India – Havas India has named industry veteran Prashanth Challapalli as chief digital & innovation officer for Havas Creative Network India, a newly created role aimed at accelerating digital transformation and innovation across the agency’s operations.
In this newly created role, Challapalli will be responsible for integrating emerging technologies with creative strategy, with a focus on developing digital-first solutions and evolving brand storytelling across the network.
Challapalli brings over 25 years of experience across advertising, digital, entertainment, and consulting. His background spans digital transformation, content strategy, and brand innovation, having led teams, overseen business operations, and worked on campaigns for both local and global brands.
He was previously the founder and CEO of Gravity Integrated, a consultancy focused on business and marketing strategy, where he advised clients such as Amazon Pay, Google, and Tata Motors. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at agencies including Publicis, Leo Burnett Orchard, and iContract, where he led major digital initiatives.
Speaking on his appointment, Challapalli shared, “We live in the ‘Attention Economy’, where AI-driven content is reshaping brand narratives and business outcomes. While creativity remains key, innovation now extends beyond advertising. Havas’ integrated model fosters digital, media, culture, and creativity, with Converged, its AI-driven OS, further enhancing this synergy. I’m excited to join a network that pushes boundaries and sets new creative benchmarks, working with leadership to shape a fresh narrative for Havas, its brands, and its people.”
Challapalli will work closely with Sanchita Roy, chief strategy officer at Havas Media India, Rohan Chincholi, chief digital officer at Havas Media India, and other senior leaders across the network to support the adoption of Converged OS and its associated strategies within Havas Creative Network India.
Based in Mumbai, he will report to Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas India, SEA, and North Asia.
Barua commented, “Innovation is no longer an option; it is imperative. The creative industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology, data, and consumer behaviour. Prashant will work closely with network leaders to drive the convergence of creative, media, and health, powered by data-driven innovation and technology, while seamlessly integrating storytelling to enhance impact.”
