Havas Media ANZ names Mindshare’s Kate O’Ryan-Roeder as CEO
Kate O’Ryan-Roeder
Havas Media ANZ has appointed former Mindshare ANZ managing director Kate O’Ryan-Roeder as its new chief executive officer.
O’Ryan-Roeder steps into the role following the exit of former Havas Media ANZ lead Virginia Hyland in July and the elevation of Creative CEO James Wright to the network-wide leadership.
She joins the agency after a decade at Mindshare ANZ, where she served as chief client officer, and most recently as managing director for its Sydney base.
According to a Havas announcement, O’Ryan-Roeder led a team of nearly 150, oversaw a bespoke agency for LVMH, and helped secure a roster of new clients, including MG.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Havas team come January,” she said in a statement.
“What truly inspired and resonated with me was the sense of shared values and purpose. The vision for ANZ that James and Havas have for the next years is bold and transformative, and something I wanted to be a big part of.”
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O’Ryan-Roeder will begin at Havas in January 2026, and her appointment follows a period of recent growth for the agency, including Tangerine and More, Perfetti Van Melle, as well as Emirates globally.
Last year, Havas acquired Melbourne-based Hotglue, which has since become part of Havas Media Melbourne.
In a statement, Wright added that O’Ryan-Roeder “stood out from the get-go” during the recruitment process.
“We are about to embark on a very exciting period of investment and transformation at Havas ANZ that will further showcase our difference in the market, and Kate leading the Havas Media Network is going to be a huge driver of this. I look forward to working with her and the leadership group to fulfill our ambitious plans.”
Meanwhile, Mindshare ANZ CEO Maria Grivas said O’Ryan-Roeder had “made a meaningful impact at Mindshare, both in Sydney and globally”.
“Her thoughtful leadership, care for clients, and commitment to culture have helped shape who we are today,” she said. “While we’re sad to see her leave Mindshare, our heartfelt congratulations go to her as she steps into this exciting new chapter as a CEO, and we wish her every success.”
