Host/Havas nabs CHEP talent to replace Jon Austin
Host/Havas has picked veteran creative, Justin Ruben, to replace Jon Austin as executive creative director.
Ruben, who has more than 20 years experience was most recently the ECD at CHEP Network where he spent two years.
He arrived at CHEP Network after six years at Droga5 New York where he was group creative director.
Prior to that he has worked at at agencies including DDB Sydney, BMF and Publicis Mojo. At Host/Havas he will work with the wider leadership team including CEO Gayle While and recently promoted managing director, Ant Moore, as well as Havas Creative Group Australian chief strategy officer, Olly Taylor.
(L-R): Gayle While, Olly Taylor, Justin Ruben
While said Ruben was an “ideal fit”.
“Justin’s passion for creating culturally influential work that impacts society and brands makes him an ideal fit for Host/Havas and its commitment to making a meaningful difference to clients,” she said.
“Justin is a talent of the highest calibre, with an infectious energy to success. We’re lucky to have him on board to continue our legacy of creating meaningful, attention-grabbing work for clients.
“We can’t wait to see what he brings to Host/Havas”, she continued. “It’s going to be amazing.”
Ruben returned to Australia from New York in mid-2021, where he led CHEP’s Sydney team.
Ruben said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the agency. It’s the perfect combination of the independent spirit of Host, with the incredible capabilities and smarts of Havas.
“I can’t wait to create some outstanding work,” he said.
Ruben will replace former Host/Havas ECD Jon Austin, who recently launched Supermassive agency, with ex-Host/Havas CEO, Laura Aldington and ex-Havas PR CEO, Simone Gupta.
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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