Havas announces further restructuring to 'simplify brands and structure'

As part of Havas' integration strategy to create a ‘simple and agile structure’, the newly created Havas Media Group will now encompass all of Havas’ media agencies. It will include Havas Media (operating in 126 markets including India), within which MPG and its digital brand Media Contacts, also in India, will be fully incorporated and rebranded. Arena Media, which operates in 13 markets, will also be part of Havas Media Group.

 

A company statement informed that the rebranding is supported by a new simplified structure that places its digital expertise and content marketing at the core of its operations. This move brings the media side of the business in line with the structure of Havas’ creative division, Havas Creative Group (comprised of the Havas Worldwide global network and Arnold Worldwide micro-network). 

 

On the development, Alfonso Rodés, CEO, Havas Media Group, said, “The explosion of digital media means that no one can afford to deliver a siloed approach to communications. This new media model integrates our digital expertise ‘at the core’ of our organisation, promoting greater agility between all our teams and disciplines. It’s a simple yet progressive move that enables us to harness the digital transformation that has hit all types of media. By reorganising our teams, changing the lines of reporting and investing in building company-wide digital fluency, we put ourselves in a unique position in the industry. Our scale and simplicity allows us to present clients with a shared vision that meets consumer demand for more meaningful connections.”

 

The new structure will place its specialised units such as Artemis (data management network), Mobext (mobile network), Socialyse (social media), and Affiperf (global trading desk) so that they are more accessible to the teams from both Havas Media Group and Havas Creative Group. On the content marketing side, Havas Sports & Entertainment will support this structure with its 36 international offices, including one in India.

 

The Havas Media brand will be relaunched on 24 January with a new identity to reflect the tighter, more integrated organisational structure. 

 

To manage the new organisation, the group has formed a new executive committee managed by Alfonso Rodés, CEO, Havas Media Group.  Dominique Delport, CEO of Havas Media, France, has been appointed as global managing director, Havas Media Group.  Reporting to Alfonso Rodés, he will be in charge of the commercial activity for all countries and all brands, strategy, new business, digital integration and intelligence. Michel Sibony, global head of middle office, will manage all global planning and buying operations as well as the group’s digital and specialist offers. Jordi Ustrell, global head of back office, will oversee the global support services such as IT, HR, legal and finance, according to an official statement.

 

Vishnu Mohan, chief executive officer, Havas Media, Asia Pacific, added, “This rebranding couldn’t have been initiated at a better time from the Asia Pacific perspective. Clients in the region are looking for simplicity in agency structures and an integrated offering. The objective of our current rebranding is aligned to that expectation. The simplification of brands within our group furthers our aspiration of being the most agile and integrated agency group with digital at its core."

 

Anita Nayyar, chief, Havas Media India, observed, “Media is today an evolving ecosystem where only change is constant. Digital is fluid across every platform from traditional to new age, so the concept of ‘digital at core’ is vital. It is not ‘only’ specialisation but the dynamics of integration and knowledge synergies that will exploit it to advantage. Brands are asking for integrated communications to differentiate themselves; they need responsive and analytical services. In India, digital is a reality or aspiration for every Indian. Our integrated service offerings of media, outdoor, digital and mobile with the new platform will be better leveraged to the benefit and delight of our customers.”