Havas Red Melbourne recruits new leader amid growth push
Havas Red's commercial director Steve Fontanot
Havas Red is on the hunt for a new leader to head its Melbourne team, with the agency planning to scale up operations following a run of recent client growth.
The communications agency is seeking an executive director to lead its 20-strong local team and oversee a client roster that includes Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, Tangerine Telecom, and Siemens Healthineers.
Speaking to Mumbrella, Havas Red CEO Shane Russell said: “For us as an agency, we have more momentum right now than we’ve had in years.
“There is no better time than now. Melbourne is so important for the future of Havas, both in PR and across the village as a whole. It’s vital we have the right leadership to take us forward, both locally and nationally.”
He added: “Our people and client retention are at their highest since I’ve been here.”
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Mumbrella understands Havas Red has secured several new Melbourne-based clients, which are yet to be formally announced.
In addition to leading the Melbourne operation, the new appointee will work closely with Havas Red’s national leadership team across its consumer PR, corporate communications and social capabilities.
The search for a new Melbourne leader follows the recent appointment of former Nissan corporate communications lead Emily Fadeyev as group practice head for automotive, overseeing the agency’s long-standing relationship with Toyota and Lexus.
Emily Fadeyev, group practice head at Havas Red
Fadeyev succeeds Patrick Lyons, who recently retired after eight years with Havas Red and several decades in automotive communications.
“I’m thrilled to join Havas Red at such a pivotal time,” said Fadeyev. “The opportunity to lead communications for two iconic brands, and build on the legacy of someone like Patrick, is both humbling and energising.”
Steve Fontanot, commercial managing director for Havas Red Asia-Pacific, said her appointment would “drive communications for our long-standing partnership with Toyota and Lexus, two of the world’s most dynamic automotive brands.”
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Patrick for his passion, professionalism and dedication to excellence, which have set the benchmark for automotive communications for an impressive four decades,” he added.
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