India & Middle East, February 2026 – Havas Life today announced the appointment of Joao C. as Chief Creative Officer, India & Middle East, reinforcing the network’s commitment to creative excellence across two of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare markets.
In his new role at Havas Life Mumbai, Joao will lead the creative vision across India and key Middle Eastern markets, elevating healthcare creativity beyond communication — transforming complex science into culturally resonant, behavior-changing ideas that drive both business growth and public health impact. His mandate includes unifying creativity, strategy, and innovation across the region while ensuring that work remains medically rigorous, culturally intelligent, and commercially effective.
Prior to this appointment, Joao served as Executive Creative Director ME/Turkey/KSA and EM at Publicis Health, where he led creative and strategic direction across Middle Eastern and Turkish markets. He spearheaded healthcare, pharma, and public health campaigns, launched new business verticals, strengthened agency wins, and drove innovation through digital health, experience design, and technology-led storytelling.
Earlier, Joao held the position of Global Creative Director at Novartis in Ireland, where he developed global creative and digital content for respiratory and neuroscience portfolios across US and European markets. He aligned cross-functional global teams, amplified business opportunities, and strengthened brand storytelling at scale.
He also spent over five years as Executive Creative Director at Tonic International, where he led regional strategy and creative consultancy across African, European, and Middle Eastern markets, driving award-winning campaigns and business growth. His earlier leadership roles include Creative Director positions at McCann Health and Promoseven 360, and FCB, building strong foundations in integrated healthcare and brand communications.
With deep expertise across pharma, biotech, healthcare communications, digital innovation, and cross-market brand leadership, Joao C. brings a human-first, insight-driven creative philosophy to Havas Life — championing ideas that inspire action while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
About Havas Life
Havas Life, part of the Havas Health Network, is Havas’ global health powerhouse, committed to partnering with innovative healthcare brands focused on improving lives worldwide.
With global reach and a strong foundation in science-led storytelling, Havas Life combines creativity, data, and technology to transform healthcare communication. The network supports healthcare brands across the full spectrum of talent engagement, public health education, and patient-centered innovation — delivering inspiring ideas that inspire life.
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