AD Agencies
Havas Life Mumbai & Shobiz team up to offer experiential healthcare solutions in India
Alliance blends science-led strategy with immersive experiences for pharma brands
MUMBAI: In a move aimed at reshaping how healthcare brands connect with their audiences, Havas Life Mumbai and Shobiz have joined forces to deliver integrated experiential solutions for India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
The partnership brings together two distinct strengths under Havas India. On one side is Havas Life Mumbai’s deep grounding in medical and scientific communications, and on the other, Shobiz’s expertise in large-scale experiential design and execution. The aim is simple but ambitious: to bridge the long-standing gap between science-heavy strategy and high-impact on-ground experiences.
As healthcare communication grows more complex, the industry is shifting away from traditional messaging towards engagement that is immersive, measurable and compliant. This collaboration seeks to meet that demand by offering end-to-end solutions that connect with healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers in more meaningful ways.
The joint offering will tap into emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and AI-led interactive platforms. These tools are expected to help simplify complex medical information while making engagement more dynamic and outcome-focused.
Havas Health global chief client officer and CEO Apac-Latam Charles Houdoux said, “By bringing together scientific depth and experience design, we are creating a new model of engagement where knowledge and emotion work hand in hand. This is about improving understanding, building trust and ultimately driving better patient outcomes.”
Havas India group CEO Rana Barua added, “This partnership allows us to move beyond conventional formats and create experiences that are more relevant and impactful for the health and wellness space. It reflects where the future of healthcare engagement is headed.”
Havas Life Mumbai managing director Dorelle Kulkarni noted that brands today need more than just communication. “They need experiences that make complex science easier to understand and inspire action. This collaboration enables us to deliver exactly that, with measurable impact.”
Echoing the sentiment, Shobiz CEO Sameer Tobaccowala said, “The future lies in combining credibility with creativity. Together, we can offer integrated platforms that not only engage but also deliver real business outcomes.”
With this alliance, the Havas network is betting big on experience-led healthcare communication. If executed well, the partnership could set a new benchmark for how medical science is not just communicated, but truly experienced across India.
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
