Pre-conference masterclass discusses taking African brands to the world
Participants challenged to identify, articulate and commercialise the cultural assets that make their brand ready for a global audience.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Provit Chemmani named CEO of advertising and media agency Havas Africa
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024
He brings a track record of driving growth, with a remit to redefine the agency’s presence across the continent of ‘boundless potential’.
Havas, the global full-service advertising and media agency, has announced the appointment of Provit Chemmani as the new CEO of Havas Africa.
Provit Chemmani. Photo: Havas
“His leadership marks a significant turning point, bringing global expertise and a deep-rooted belief in Africa’s potential to the forefront,” the company says in a press release.
It adds that Chemmani has a proven track record of driving exponential growth, and his remit is to redefine the agency’s presence across the continent.
Prior to taking up his new role, he was Global Managing Director, E-Commerce and Paid Media at Havas. He was also previously Global Director, E-Commerce, based in Mumbai, India.
Previous role with Dentsu International
Chemmani joined Havas in May 2021 from WATConsult, an advertising services company operating in India and part of Dentsu International. He spent more than five years with WATConsult in e-commerce and digital roles.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from the University of Mumbai and describes himself on his LinkedIn profile as being “passionate about driving e-commerce innovation and operational excellence across the organisation”.
According to the press release, Chemmani’s vision for Havas Africa is to be a partner in the continent’s growth story.
“Africa’s story is being written now, and Havas is here to amplify its voice. We’re not just creating ads; we’re crafting narratives that resonate, inspire and drive progress,” he is quoted as saying.
“This is a continent of boundless potential and we’re committed to fuelling its rise through the power of creativity, innovation and connection.”
Africa’s first Sports Direct retail store opens its doors in Nairobi
Second outlet planned for Nairobi before year end, with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco said to be future target markets.
Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility
Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?
The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI
Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.
Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession
Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.
Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan
Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.
We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?
Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.
Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers
Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.
FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards
South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.
Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths
Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.
Consumers have doubts about products when they’re designed by AI
Researchers find that lack of perceived ‘genuine care’ is the mechanism connecting AI involvement to lower trust ratings.