Havas has announced the return of James Wright to Australia as CEO of Havas Creative Network. Wright will oversee agencies including Host/Havas, h/commerce, Red Havas, Havas Blvd, One Green Bean, and Organic. Wright will continue in his role as Global CEO Red Havas and Global Chairman of the Havas PR Global Collective.
Additionally, it was announced that Gayle While has been appointed CEO at Host/Havas. She joins from Dentsu where she was Chief Client Officer and was previously CEO at Clemenger BBDO.
Wright joined the Havas Group in 2011 and was based in Australia until 2018. During that time, he led Red Havas to become one of the largest and most awarded PR agencies across APAC, including more than twenty agency of the year accolades, the agency said. Wright also held various roles across the wider Havas Australia Group as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer.
The new position marks a return to Australia for Write – in 2018 he moved to the US to take the Australian-founded Red Havas brand global. Red Havas has now expanded to 24 offices across 14 markets.
“Whilst I have always kept close to the Australian market and teams during my time in New York, I am delighted to be back in my spiritual home where we have a world class roster of agencies, talent, clients, and opportunity,” said Wright.
“I am looking forward to working with our senior management teams in the Havas Village to forge an exciting new chapter for the Group.”
While added: “I’m excited to join a creative agency with such an enviable legacy, and humbled to play a part in continuing to propel the team and work forward. There is a phenomenal team, and it’s the combination of their passion with access to the talent, innovation and collaborative spirit across the Havas Village that makes this such an incredible opportunity.”
Donna Murphy, Global CEO of Havas Creative and Havas Health & You, said: “Historically Australia has been an exciting and highly creative market for us, so under the leadership of James and Gayle we are looking forward to seeing it achieve its full potential.”
