Hires & Promotions: Reckitt, Havas Media

Reckitt appoints Kanika Kalra as Regional Marketing Director – Health & Nutrition

Consumer health and hygiene company, Reckitt, has appointed Kanika Kalra as the Regional Marketing Director, Health & Nutrition at Reckitt - South Asia. In this role, Kalra will lead marketing strategies for Reckitt’s portfolio of health and nutrition brands across India and other South Asian markets.

Kalra brings with her over 20 years of experience in driving consumer, consumer technology and marketing practices ranging from a myriad of sectors, including personal care, beauty, food and beverage, fashion, and E-Commerce among others.

Before joining Reckitt India, Kalra was associated with McKinsey & Company as a Partner and worked extensively across the firm’s consumer, consumer technology and marketing practices. She was also the Managing Partner of McKinsey’s Mumbai office from 2020-2023 where she spearheaded the building of the firm’s new Mumbai office. Kalra led the diversity and inclusion initiatives for McKinsey India.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia says, “At Reckitt, we are consistently working towards building a healthier world and we look forward to working with Kanika in her new role to help take this vision forward. As the Indian consumer is ever evolving, Kanika’s proven ability and expertise will further help us lead our strategic marketing in a direction that meaningfully connects and resonates with our consumer base across markets.”

Kalra adds "Reckitt’s impressive growth as a leading health, hygiene and nutrition company is inspiring. I am excited about working with our portfolio of iconic brands and creating new experiences that address the deepest needs of our consumers, at a time when we are all resetting the way we think about our health and that of our family and community.”

Before McKinsey, Kalra worked with Snapdeal, Unilever in Personal Care, and Pepsico as well as GSK Consumer. 

Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as Chief Operating Officers

Havas Media Network India has elevated two of its senior leaders to significant roles within the organisation. While Uday Mohan steps into the position of Chief Operating Officer of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer of Havas Play. They will continue reporting to Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India.

In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Uday Mohan will spearhead the comprehensive operations and strategic growth initiatives of Havas Media India. With more than two decades of expertise in the media industry, Uday has been instrumental in driving the success of Havas Media India over a span of 16+ years in the agency. His adept leadership has led to the acquisition of several prestigious clients and garnered acclaim for the agency's innovation across sectors.

R. Venkatasubramanian took charge of Havas Play last year when the specialised function was launched in India along with several other countries globally. Under his guidance, Havas Play has championed numerous successful IPs and initiatives across its Sports, Content, and Entertainment divisions, solidifying its position as a leading player in a highly competitive landscape.

Commenting on the elevations, Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea) shares, “Uday and Venkat's elevations come at an important juncture for Havas Media Network India, as the agency experiences remarkable growth. Their strategic prowess and dedication have been instrumental in driving our agency's success over the years and their elevation reflects our confidence in their vision and ability to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction. I wish them all the best.”

Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India mentions, “With Uday and Venkat at the helm of their respective business divisions, Havas Media Network India has made significant strides, evident in the agency's expanded client portfolio, new acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This elevation underscores our unwavering dedication to fortifying our organisational framework by nurturing our in-house capabilities. Leaders like them are key to our goal of making media meaningful for our clients and the industry at large as their exceptional industry acumen is pivotal in leading a team as diverse as ours. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Uday and Venkat on their new roles and look forward to our continued trajectory of growth and success together.”