Olly Taylor has been appointed Havas Creative Group Australia Chief Strategy Officer, with his remit spanning Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Taylor lead strategy for Host/Havas, Red Havas, One Green Bean, Havas Commerce, and a new research and insights capability, Havas Labs. He will also take responsibility for the development of IP and processes for world-class strategy across paid, earned, and owned media, on and offline.
Taylor moves into the role from his position as CSO at Host/Havas. He has worked at Host and its subsequent merged Host/Havas business for 18 years originally joining Host Sydney in 2003 as its first Planning Director.
“It’s rare that you have the chance to work with someone for almost two decades but it’s been a privilege to have done so with Olly. He joined Host as a young, but precociously talented brand planner and immediately made an impact, playing a key role in the agency’s success and a long list of effectiveness awards,” said Havas Group ANZ Chairman Anthony Freedman.
“In the many years since, he’s become a complete integrated strategic thinker, a canny spotter of emerging talent, a much-respected agency leader, and a very dear friend. I don’t know why we didn’t give Olly this broader role years ago…. it’s long overdue and much deserved.”
Before joining Host Sydney in 2003, Taylor spent five years working as a planner at Fallon in London, after beginning his career at DMB&B in 1998.
“It’s no secret strategy runs through my veins and after many years as CSO with Host and Host/Havas I’m truly excited by the opportunity to now lead our Creative Group strategy across brand, creative comms, data, CX, CRM, digital, PR, social and more,” added Taylor.
“Alongside the team, I’m looking forward to developing integrated strategies that deliver great work, meaningful impact for brands, and results across the board. With such great brands in the Havas Creative Group, the opportunities are plentiful.”
