CHEP reunion at Howatson + Company with new chief data and technology officer
Howatson + Company has hired Hoang Nguyen as its first chief data and technology officer, reuniting him with his former CHE Proximity boss, Chris Howatson.
Hoang spent three-and-a-half years at CHEP alongside Howatson, initially joining as national technical director. He left the business shortly after Howatson in April 2021, when the latter departed alongside Ant White to set up Howatson + White.
He commenced the role this month, joining from digital agency, Appscore where he was director, digital and engineering. He joined Appscore from CHEP last year, finishing up at the Clemenger Group agency as executive director of engineering.
Howatson said that those that have met Nguyen have felt his “contagious passion” for the technology and data underpinning today’s best digital utilities.
Nguyen is reunited with his old boss
“At the age of 12, he was the youngest person to have received professional certification from Microsoft, an award and software patent by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (a specialised agency of the United Nations). Ask him what he built – it’s a great story!”
“In many agencies, data and tech are siloed as two different practices,” said Howatson. “We know great experience requires both data and technology as intertwined enablers, live and constantly talking to and responding to each other. Hoang joins us with a remit to expand our technology offering and has already made an incredible impact to our clients, especially in the areas of data privacy, security and marketing technology.”
On his appointment, Nguyen added: “I was attracted to Howatson + Company for its focus on people, its entrepreneurial spirit and the opportunity to create. No other place could offer the fusion between creativity and technology, design for humans and the machine. I’m excited to bring data and technology together, especially as privacy management becomes critical in meeting compliance requirements and managing brand reputation.”
Howatson + Company confirmed to Mumbrella that following Howatson’s departure from CHEP, he did have a non-compete clause in place with the agency, however during this time Nguyen explored other opportunities, before deciding to join the start-up agency.
Nguyen’s experience includes leading teams and “designing architectures” at development companies Deepend and Web Marketing experts for blue-chip clients, including NAB, ANZ, Samsung, Telstra and other financial and tech startups.
The agency has already gone under considerable change, after founding and naming partner, Ant White left the agency, later rebranded to Howatson + Company, keeping hold of all of its clients.
Colenso BBDO talent, Levi Slavin was then appointed chief creative officer, replacing White.
Howatson + Company is continuing to build out its full service capabilities, with 15 advertised roles to “support new business growth”.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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