Havas Group has taken a bold step in its Indian expansion by officially launching Gate One India, a global business and digital transformation consultancy, on September 3, 2025. Founded in London in 2013 and acquired by Havas in 2020, Gate One now joins the Havas Village network in Bengaluru—marking its fourth international office after London, Dublin, and New York, with Paris anticipated soon.
Strategic Vision and Integration
Gate One India, under the leadership of Karan Ingle, Client Director, will embed closely within Havas India’s existing ecosystem. This launch significantly strengthens the agency’s integrated service model by fusing creative talent with strategic consulting muscle—a combination that could distinguish Havas in the competitive Indian market. Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas India, Southeast Asia and North Asia, called it “another proud moment,” reflecting on how this addition injects greater “consulting firepower” and collaborative vibrancy into the Village model.
Moving Beyond Advertising Agencies
Traditionally known for advertising, media, and creative services, Havas is now positioning Gate One as a serious competitor to the Big Four consultancies—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC. Gate One’s remit covers operating model design, organizational change, digital innovation, CX transformation, and technology investment optimization—services tailored to senior leadership and built for measurable business impact.
A Strategic Launch Spot in Bengaluru
Choosing Bengaluru was strategic. As India’s innovation hub, the city houses multinationals and digital-first businesses that are transformation-savvy—a fertile ground for Gate One's model. India, currently the world’s fifth-largest economy, has a consulting market valued at approximately $8.3 billion and expected to double by 2030, underlining the commercial potential.
Selective, Impact-Driven Growth
The India operation starts small by design. Karan Ingle describes the new team not as a “consulting army,” but as a “strike force”—handpicked talents with entrepreneurial drive, EQ, and a consulting mindset. Unlike typical agency models, recruitment and compensation align with industry consulting norms, ensuring competitiveness and quality.
Client Slate and Differentiation
Gate One India has already begun engagements with long-standing clients in retail and pharmaceuticals, affirming its foothold in key sectors. The firm’s strategic intention is to build deeply with a few anchor accounts rather than chasing scale—prioritizing outcome-driven transformation over size.
AI-Powered Consulting
In a nod to the future, Gate One is betting on AI-driven models to unlock efficiency, speed, and innovative client engagement. But as Ben Tye, Gate One’s Managing Partner, notes, AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about elevating how consulting is delivered.
Broader Implications for Havas and the Market
For Havas Group, Gate One India strengthens its claim as a fully integrated partner—offering brands creative, media, and transformation services under one umbrella. For customers, it means seamless, strategy-led solutions that are execution-focused. For the larger consulting landscape, Gate One’s entry adds a challenger model, aiming to redefine consulting as nimble, creative, and outcomes-focused.
Looking Ahead
Gate One India’s launch is not a sprint—it’s a calculated mission. The plan is to grow deliberately, build trust through impactful results, and scale thoughtfully. Their ambition? Not to be the largest, but to be the most significant transformation partner that helps clients not just adapt, but lead change.
Prakhar
