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Tag: Yannick Bolloré

  • Havas hits the accelerator as AI strategy bears fruit

    Havas hits the accelerator as AI strategy bears fruit

    PARIS: Havas is charging into the final quarter of 2025 with a spring in its step. The advertising group posted organic net revenue growth of 3.8 per cent in the third quarter, smashing expectations and vindicating its strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence and data-driven marketing. The surge in top-line performance prompted management to sharpen full-year guidance decisively upwards, signalling confidence that the worst of the economic headwinds facing the sector have passed.

    The results reveal a business in motion. North America blazed a trail with organic growth of 7.4 per cent, driven chiefly by Havas Health’s double-digit expansion and its ability to wring higher budgets out of existing clients—a rare feat in an industry where money typically flows only to new business wins. The Asia-Pacific region bounced back smartly from a tepid second quarter with 8.2 per cent growth, whilst the United Kingdom performed solidly. France, dragged down by a tough comparison with last year’s Olympic Games boost, and Latin America, battered by unfavourable currency moves, were the laggards.

    Havas now expects full-year net revenue organic growth of between 2.5 and 3.0 per cent, up from previous guidance of above 2.0 per cent. More significantly, the group reckons on an adjusted EBIT margin improvement of around 50 basis points to approximately 12.9 per cent—a meaningful lift that suggests operational leverage is kicking in. The nine-month figures show organic growth of 2.8 per cent, buoyed by cross-selling wins amongst the top 30 clients.

    The financial picture is straightforward: Havas is extracting better returns from its existing client base whilst simultaneously expanding its footprint. Operating margin expansion of this magnitude rarely happens by accident. The group has plainly succeeded in persuading clients to spend more on higher-margin services and shifted work into more profitable lines—precisely what a well-functioning agency should accomplish.

    Two strategic moves underscore management’s ambition. The majority acquisition of Tidart, a Spanish digital performance specialist, plugs gaps in Havas’ capabilities across e-commerce and performance marketing. More consequential is the formation of Horizon Global, a joint venture with Horizon Media Holdings worth a combined $20 billion in global billings. Styled as an “AI-native solution,” the venture signals that Havas’ Converged.AI strategy—the group’s bet on helping clients harness artificial intelligence across their marketing ecosystems—is moving from rhetoric into revenue-generating reality.

    Chief executive vYannick Bolloré  spoke of “impressive commercial momentum” and “notable new business wins.” Translation: the market is buying what Havas is selling.

    None of this occurs in a vacuum. Foreign exchange movements clipped 3.9 per cent from reported revenue growth, with the dollar’s recent weakness particularly stinging. Geopolitical tensions, trade pressures and political uncertainties lurk in the background. The group remains cautious about the year ahead, even as it tightens guidance.

    The broader picture for Havas: a global advertising industry grinding through modest growth and relentless margin pressure is being challenged—and beaten—by a group that has successfully positioned itself as a challenger taking share through genuine commercial innovation. Whether that momentum persists through 2026 is the question investors are asking now. For the moment, the trajectory looks encouraging.

  • Horizon and Havas forge $20bn media giant to shake up agency world

    Horizon and Havas forge $20bn media giant to shake up agency world

    NEW YORK: Two heavyweights of the advertising world are joining forces to take on the industry’s entrenched giants. Horizon Media Holdings and Havas have launched Horizon Global, a joint venture that instantly vaults into the top tier of global media investors with $20bn in combined billings spanning more than 100 countries.

    The New York-based network arrives as a pointed alternative to what the partners call an increasingly “constrained” market dominated by a handful of holding companies. Horizon Global will hunt for American-centric global clients, whilst Horizon Media and Havas Media Network continue to operate independently on their existing books of business.

    At the venture’s core sits BluConverged, a mash-up of Horizon’s Blu platform and Havas’s Converged.AI that promises clients an “AI-native experience” delivering faster insights and genuine transparency—a perennial gripe in an industry notorious for opacity.

    “Built exclusively for the needs of the modern global marketer, Horizon Global is rewriting the agency network playbook,” said Horizon Media Holdings. chief executive and founder Bill Koenigsberg. “As the first agency network built in the AI era, we’re leading with future-forward ways of working.”

    Havas chief executive and chairman Yannick Bolloré  called the partnership “a significant moment” in a shifting industry landscape. “I’ve known Bill for years, and I’m incredibly proud Horizon has turned to Havas as its global partner.”

     Horizon Media Holdings president Bob Lord takes the helm as interim chief executive of Horizon Global whilst keeping his current role. Renata Spackova, based in Paris, becomes global chief operating officer, overseeing the rollout across more than 100 markets.

    The pair will report to a board including Koenigsberg, Bolloré, Peter Mears (global chief executive of Havas Media Network) and other senior leaders from both shops.

  • Havas gets a CX glow-up with Enverta Digital acquisition

    Havas gets a CX glow-up with Enverta Digital acquisition

    MUMBAI: Havas is flexing its customer experience (CX) muscle in North America with the acquisition of Toronto-based Enverta Digital, a boutique CRM and digital transformation outfit known for its tech-savvy mojo and smooth client integration model.

    With operations across Canada and Poland, Enverta brings a potent mix of Salesforce, Adobe, Microsoft, and Braze expertise to the table—making it the perfect fit for Havas’ converged strategy, which blends creativity and tech to craft personalised, data-led brand journeys.

    ““I’m delighted to welcome Jacob and the entire Enverta Digital team into the Havas family. This addition represents a meaningful step forward in our ongoing mission to  redefine and elevate customer experience. By placing CX at the core of our Converged strategy, this move underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and strengthens our ability to lead in the CX space with transformative, tech-enabled solutions that are fully integrated across our service offerings,” shared Havas CEO & chairman Yannick Bolloré.

    The move sees Enverta absorbed into Havas CX Canada, adding serious firepower to the agency’s North America operations—particularly its growing US client base. Enverta’s offshore setup in Poland will also give Havas added scale and cost efficiencies, with its recurring revenue model sweetening the deal.

    Havas CX Canada president Alex Chepovetsky summed it up neatly: “With Enverta’s CRM game and our creative chops, we’re now better placed than ever to deliver end-to-end brand experiences that move the needle.”

    “Our focus on CRM and digital enablement aligns seamlessly with Havas’ commitment to delivering holistic, customer-centric solutions. This partnership will allow us to combine Havas’ global resources and creative expertise with our strengths to deliver a full service digital offering, centered on driving highly-personalised consumer experiences across all touchpoints and channels,” shared Enverta Digital founder & CEO Jacob Ciesielski.

    It’s a win-win deal wrapped in customer-first thinking—just the way modern marketing likes it.

  • Havas kicks off Q1 2025 with a 2.1 per cent growth spurt

    Havas kicks off Q1 2025 with a 2.1 per cent growth spurt

    MUMBAI: Havas has announced a solid start to 2025, with organic net revenue growth of 2.1 per cent in the first quarter, aligning with its full-year projections. Reported growth surged to 5.2 per cent, driven by recent acquisitions and favourable currency effects.

    Havas CEO & chairman Yannick Bolloré, highlighted the agency’s performance, particularly in North and Latin America. He added: “We continue to focus on the group’s development, through the global roll-out of our “Converged” strategy and operating system – which is powered by the best data, tech and AI – the expansion of our capacity in high-growth sectors, and an unwavering commitment to creative excellence. We are therefore confirming our objectives for 2025, while keeping a close eye on the global geopolitical and economic situation, in order to respond quickly and effectively, supporting our clients and teams in this context. I’d like to thank our clients for their trust, and highlight the dedication of our talented teams worldwide, who are key to our success.”

    In Q1, Havas acquired CA Sports in Spain, Channel Bakers in the US, and Don in Argentina, strengthening its presence in sports, e-commerce, and creative sectors.

    Europe experienced a slight 0.2 per cent dip, while North America saw a 3.2 per cent increase, led by Havas Health. Latin America delivered a robust 16.6 per cent growth. APAC & Africa continued to post satisfactory organic growth, with net revenue up 1.9 per cent year on year, driven by Havas Media. 

    Despite economic uncertainties, Havas maintains its 2025 guidance: organic net revenue growth above two per cent, an adjusted EBIT margin between 12.5 and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40 per cent. The agency also confirmed its 2028 medium-term financial targets.

    Havas agencies continue to receive industry recognition, with Uncommon New York named “Agency of the Year” by Campaign, and Havas Play topping the French agency list in the WARC Media 100 Ranking.

     

  • Havas promotes Hagen to global tech czar, Seltzer steps up to helm media network

    Havas promotes Hagen to global tech czar, Seltzer steps up to helm media network

    MUMBAI: Havas has announced a double-header of senior appointments, shuffling its data and tech deck to turbocharge its “converged” strategy. Dan Hagen has been promoted to global chief data and technology officer, while Jamie Seltzer steps up to take the reins at Havas Media Network. Think of it as a digital power play, a  tech reshuffle.

    Hagen, previously the media network’s tech guru, is now tasked with developing Havas’s AI-powered “converged” operating system. He’ll be wielding the digital baton, ensuring the agency’s 23,000 employees are working smarter, not harder. He also will be responsible for “strategic data and tech alignment,” which, in plain English, means making sure all the digital cogs are turning smoothly.

    Havas’s CEO and chairman Yannick Bolloré, declared that “data and technology are the cornerstone of our converged global strategy.” He praised Hagen’s “award-winning audience planning platform,” suggesting he’s the man to lead Havas into the digital future.

    Seltzer, meanwhile, steps into Hagen’s old shoes at Havas Media Network, charged with developing the “converged media product and roadmap.” She’ll also be overseeing CSA, Havas’s global tech, data, and analytics consultancy arm. 

    Havas Media Network global CEO Peter Mears  said Seltzer has been “critical” in ensuring the agency is “data-led and outcome driven.” 

    Both Hagen and Seltzer bring a wealth of experience to their new roles, with over 20 years in the data and tech trenches. They’re tasked with ensuring Havas stays ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world, where clients are demanding “future-forward” agency partners.

  • Havas gives CFO François Laroze global COO title

    Havas gives CFO François Laroze global COO title

    MUMBAI: Fresh from its debut on Euronext Amsterdam, advertising heavyweight Havas has beefed up the role of long-serving money man François Laroze, handing him the additional title of global chief operating officer alongside his existing chief financial officer duties.

    Having cut his teeth at the group since 2007, Laroze brings a wealth of experience and intimate knowledge of Havas’s inner workings to his expanded brief. As the newly minted COO of the freshly listed company, he will collaborate closely with the group’s executive committee to ensure the ambitious targets dangled before investors are hit both in the short and medium term.

    His marching orders include securing solid organic growth through the holy trinity of client retention, new business wins and in-business development – all while leveraging the group’s “converged” strategy. Laroze will also be tasked with fattening the profitability ratio through rigorous cost management and ensuring consistent cash flow generation.

    Havas  chairman & chief executive Yannick Bolloré lavished praise on his lieutenant: “François’ extensive experience and proven leadership make him the perfect choice to drive our transformative initiatives forward as a newly listed company. We are excited to witness the positive impact François will continue to bring to our organisation “

    For his part, Laroze appears eager to shoulder the additional responsibilities: “I’m thrilled about this new chapter and the opportunity to continue to contribute to Havas’ transformation journey and growth in an expanded role.”

    The move signals Havas’s determination to put its financial house in impeccable order as it navigates life as a standalone public company, with Laroze now wielding influence over both the purse strings and operational levers of the advertising group.

  • Havas gets listed independently on Euronext Amsterdam

    Havas gets listed independently on Euronext Amsterdam

    MUMBAI: It’s got its independence at last. Advertising and marketing services giant Havas today announced the successful listing of its ordinary shares on the regulated market of Euronext in Amsterdam under the ticker HAVAS. This follows the completion of its spin-off from Vivendi and the distribution of Havas’s ordinary shares to Vivendi shareholders on a one-for-one basis, approved by them  at the combined general shareholders’ meeting  on 9 December 2024. 

    Havas chairman & CEO Yannick Bolloré said: “The successful completion of Havas’s spin-off and listing on Euronext Amsterdam marks a pivotal step towards the realisation of our long-term vision. It gives us additional flexibility to accelerate our growth across our key business lines and strengthens our unique position within the dynamic marketing and communications industry. Our converged strategy, enhanced by exceptional talent, data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and targeted acquisitions, places us in the best possible position to be even more creative and strategic, and deliver robust financial performance, creating long-term value for our shareholders. I would like to thank our talented teams for all their hard work and commitment throughout this process, and all our clients for their trust.” 

    Through its converged strategy, has drawn up a three pronged way forward to drive growth, creativity and innovation by focusing on three key priorities: 

    1. Strategic acquisitions: Continue its disciplined approach to acquisitions, targeting high-growth markets and expanding its expertise in data analytics, digital transformation, and AI. 
    2. Investment in innovation: Prioritise the development of capabilities in data, technology, and AI to deliver cutting-edge solutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry. 
    3. Increased Collaboration: Implement a group-wide operating system to fuse all Havas’ global expertise, tools and capabilities and further integrate its networks and agencies worldwide. 

    As disclosed at the capital markets day held on 19 November  2024: 
    * Havas is aiming to achieve an Adjusted EBIT margin ranging between 14 per cent  and 15 per cent by no later than the financial year ending 31 December 2028. Havas is also aiming to generate contributions to net revenue from new acquisitions averaging between €40 million and €50 million per year over the medium term, driven by the execution of the group’s acquisition strategy. 

    * Havas believes it can achieve the following as of and for the year ending 31 December 2024: 
    o A change in net revenue on an organic basis ranging between a decrease of one per cent  and no change, compared to the year ended 31 December 2023; 
    o Adjusted EBIT in excess of €330 million, reflecting management of operating expenses (such as personnel and travel expenses); 
    o Net cash and cash equivalents (excluding lease liabilities and earn-out and buy-out obligations) of around €150 million.

    * For the year ending 31 December, 2025, Havas believes it can achieve the following: 
    o Net revenue on an organic basis growth in excess of two per cent, compared to the year ending 31 December 2024; 
    o Adjusted EBIT margin ranging between 12.5 per cent and 13.5 per cent 

    Regarding its dividend policy, Havas says it intends to provide a regular return on capital to its shareholders through an annual dividend payment. This payment is expected to represent around 40 per cent of the net income (group share) for the relevant financial year, starting in 2025 for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. 

  • Havas launches Conran Design Group network with release of Citizen Brands

    Havas launches Conran Design Group network with release of Citizen Brands

    Mumbai: Havas has announced the launch of the Conran Design Group network, a new global offering dedicated to brand and design, based on the long-standing expertise and talent at Conran Design Group, and W, Havas’ leading creative branding agency in France, which will be renamed W Conran Design.  

    With studios in London, Paris, Mumbai and New York, the network’s team of 250 strategists and creatives will use their expertise in brand strategy, brand design, experience design and communications and engagement to inspire progress for clients and empower brands to make a meaningful impact.  

    The network launch also marks the release of Conran Design Group’s new proprietary study, Citizen Brands, an evidence-based brand and design framework that identifies which brands are achieving balanced growth.

    The study finds that the top 20 ‘citizen brands’ – those able to meet the needs of both individual and society – earned £8bn more in revenues on average yearly than their lowest-performing counterparts. They also achieved equity price increases that are on average five times higher than those of the lowest performers.

    “Conran Design Group is uniquely equipped to lead this new network with more than 60 years of experience in strategic brand and design, a holistic approach, and the benefit of global scale with a local touch. W is the natural partner to support the success of this initiative in France with its 25-year track record of helping companies transform to remain at the heart of the conversation and make a positive contribution to society,” commented Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré.

    “We’ve entered the era of expectation inflation – and brands are under huge pressure to deliver growth and good,” said Conran Design Group global CEO Thom Newton. “This will only intensify amid ongoing uncertainty and heighted economic and environmental pressures. Brand leaders will be expected to take an even more active role in how their brands meet and balance these pressures. Our study shows that all companies across all sectors need to find a way to achieve balanced growth, critical in an increasingly unbalanced world. But rather than prioritising growth alone – growth at any cost – the focus should be on progress, progress that’s both balanced and sustainable. Our new global network, supported and informed by the Citizen Brands framework, will help brands achieve that.”

    “We are delighted and proud that W, which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, will be leading Havas’ new brand and design network in France and rebranding as W Conran Design. The international reach this network provides will amplify the agency’s strategic and creative influence for our clients and expand opportunities for our teams. It is a testament to the central place of design in brand strategies at a time when progress depends on balancing meaning and business,” added W Conran Design president and co-founder Denis Gancel and W Conran Design creative director and co-founder Gilles Deleris.
     

  • Havas announces new leadership appointments

    Havas announces new leadership appointments

    Mumbai: Havas has announced the elevations of two senior leaders. Rana Barua, based in Mumbai, will extend his remit to include Southeast and North Asia. Barua’s career spans nearly three decades, including the last five years spent overseeing Havas’ India operations, comprising over 2,000 people across Havas Creative Network and Havas Media Network. The expansion of Barua’s scope adds nine additional markets under his leadership in his new role as group CEO India, South East & North Asia.

    Speaking about his new role, Barua said, “I am extremely excited and thankful to the global leadership team for entrusting me with this additional responsibility. These nine distinct markets in South East & North Asia, provide multiple and diverse occasions for collaboration for both our global and local clients. I look forward to working closely with the regional teams and each country’s leadership to create more meaningful engagements and opportunities for our talent and clients.”

    In parallel, Alberto Canteli, based in Dubai, will continue as chairman and CEO Havas Nordics, Benelux, Central & Eastern Europe, and Middle East, while taking on new responsibilities driving special projects in coordination with Donna Murphy, Global CEO, Havas Creative Network and Havas Health & You. This new area of focus will include identifying growth levers and developing actionable strategies at the global level, including new client opportunities, services, expansion, and cross-selling. A long-time veteran of Havas, Canteli has been serving as a key pillar in the international expansion of Havas for more than twenty years.

    “During moments like these of continued disruption and transformation, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my regional responsibilities in Europe and the Middle East with a new role that will facilitate a closer collaboration with our global leadership team. AI, Web 3.0 and Blockchain among other advancements, will have a strong impact on our industry and it will be a privilege to contribute to the transformation and turnaround of our business moving forward,” shared Alberto Canteli.

    “I would like to warmly congratulate Alberto and Rana on their new, expanded roles. Their proven leadership skills, vast expertise and innovative thinking will create new synergies and accelerate growth, allowing our teams to further build on Havas’ integrated approach and offer our clients the best possible outcomes,” commented Havas chairman and Global CEO Yannick Bolloré.

  • Havas announces acquisition of PR Pundit

    Havas announces acquisition of PR Pundit

    Mumbai: Today, Havas has acquired a majority stake in PR Pundit, one of India’s foremost PR consultancy firms. This strategic move marks the debut of Havas Red, a Havas global PR network, into the vibrant Indian market. On closing, the firm will be rebranded PR Pundit Havas Red.

    Winners of the Provoke Media’s Consumer Consultancy of the Year, at the recent Asia Pacific Awards in 2023, PR Pundit is an integrated communications consultancy that has built its reputation and equity as front runners in consumer lifestyle, serving more than 100 retainer clients across a variety of sectors including hospitality, F&B, corporate, CPG, start-ups, lifestyle, luxury, and beauty & skincare. The 25-year-old company boasts expertise in brand positioning and corporate communications and has a team of 160 PR practitioners across its three offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR.  

    PR Pundit has been a valued affiliate of Havas in India for some time. This acquisition cements the association and enhances Havas’ capabilities to extend public relations services in India as part of its bouquet of creative, media and healthcare offerings. In parallel, Havas Red’s continued international expansion adds important new expertise and geographic reach to the network’s global clients. The entry into the Indian market is the network’s second addition in 2023, following the opening of Havas Red South Africa earlier in the year.

    PR Pundit founder and MD Archana Jain will continue to lead PR Pundit Havas Red, reporting to Havas India Group CEO Rana Barua and Havas Red global CEO James Wright.

    “We are thrilled to welcome PR Pundit to the Havas family. The synergies between PR Pundit’s expertise, Havas India’s clients, and the global PR clients of Havas Red are exceptionally strong, setting the stage for many meaningful collaborations. With the backing of Vivendi and their extensive entertainment assets in India, the expansion into PR, communications and social media is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with the evolving landscape of the market and industry,” commented Havas chairman and global CEO Yannick Bolloré.

    “Joining Havas will enable us to enrich our services and geographic reach for the benefit of our clients,” said Archana Jain, who founded PR Pundit in 1998. “We are excited to lend our expertise and entrepreneurial drive as well as share our local PR understanding with Havas Red in our common goal of undertaking benchmarking work and fostering long term partnerships, with our people and clients. Our relationship is based on shared values to elevate service capabilities, open doors to new opportunities and embrace best practices from around the world.”

    Havas India group CEO Rana Barua said, “This acquisition once again reinforces our commitment of delivering comprehensive and impactful solutions to our clients. In our endeavour to offer integrated end-to-end communication solutions, we identified that the PR function was a missing piece. This acquisition brings together, two extremely powerful entities, Havas Red which has presence across 15 global markets with unmatched influence and reach, and PR Pundit, one of the most respected PR agencies in India with unparalleled brand reputation and a robust clientele. I welcome team PR Pundit to the Havas India family. Together with Havas Red, I look forward to the beginning of an exciting journey.”