Havas Life has appointed João Camacho as Chief Creative Officer for India and the Middle East. Based in Mumbai, he will report to Eric Weisberg and Dorelle Kulkarni. With over two decades of global healthcare communications experience, Camacho brings expertise in transforming complex science into human-centred creative storytelling.
In a move that underscores its ambition to strengthen creative leadership across two dynamic regions, Havas Life has announced the appointment of João Camacho as Chief Creative Officer for India and the Middle East. Camacho, who will be based in Mumbai, will report to Eric Weisberg, Global Chief Creative Officer of Havas Health, and Dorelle Kulkarni, Managing Director of Havas Life Mumbai. His arrival signals a renewed focus on blending science, creativity, and human insight in healthcare communications at a time when the sector is undergoing rapid transformation.
Camacho’s career spans more than two decades and multiple continents, giving him a uniquely international perspective. He has held leadership roles in Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Middle East, consistently working at the intersection of science and storytelling. His expertise lies in translating complex medical and scientific concepts into communications that resonate with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. This ability to humanise science has become increasingly vital as healthcare brands seek to build trust and engagement in diverse cultural contexts.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Havas Life, which has been expanding its footprint in India and the Middle East. Both regions present distinct challenges and opportunities in healthcare communications. India, with its vast population and rapidly evolving healthcare infrastructure, demands campaigns that balance accessibility with innovation. The Middle East, meanwhile, is witnessing significant investment in healthcare systems and digital transformation, creating fertile ground for creative approaches that can bridge cultural nuances and scientific precision. Camacho’s global experience positions him well to navigate these complexities and craft campaigns that are both locally relevant and globally resonant.
Eric Weisberg, Global Chief Creative Officer of Havas Health, has long emphasised the importance of creativity in driving meaningful healthcare outcomes. By appointing Camacho, Havas Life is reinforcing its commitment to creativity not as an aesthetic choice but as a strategic tool for impact. Weisberg’s leadership has focused on integrating creativity with data and technology, and Camacho’s appointment aligns with this vision by bringing a human-centred lens to scientific storytelling.
For Dorelle Kulkarni, Managing Director of Havas Life Mumbai, Camacho’s presence is expected to energise the agency’s creative culture. Mumbai has become a hub for healthcare communications in India, and Kulkarni has been steering the agency towards campaigns that combine empathy with innovation. With Camacho at the helm of creative leadership, the Mumbai office is likely to play an even more central role in shaping narratives that resonate across India and the Middle East.
Camacho’s philosophy of communication is rooted in the belief that science, no matter how complex, must ultimately serve people. His past work has demonstrated how creative storytelling can demystify medical jargon, empower patients, and foster stronger connections between healthcare providers and communities. In regions as diverse as Africa and Europe, he has led campaigns that not only informed but also inspired, making healthcare communication a bridge rather than a barrier.
The healthcare communications industry itself is evolving rapidly. The rise of digital health, telemedicine, and personalised medicine has created new demands for clarity, empathy, and engagement. Patients today are not passive recipients of information; they are active participants in their healthcare journeys. This shift requires communications that are transparent, culturally sensitive, and emotionally resonant. Camacho’s track record of transforming science into human-centred narratives makes him a valuable asset in meeting these demands.
Moreover, his appointment reflects Havas Life’s broader strategy of investing in leadership that can operate seamlessly across geographies. In a world where healthcare challenges are increasingly global—whether pandemics, chronic diseases, or mental health—communications must transcend borders while respecting local realities. Camacho’s international career equips him with the ability to identify universal themes while tailoring messages to specific audiences. This balance of global vision and local sensitivity is likely to define his approach in India and the Middle East.
The creative industry in India has been witnessing a surge in healthcare-focused campaigns, driven by both multinational pharmaceutical companies and local healthcare providers. Similarly, the Middle East has seen a rise in initiatives that combine technology with patient engagement. In both contexts, creativity is no longer a peripheral function but a central driver of healthcare outcomes. By appointing Camacho, Havas Life is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, ready to deliver campaigns that are not only scientifically accurate but also emotionally compelling.
As Chief Creative Officer, Camacho will be tasked with leading teams across India and the Middle East, fostering collaboration, and nurturing talent. His role will involve not just overseeing creative output but also shaping the strategic direction of healthcare communications in these regions. Given his background, he is expected to champion a culture of innovation that values both scientific integrity and human connection.
The appointment of João Camacho is more than a leadership change; it is a statement of intent. Havas Life is signalling that creativity in healthcare communications is not optional but essential. By bringing in a leader who has consistently demonstrated the ability to humanise science, the agency is preparing to meet the evolving needs of patients, healthcare professionals, and communities across India and the Middle East.
In the coming months, Camacho’s influence will likely be seen in campaigns that blend scientific rigour with emotional resonance, setting new benchmarks for healthcare communications in the region. His arrival marks a new chapter for Havas Life—one where creativity and science converge to create communications that are not only informative but transformative.
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