Havas names new global CEO to lead creative network

Havas UK's chief executive officer, Chris Hirst (pictured) has been appointed CEO for the Havas Creative global network. His appointment is effective immediately. Hirst will work in tandem with Peter Mears, CEO Havas Media Group, and Donna Murphy, CEO Havas Health & You, to continue strengthening and developing Havas Group’s global Village model and integration within parent company, Vivendi. In his expanded global role, he will lead approximately 8,500 staff that make up the Havas Creative network across the world and further develop its agencies’ creative reputation and operations. In a statement to Marketing, a Havas spokesperson said that there are no changes in the meantime, as Hirst will continue to fulfill his UK and European role. Hirst joined Havas in 2015 from Grey Group where he was CEO of the company’s UK operations. He has since spearheaded the restructuring of Havas Europe, as well as the transformation of the group’s UK business. "This is a fantastic time to be at Havas, and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to work with the teams around the world during such a defining stage of our development. Mears, Murphy, and I will work closely to integrate our Havas Village model even further and deliver on our unique position in the market: being the most meaningful company for our clients and for our people," Hirst said. Moreover, as BETC, founded by Mercedes Erra and Remi Babinet, is experiencing a momentum from a business and creative reputation standpoint, the group has decided to create another global network alongside Havas Creative and support its development. This was in a bid to build a new opportunity for clients and talents. BETC and Hirst will work closely on how both parties will be able to leverage the combined creative network. “Havas UK has become one of the most exciting and dynamic groups in the UK. In 2018, Havas was among the top new business performers in the market. hirst is a transformative, world-class leader, who brings invaluable expertise that elevates our creative agencies and operations. His acumen will bring immense value to our clients and employees, not just in Europe but around the globe,” Yannick Bolloré, chairman & CEO Havas Group said. “Creativity is not only at the heart of everything that we do at Havas, it is also the common denominator of all the assets within the Vivendi family. Ideas and talent will always fuel our group, and Hirst will bring his knowledge to the broader global network," he added.