Havas Media Network recruits PHD national head of strategy
Havas Media Network has strengthened its media leadership team with the hiring of Mitchell Long as its new chief strategy officer.
Long moves into the agency network after working at PHD for 12 years. The strategy expert joined the company in October of 2011 as an intern, before rising up the ladder to become its national head of strategy in mid-2021.
During his tenure at PHD, Long worked on a diverse portfolio containing some of the world’s most recognisable brands, such as Virgin Australia, Google, Chanel and Volkswagen Unilever.
His expertise as a strategist has also leant itself to creating content for the Media Federation of Australia’s MFA EX event.
Now, Long will officially serve as chief strategy officer of Havas Media Network. His role will see him spearheading the strategic vision and operations of both Havas PLAY and Havas Media Australia.
Additionally, he’ll be working in collaboration with the agencies under the Havas Village to provide clients with a unified data home solution and operating system.
“In the face of industry fragmentation, Havas’ new Converged OS backed by their unique Village model holds opportunity to build much needed bridges between creative, media, production, and technology,” Long said.
“As part of my role, I’ll be looking to evolve our strategy product to draw upon our unique strengths within Converged and across our breadth of Village capabilities all in the service of great ideas that real people care about and that live through every facet of a brand’s marketing ecosystem.
“Havas’ Village model is uniquely positioned to bridge the growing divide between breadth and depth, I’m excited to help build their next chapter.”
The network’s chief executive officer, Virginia Hyland, explained that Long’s path to entering Havas’ c-suite team comes as a result of his talent and high levels of expertise regarding strategy and business.
“Mitch is a rare talent within our industry with a sharp focused mind that can unpack and develop business solutions for clients with compelling results,” Hyland said.
“I have taken some time to identify and find the right candidate for this important role. Mitch will lead the strategic direction for Havas Media Australia and Havas PLAY.
“He will also play a pivotal role working alongside the Havas Village agencies to support our continued global focus creating a Converged operating system and data home platform for clients from across our Havas Village.
“With recent significant business growth via wins and independent agency acquisitions for the Havas Media Network, it is a particularly exciting time for Mitch to join the team.
“Marketers challenge to simplify the complicated has never been greater particularly when budgets are tight, and their teams are stretched.
“They desire to work with partners who can unpack their problems and deliver an integrated seamless working model to deliver new growth areas. Mitch will play a key role in leaning into our clients business in a true partnership extension.”
The expansion of the media network’s leadership team comes in the wake of a period of indisputable growth for Havas Media.
Last month, Havas announced that it had created a new chief planning officer role, while selecting Alistair Baker to fill it. Just over a week ago, it had officially announced its acquisition of indie creative production and media agency, Hotglue, in an effort to enhance its international ‘converged’ strategy, particularly within the local Australian market.
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Matthew is the editorial assistant at Mumbrella. He joined the company at the end of September 2023.
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