“I have always had a burning desire to be an entrepreneur”: David Jones steps down as Havas CEO to launch own start-up
David Jones has announced that he will step down as Global CEO of Havas and CEO Havas Worldwide to launch his own tech start-up.
Yannick Bolloré will replace Jones as Global CEO Havas, while Andrew Benett has been named CEO of the Havas Worldwide advertising network.
Commenting on his departure, and the venture he will launch next month, Jones said: “If I were going to stay in the industry it would be at Havas, but I have always had a burning desire to be an entrepreneur and this is too exciting an opportunity to not seize. Those people who know me know my two passions in business are social media and social responsibility and this new venture combines the two.
“I want to thank the Bolloré Group and Vincent Bolloré in particular for his support and mentorship over the last eight years and wish Yannick every success.”
Jones, who is also co-founder of One Young World, leaves the Group by agreement with Havas's management and will be retained as advisor to the Havas Chairman and CEO throughout 2014.
Commenting on the changes, Bolloré said: “It's a very exciting time for Havas. We are well on our way to realizing our goal of being the most integrated and innovative communications group of our industry. I would like to thank David for the impact he has made at Havas over the last 15 years.Thanks to his talent, David has contributed significantly to the improvement of the results and organization of the Group and its standing amongst clients and in the industry. I wish him all the best for his future business.”
The leadership changes are effective immediately.
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