Havas Group ANZ announces new positioning and senior appointments

Havas Group ANZ has introduced Deliberately Different to reinforce its village of agencies.

The new positioning embodies their indie-like agility and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the scale and resources of a global network.

Deliberately Different recognises that being ‘different for difference’s sake’ is not enough to stand out. Brands need strategically driven ideas that challenge expectations and deliver measurable impact.

Different by design

Havas Group ANZ CEO James Wright says: “When difference is deliberate, it doesn’t just get noticed – it moves brands forward, unlocks growth and builds meaningful connections that last.

“Havas Australia and New Zealand are different by design. With a challenger mindset and diverse, driven talent, we are purpose-built to stand out and make a disproportionate difference for clients. We bring strategy, creativity, media, PR, public affairs, social, influencer, health, med comms and more together with intent, to deliver ideas that defy convention and drive real results.

“Our culture and model present marketers with a deliberately ‘different way’ – one that delivers the benefits of indies and hold cos, without the tradeoffs and pain points. A village of nimble, entrepreneurial agencies with network-backing and access to global systems, significant AI investment, technology and insights,” adds Wright.

“That is a compelling proposition for marketers at a time of rising dissatisfaction and frustration with traditional big hold cos, uncertainty around the mega-merger, and as indies grapple with investments needed to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry at a time of stagnant growth.”

Havas has also announced two senior leadership appointments, both promotions.

New AI chief

Alastair Baker, previously chief planning officer at Havas Media Network Australia, takes on the newly created role of chief AI officer for Havas ANZ.

He will lead AI strategy, execution and governance across ANZ village agencies. Baker will use the network’s global scale and AI investment to deliver localised strategies that drive efficiency, generate client value and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Baker joined the business in 2021 as Havas Media Australia head of strategy. His 16-year career also spans senior strategy and planning roles across media, creative and digital, including Dentsu X and Vizeum in the UK and Dentsu’s iProspect in Melbourne.

Driving strategic growth

Richard Clarke, formerly chief growth and client officer at Havas Creative Network Australia, becomes group chief growth and marketing officer for Havas ANZ.

Under his extended remit, Clarke will continue to partner closely with Wright and the leadership team to drive strategic growth priorities, operational alignment and marketing initiatives that strengthen the Havas Village brand.

He will also oversee integrated marketing and communications strategies to elevate the network’s profile through thought leadership, PR, events and industry partnerships, while ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies to deliver growth and innovation.

A creative strategy and operations leader with 20 years’ experience across agency and in-house teams, Clarke joined the Australian business in 2024 from his London-based role as managing director of Havas Red UK. His background also includes director roles leading PR for global consumer brands at Ogilvy and formerly Burson-Marsteller in London.

Proven leaders

Wright says: “Alastair and Richard are proven leaders who will be instrumental in delivering the power of our positioning across the business. As well as driving the continued embracing of our pioneering Converged.AI operating system.”

It was also announced recently that Kate O’Ryan-Roeder will be joining the Havas Village ANZ as CEO of Havas Media Network in January 2026. 

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