In a major development within the Indian advertising and marketing industry, Havas India has welcomed Uditvanu Das as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of its experiential marketing vertical, Havas Play. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Havas India’s presence in the experiential and brand activation space, which is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s marketing landscape.
A Veteran in Experiential Marketing
Uditvanu Das, a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, is known for his innovative approach to consumer engagement and brand experiences. His extensive background in brand strategy, content partnerships, and event marketing makes him a perfect fit for leading Havas Play’s mission to create immersive, meaningful brand experiences. Prior to joining Havas India, he held senior leadership roles at Laqshya Live Experiences and Ogilvy, among other reputed agencies, where he delivered numerous award-winning experiential campaigns for brands across diverse sectors such as FMCG, fashion, automotive, and tech.
What Havas Play Offers to Brands
Havas Play, as a specialized vertical of Havas India, focuses on delivering branded entertainment, sports partnerships, live events, influencer marketing, and experiential campaigns. It plays a pivotal role in Havas India’s integrated marketing approach, allowing brands to engage their audiences through impactful and emotionally resonant experiences. By combining storytelling with strategy and execution, Havas Play helps brands leave lasting impressions and build deeper consumer connections.
Das to Drive the Next Phase of Growth
The arrival of Uditvanu Das at this juncture is expected to fuel the next phase of growth for Havas Play. His leadership will be instrumental in driving innovative experiential strategies that integrate technology, creativity, and consumer insights. He will be responsible for expanding the business across India, building strategic partnerships with entertainment and cultural platforms, and mentoring teams to deliver compelling brand journeys. His vision aligns perfectly with Havas India’s philosophy of creating “Meaningful Brands” by combining creative, media, and experience under one roof.
Leadership Backs the New Appointment
Havas India’s leadership, including Group CEO Rana Barua, has expressed strong confidence in Das’s capabilities. They believe his dynamic leadership will elevate Havas Play’s positioning and output in a highly competitive market. In his official statement, Barua praised Das’s ability to combine strategic thinking with creative execution, stating that his addition will empower Havas Play to scale new heights and offer enhanced value to clients seeking experiential solutions.
Uditvanu Das Shares His Vision
On his part, Uditvanu Das expressed excitement about joining the Havas family. He shared his enthusiasm for building powerful, consumer-centric experiences that not only capture attention but also drive long-term brand loyalty. For him, the opportunity to lead Havas Play is both a challenge and a chance to shape the future of experiential marketing in India. He emphasized his commitment to blending innovation, creativity, and measurable outcomes in every campaign his team undertakes.
Rise of Experiential Marketing in India
Experiential marketing is witnessing a strong resurgence in India, especially in the post-pandemic era. As brands look for more engaging ways to connect with consumers fatigued by digital ads, the demand for live and hybrid brand experiences is on the rise. From metaverse events and music festivals to product launches and immersive installations, the industry is seeing a surge in creative formats that deliver impact. With Das at the helm, Havas Play is expected to lead this transformation with data-driven and tech-integrated experiences that resonate with modern consumers.
Havas India’s ‘Village Model’ of Integration
Havas India’s broader growth story also supports this direction. The group operates under the “Village Model”, an ecosystem where media, creative, and experience teams work collaboratively to deliver seamless brand solutions. With over 20 agencies including Havas Media, Havas Creative, and Shobiz under its umbrella, Havas India has built a strong foundation for delivering integrated campaigns. Havas Play adds a critical experiential layer to this offering, and under the guidance of Uditvanu Das, it aims to become the go-to destination for brands seeking emotional, interactive, and memorable consumer touchpoints.
The Broader Role of Uditvanu Das
As AVP of Havas Play, Uditvanu Das is not only expected to lead projects but also mentor talent, co-create intellectual properties, and drive innovation in how brands tell stories. His approach to experiential marketing goes beyond events — it’s about crafting narratives that live in people’s minds long after the moment has passed. With a focus on building consumer trust and engagement, Das will help redefine the way Indian brands leverage experience as a powerful marketing tool.
The appointment of Uditvanu Das marks a significant milestone for Havas Play and for experiential marketing in India. As the demand for immersive, high-impact brand experiences continues to rise, his leadership will be pivotal in helping brands connect more deeply with their audiences. With his extensive experience, passion for innovation, and strategic mindset, Uditvanu Das is poised to lead Havas Play into a bold and exciting future.
