Arun Kumar Rao joins Havas Sports & Entertainment

Havas Media Group has appointed Arun Kumar Rao as senior vice president of its sports and sponsorship vertical - Havas Sports & Entertainment. 

 

He will be based in Gurugram and report to R Venkatasubramanian, president - investments and head - Havas Sports.

 

Rao’s last full-time stint was with Odisha FC from 2018 to 2020, where he was head of marketing and sales. 

 

Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Group India, said, “Sports is a major driving force for the media and marketing industry, and we want to lead this space by assisting media rights holders in optimising their properties, creating more winning partnerships with leading and emerging brands, and co-creating unique engagement opportunities for brands by offering integrated media solutions that include digital, on-ground, and on-air experiences, which will help maximise returns and connect meaningfully with audiences.  I look forward to Venkat and the team scaling up Havas Sports & Entertainment to newer heights, and welcome Arun to the Havas Family.”

 

Venkatasubramanian added, “With the resurgence of Havas Sports & Entertainment and a slew of major emerging sporting events in India, we are witnessing a multi-fold increase in sports marketing and brand sponsorships. Arun’s vast experience will add a new dimension to the vertical and accelerate our growth plans.”

 

Rao said, “I am thrilled to be joining the Havas Media Group India team and to have the opportunity to expand Havas Sports & Entertainment’s expertise in sports marketing and sponsorships. I am excited to work with meaningful brands from diverse industries, collaborate with leading and emerging sporting events, drive innovation, and make a meaningful difference. I’m looking forward to a fantastic innings with Havas.”