Havas Media’s Imogen Hewitt named CEO of Spark Foundry
Publicis Media has appointed Havas Media Group MD, Imogen Hewitt, as its new CEO.
Hewitt’s appointment follows the departure of Sue Squillace, who left in June to take the CEO role at Dentsu Aegis Network’s Carat.
Hewitt will join the agency in December, with Publicis Media ANZ Chairman, John Preston, continuing to lead the agency in a caretaker role, working closely with the leadership team during the transition period.
On the appointment, Publicis Media CEO Toby Barbour said: “In Imogen, we’ve found a strategically-minded leader who has worked at the nexus of media, creative, digital and data. She brings to the role an understanding of the need to be instinctively collaborative, and adaptive, while creating a culture of high performance and inclusivity – essential attributes we look for in our leaders at Publicis.”
Hewitt’s most recent role was at Havas Media Group as group managing director. During her time with Havas she also held the roles of chief strategy officer of Havas Media and joint strategy director of Havas Creative Group.
Hewitt said: “I’m very excited to work alongside such talented people, leadership teams and client partners at an agency that thrives on diverse thinking, embraces collaboration and prioritises growth for both our clients and our people.
“The opportunity to play a role in further strengthening the Spark business and brand is enormous. To do that with the backing of Publicis Media and the broader Publicis Groupe is a once in a life-time career gift.”
Hewitt has also worked at Naked Communications, holding the head of communications strategy and national commercial director roles before moving to Singapore in 2010 to take on the role of managing partner at Naked Communications South East Asia.
“Lauded as a woman to watch in the industry, Imogen brings two decades of experience rooted in both the media and creative worlds to Spark Foundry, which will be an invaluable asset as we continue our strong growth in Australia,” said Chris Boothe, global brand president, Spark Foundry.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Imogen to the Spark family and am confident that her proven strategic and leadership skills will help drive further success for the agency and its clients in the market.”
Spark’s recent wins include toy company MGA Entertainment and Maserati, as well as PPG Industries and NSW Cancer Council.
Earlier this year, Spark Foundry absorbed Blue 449, which was also under the umbrella of parent company Publicis Media, resulting in all Blue 449 talent and clients moving across to the Spark Foundry label.
A terrific hire of an exceptional talent. Congratulations Imogen, and more so to Spark! Brilliant.
User ID not verified.
She’s ok.
User ID not verified.
Congrats lady! Great hire
User ID not verified.
Imo you superstar, nice get Publicis!
User ID not verified.
Congrats Imo! This is brilliant!
User ID not verified.
Great hire….step up in class.
User ID not verified.
Congratulations Imo!! Wonderful stuff.
User ID not verified.
Imogen is amazing and a great role model for women in the industry. They will be lucky to have you Imo..
User ID not verified.