Having Joined Havas Creative India in November 2018 and parting ways from the company to take up the role of Chief Operating Officer at Famous Innovations in April 2023 and that of Executive Client Officer at WPP’s VML India in July 2023, Manas Lahiri has now stepped out of VML India as its Executive Growth Partner to reunite with Havas India as Chief Growth Officer.
In this newly created role at his old workplace, he will be working closely with the executive leadership team of Havas India and be responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives, enhancing client partnerships, and spearheading innovative business opportunities across Havas India’s ecosystem of 25 agencies across the country.
That said, Lahiri will be based in Mumbai, and will report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SEA, and North Asia (Japan & South Korea).
Before beginning his second stint with Havas India, he worked in several renowned agencies like VML India, Famous Innovations, Creativeland Asia, Contract India, Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, Commonwealth//McCann, and more.
Moreover, Lahiri also worked for a slew of brands as well in the past including smartphone majors like Samsung Mobile and Motorola as well as Reliance Industries.
In his earlier stint with Havas India, he worked as Managing Partner, President and even Managing Director of Havas Creative India (erstwhile Havas Worldwide India).
Welcoming him back in the network agency, Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SEA, and North Asia, said, “Manas’ return to Havas India comes at a crucial time as we continue our strong momentum as a proven integrated and future-facing network. With Havas India’s phenomenal transformation over the past few years, we needed a proven leader to scale our growth ambitions further. Manas’ strategic acumen, extensive industry experience, and deep understanding of our network’s values make him the ideal choice to take on this role. He will also be pivotal in advancing our Converged strategy, working closely with Sanchita Roy and John Thangaraj – our respective Chief Strategy Officers of the media & creative networks.”
To this, Lahiri, Chief Growth Officer, Havas India, added, “I am thrilled to rejoin Havas India at such an exciting juncture. Havas has always been close to my heart, and the network’s journey of transformation into a consolidated, client-centric ecosystem is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this next phase of growth by driving meaningful partnerships, fostering innovation, and building on the strong foundation created by Rana and the team. I look forward to partnering all the fabulous leaders in this journey.”
