Havas launches branded entertainment unit B6 in India

Havas launches branded entertainment unit B6 in India

MUMBAI: Eyeing the opportunities that the Indian entertainment scenario has to offer, Havas Media has launched its Indian operations in the branded entertainment space with B6.

Parallel to the launch, two significant appointments to the senior management have been made. Mozez Singh has been roped in as vice president and Djitisha Bhonsle as business director.

According to an official agency announcement, B6 India has been launched in response to client demand for a full service integrated entertainment network that complements existing services in traditional and digital media and sports marketing.
The new office reinforces Havas Media's portfolio in India which already includes MPG, Media Contacts and Havas Sports.

In his new role, Singh will lead the strategic development of B6 and will report to MPG India CEO Anita Nayyar. Singh comes to B6 with previous experience that includes the head of production for the Angelina Jolie movie, "A Mighty Heart" - The Daniel Pearl Story - produced by Paramount Studios Plan B (Brad Pitt's new production company). He also has considerable experience as a writer and producer director in Bollywood.

Bhonsle will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency and will also report to Nayyar. Bhonsle has previously worked at Mukta Arts and India Express where she was responsible for managing the screen brand and corporate events.

Speaking about the companies Indian operations, B6 Integrated Entertainment Global director Guy Champnis said, "As B6 continues to expand around the world, we are absolutely delighted to launch in India. Indian film and television is growing at a phenomenal rate and it is vital that B6 continues to offer its advertisers content-driven opportunities. With Mozez and Djitisha, we look forward to developing industry-defining strategies for both local and international clients as entertainment continues to be a crucial part of the communications mix."

Commenting on her new role Singh comments, "I am delighted with my new role and I look forward to the many challenges it will bring. The close relationship between the corporate and entertainment industries has created new platforms for innovation and forces us, from the outset, to change the way we think. This increases the financial benefit to the consumer and helps to generate even richer content and aids low budget productions."

Bhonsle said, "The role of integrated content, particularly online, is a key competitive tool in the Indian market. Media fragmentation means content driven messages are now a key part of the overall strategic communications plan. B6 will continue to ensure clients are guaranteed a 360-degree level of service in a climate where the integration of unconventional media is an important point of difference in an increasingly competitive market."

B6 now spans Europe, North America and Latin America with offices in the UK, US, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.