving education market. The partnership with Havas signals a clear intent: to turn visibility into meaningful engagement and, ultimately, student success.
