MAM
Raymond extends support to F1 hope Kartikeyan
MUMBAI: He may not have set the Formula One track on fire so far but corporate India is still interested in Narain Kartikeyan.
Textile and Apparel company Raymond has announced that it would fuel the aspirations of Karthikeyan. Raymond is all set to come on board as an additional sponsor to promote the Jordan Grand Prix driver for all the remaining races of this year’s F1 season in the Brazilian, Japanese and Chinese Grand Prix.
Furthermore, Raymond is all set to spread the F1 fever and increase the popularity of the sport amongst Indians with a unique event that will bring Narain Karthikeyan and his F1 car for the first time in Mumbai.
Raymond chairmasn and MD Gautam Singhania said, “We are extremely proud of Narain’s achievements. Thanks to his aspirations, India has been placed on the world’s F1 map. It is a matter of national pride to lend a helping hand to a fellow Indian. In order to fuel the awareness of this sport, we are pleased to extend our support and encouragement in making his F1 dreams come true. Formula 1 racing is now a rage in India and it is a proud moment for all of us to see an Indian make his mark. We wish him every success and pledge our support in realising his dreams.”
Kartikeyan said, “I am honoured to have the support of Raymond. My relationship with Gautam goes back many years. As a fellow motor sport enthusiast and challenger, I believe they truly understand the essence of the sport. Gautam has not only driven some of the world’s fastest road cars but has also experienced the ultimate in racing by driving the Formula One car. We both have a lot of things in common, like our love for speed and racing. I am indebted to Gautam and the Raymond Group for extending their support as I complete my maiden F1 season.”
AD Agencies
Havas Media Network India names Archana Aggarwal chief growth officer
The appointment comes as the network accelerates its integrated, data-led push across one of its top ten global markets.
MUMBAI: Havas Media Network India is moving fast, and it wants someone who can move faster.
The network has appointed Archana Aggarwal as chief growth officer, tasking her with driving the new business agenda and deepening client partnerships across Havas Media, PivotRoots, Havas Play and Arena Media. Based in Gurugram, she will report to Mohit Joshi, chief executive of Havas Media Network India.
Aggarwal arrives with more than two decades of media and marketing experience, most recently as vice-president of media at Airtel, where she led integrated media strategies tied to shifting consumer behaviour and business outcomes. Before that, she worked across some of the world’s most demanding marketing accounts, including P&G, Unilever, L’Oréal, Coca-Cola, the Diamond Trading Corporation and Airtel, spanning FMCG, telecom and the broader marketing ecosystem. She is noted for her command of emerging platforms, including connected TV, AI and the metaverse.
Rana Barua, group chief executive of Havas India, South-East Asia and North Asia, framed the hire as timely. “India continues to be a critical market for Havas globally and is among our top ten markets worldwide,” he said, noting strong momentum across the network’s integrated model and growing client partnerships. “Archana’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to scale our capabilities and accelerate growth.”
Joshi was equally direct. “Her deep understanding of consumer behaviour and proven ability to translate insights into business outcomes will be instrumental as we continue to scale our integrated, data-led capabilities across agencies,” he said.
Havas Media Network India currently serves more than 100 clients and employs over 1,000 professionals across Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The network’s growth engine runs on Converged.AI, its proprietary operating system that brings together data, technology and human insight under the global vision of “Growth Powered by Desire.”
Aggarwal, for her part, called the opportunity compelling. “The chance to drive growth across a diverse and integrated ecosystem is exciting,” she said. “I look forward to working with the teams to deliver meaningful impact for clients.”
In a market where media fragmentation is accelerating and clients are demanding cleaner proof of return, Havas has hired someone who has sat on both sides of the table. That, in itself, is a statement of intent.
