Vineel Agarwal, CEO, Havas Africa
Vineel has been with Havas for 15 years and has been in varied roles during that time. These roles range from client management at the Havas International department in Paris, to strategy, insights, and business development. She has been focusing on Havas Africa network development for the last 6 years. Havas Africa today has a dynamic and digital first team of 200+ staff across the continent, in 12 markets, working integratedly between creative, media, PR, and events. This allows Havas Africa to propose one stop shop solution to brands.
Are the gold medals won at the Luum Awards proof that Havas Impact + is on the right path?
Indeed, it is hugely encouraging and exciting to receive such an accolade for work that we are extremely proud of and we know is contributing meaningfully to the continent’s environmental sustainability. Havas Impact+ is leading the way on integrating purpose in our everyday work and actions.
Africa stood out during the past Luum Awards, but how do you see African creativity at the moment?African creativity is rich, diverse, and vibrant. Today more than ever, creative talent in Africa are deeply passionate, proud of their culture and heritage, and want to see themselves and their peers shine on the global stage. African creativity is an experience in itself.
And how do you see its future projection?
I see a lot more young talent coming to the forefront, thanks to a developing support system at all levels. I also see partnerships and collaborative projects growing, which means the impact will be even stronger.
How does Havas contribute to making the world a better place?
Firstly, we have a number of internal company and employee initiatives like Havas Life, Havas All In, and Be Kind to your Mind, which ensure workplace satisfaction, work-life balance, and general employee well-being. These contribute to making our agencies all over the world great places to work and be part of. Secondly, initiatives like Impact+ and Havas’ commitment to utilising the power of communication to contribute to carbon footprint reduction truly make a meaningful difference.
What is the main difference between Havas and other network agencies?
Every agency is defined by its talent and the culture it builds. Havas’ vision of making a meaningful difference to the brands, businesses, and lives of people we work with is what sets us apart. We have developed methodologies for both media and creative to bring this vision to life and to go beyond a media campaign and create a meaningful media experience for the consumer.
How can creative industries contribute to social and environmental changes?
Creativity is a great vehicle for not only building awareness, but also trust and advocacy. Creative industries have a critical role to play in creating a movement and inspiring everyone from partners, to governments, and to the general public to play an active part in it.
Do you believe that agencies’ administrative areas and advertisers’ purchasing areas can
contribute to making the world better? How?
Definitely, and it is all about making the right choices. Hence, if everyone works towards a common objective as a company, we should be able to see a difference being made at all levels.