Havas India has appointed Prashanth Challapalli as chief digital and innovation officer, Havas Creative Network India. 

Challapalli will work in the agency’s Mumbai office and will report to Rana Barua, group CEO, Havas India, SEA, and North Asia.

In this newly created role, Challapalli will lead the charge in integrating emerging technologies with creativity, developing innovative digital-first solutions, and shaping the future of brand storytelling to deliver transformative, culturally resonant, and business-impacting solutions for clients. 

He will also work closely with Sanchita Roy, chief strategy officer, Havas Media India, Rohan Chincholi, chief digital officer, Havas Media India, and other senior business leaders from across the network to collaborate on the seamless adoption of Converged OS and strategy across Havas Creative Network India.

Challapalli is the founder and CEO of Gravity Integrated. His last full-time role was with Leo Burnett Orchard, where he was COO from 2018 to 2020. 

Barua said, "Innovation is no longer an option; it is imperative. The creative industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology, data, and consumer behaviour. Prashant will work closely with network leaders to drive the convergence of creative, media, and health, powered by data-driven innovation and technology, while seamlessly integrating storytelling to enhance impact."

Challapalli added, "We live in the 'attention economy,' where AI-driven content is reshaping brand narratives and business outcomes. While creativity remains key, innovation now extends beyond advertising. Havas' integrated model fosters digital, media, culture, and creativity, with Converged, its AI-driven OS, further enhancing this synergy. I'm excited to join a network that pushes boundaries and sets new creative benchmarks, working with leadership to shape a fresh narrative for Havas, its brands, and its people. "

In a career spanning over 25 years, he has also worked at Publicis, Leo Burnett Orchard, and iContract, among others.