Havas used the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity platform to announce some major developments in its agency structure and its expansion plan. The year marked the 10th anniversary of Havas Café that has served as a hub not only for all Havas staff but for the people that the agency works with. Each year, Havas has something to speak about in terms of the developments that are impacting the global advertising business.
This year was no different. Yannick Bolloré, CEO, Havas took stock of the year gone where it made 13 acquisitions globally, added some of the biggest names in its new businesses across all its markets and put together 42 Havas Villages. Havas Village is a concept that Bolloré had established when he had taken reigns of the company nearly three years ago. His plan was to let go of silos and bring together its talent to work for marketers in a unified effort. From individual sport to team sport, was how the company had defined it then.
The financial reports of the company and a continued growth streak, including a 3.4 per cent growth in the last quarter, asserted that some of these changes worked. “Acceleration will be the key word for us in the year ahead. Our strategy is relevant and it was delivered for us,” said Bolloré.
That however does not stop Havas from making some strong moves. Last year, Havas made its biggest acquisition in 15 years, with digital communications group FullSix for USD 75 million. The idea is to now create a digital-first global media agency that will be part of the overall Havas offer.
Another area for expansion for the company comes in setting up Havas Consulting Group that will make it more than an agency to a partner to marketers.
Bolloré is bullish on the agency’s plans ahead in its markets such as India. “India has been one of our most important markets. You will see us roll out all our new initiatives in India too as and when the team there requires it. We are very committed to our business in India,” he said.
This year, Havas Café also played home to Marty’s Connected Couch, created by former Havas employees as a step forward in connected technology. Bolloré is excited about some of these prospects for connecting with consumers in the near future.
