Former Ikon and IPG boss Dan Johns joins Havas Media as MP
Former Ikon and IPG Mediabrands executive Dan Johns has taken a senior role at Havas Media Group, three and half years after establishing his own independent consultancy.
The move marks a return to the major agency landscape for Johns who, along with other senior staff, quit IPG in 2017 amid a major restructure.
He will step into the newly-created role of managing partner with immediate effect, and help drive Havas Media’s digital and data capabilities.
Johns will report to Havas Media Group chief executive Virginia Hyland, who was appointed in November 2020.
The hire is something of a coup for Havas. Johns has developed an impressive reputation over the years and was an instrumental figure at Ikon Communication which he turned into a powerhouse media agency during his decade-long spell, largely as MD and CEO.
He was controversially ousted in 2013 before being snapped up by IPG Mediabrands as group commercial director. Johns was promoted to chief operating officer in 2016 but left the following year following a restructure, spearheaded by then CEO Danny Bass.
He founded independent consultancy, Ippon, the same year which has provided strategic and operational advice to a variety of blue chip marketing businesses including advertisers, agencies and media owners.
“The last three years working as an independent consultant to some of Australia’s most successful brands has been both a liberating and eye-opening experience,” Johns said in a statement. “I am really looking forward to putting into practice all that I have learnt to help Havas Media Group fast track its ambitions.”
Hyland described Johns as “one of the most respected senior media operators within our industry”.
Virginia Hyland: ‘Johns is one of the industry’s most respected media executives’.
“He brings enormous digital, data and technology capabilities to marketers who continue to focus on driving growth for their brands,” she said. “We are incredibly excited and proud to have someone of Dan’s calibre join our rapidly growing group as we continue to innovate and evolve.
“Dan’s wealth of experience will undoubtedly benefit our team and our clients, helping to elevate our thinking and capability in the ever-changing dynamic media landscape.”
Havas said the appointment comes as the business looks to accelerate its investment into data-driven, performance and eCommerce capabilities.
