NEW YORK, USA – Havas Media Group has promoted Greg James to Global Chief Transformation Officer, effective immediately. This move comes as Havas Media Group realigns its global organization to harness the power of its 9,000-strong global network and accelerate growth, media innovation, and transformation for clients.
James will be responsible for the newly formed Strategic Development and Client Experience team, a global hub focused on leading future-forward strategic growth initiatives for the agency and clients. His remit includes serving as executive sponsor on Havas Media Group’s largest global accounts, while also driving operational and strategic client experience excellence across the agency’s portfolio.
The Strategic Development and Client Experience team is one of four newly established global hubs that will guide Havas Media Group’s global transformation into the future. All reporting into Global Chief Executive Officer Peter Mears, the other hubs include Product Operations & Investments, People Experience and Finance, Legal and IT. All functions will work collaboratively and interdependently to unlock growth and transformation for the agency and its clients.
“To ensure that we are continually elevating the client experience, investing in our products, and innovating for the future, transformation must be a constant state of being,” said Mears. “With Greg’s new role as Chief Transformation Officer and in collaboration with our global leadership team, we are structurally and culturally transforming to capitalize on collaborative, effective networked behaviors that create value for our agency and clients.”
James has been part of the Havas Group family for more than 15 years, most recently serving as Global Chief Strategy Officer where he was responsible for Havas Media Group’s strategic output globally. He is the mastermind behind the agency network’s Meaningful Media proposition and Mx system, the agency network’s globally consistent operating model. James was responsible for ushering in some of Havas Media Group’s most transformative global initiatives including becoming the first agency to join the Conscious Advertising Network, the creation of Havas Media Group’s Social Equity Marketplace and BIPOC Media Network, and others.
“Clients are at the heart of everything we do, and the formation of the Strategic Development & Client Experience hub brings that into even sharper focus,” said James. “Our clients can expect an even greater infusion of leadership, agility, innovative thinking, and vision as we look to accelerate growth and delivery of media experiences that are outcome-driven, data-led, and above all else, meaningful.”
These developments follow a period of growth and momentum for Havas Media Group. In 2021, the agency network added enviable brands to its client roster including Unilever, Dolce&Gabbana, International Airlines Group (Vueling, Iberia, and IAG Cargo), and Forevermark & De Beers, among others. Havas Media Group’s meaningful media-led work was also globally recognized for creativity and effectiveness by WARC, Cannes Festival of Creativity, Effies and others, with 2021 being its most awarded year since 2015.
