Havas wins challenger telco media and PR accounts

September 12, 2025 11:46

Tangerine and More founders Richard and Andrew Branson

Sister brands and challenger telcos Tangerine and More have appointed Havas Media and Havas Red as their agencies of record.

The appointment will see Havas broaden the telcos’ storytelling through earned media, content production, strategic partnerships, brand comms, social and digital channels, and sponsorship amplification, as the company continues its growth ambitions.

Tangerine and More are sister brands with shared management, and a partial ownership stake by Commonwealth Bank. Both companies provide NBN and mobile services. Tangerine focuses on NBN and SIM-only mobile plans, while More is aligned with premium NBN, phone, and mobile plans.

According to a release, Havas was selected for its national footprint, with the accounts based out of Melbourne and supported via teams in Sydney and Brisbane to align with Tangerine and More’s business initiatives, partners, and the media footprint.

The agencies proved to be a strong fit for Tangerine and More’s integrated needs with their “blend of deep expertise” across consumer, corporate, technology, lifestyle, and sport communications.

Andy Branson, CEO of the telcos, said in the release: “We needed an agency partner who not only understands the competitive telco landscape but also brings the creativity and strategic depth to help us stand out.

“Havas impressed us with their national reach, integrated capabilities, and clear passion for what we’re building, and we’re excited to partner with them on this next chapter.”

A big part of Tangerine and More’s focus is sports partnerships and communications. Both telcos signed on as telecom sponsors — Tangerine for the Melbourne Renegades’ men’s and women’s teams, and More for the Sydney FC club.

They are also prioritising a female-focused sports strategy through their support of ambassador and Olympic champion swimmer Mollie O’Callaghan and Australian cricketer Milly Illingworth.

Havas’ experience in supporting brands to maximises partnerships includes work with clients like Toyota, Lexus, Bundaberg, Puma, and Thirsty Camel.

Havas Media Melbourne’s managing partner, Matt Hearn, said the partnership has been “a natural alignment” from the beginning.

“A challenger brand that matches our energy for pushing boundaries. It’s one of those rare collaborations where you can feel the synergy from day one, where both teams are genuinely excited to see what we can build together,” he said in the release.

Havas Red’s Australian CEO, Shane Russell, added that it is exciting working with a “truly modern Australian brand”.

“We’re proud to partner with them at such an exciting stage of growth, bringing together our national footprint, our ‘CorpSumer’ PR approach, and our proven strength in sponsorship and partnership storytelling.”

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Lauren McNamara

Lauren McNamara is a freelance journalist contributing to Mumbrella. She previously spent three years at the publication, most recently as the associate editor. She left her staff role at Mumbrella in August 2025.