Havas Group names James Wright global chairman and CEO of Havas PR

According to a release, the move will “ensure continued alignment of the earned, experiential and content offerings across the organization, as the group enters the second part of its ‘Together’ strategy.”

Currently, Wright is group chief executive officer of the Havas-owned Red Agency Australia, and responsible for Havas-owned PR agencies across the Asia-Pacific region. He concurrently serves as chief commercial officer for Havas Group Australia/New Zealand.

Under his leadership, Wright transformed the Red Agency into a regional powerhouse of creativity and one of the most awarded agencies in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2017, PR Asia named Wright Agency Head of the Year at its annual awards show. During this period, the wider Havas Group ANZ tripled in size. Wright joined the Havas Group in 2011 from the UK.

Havas Group chairman and chief executive Yannick Bollore, said of the move: “We are very excited that James has accepted the opportunity to lead our global PR business. His impact in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region in the PR industry is peerless—and his experience is what we need to deliver a strong, cohesive earned and experiential offer that will attract the best talent and future-focused clients.”

Added Wright: “Between Havas and the Vivendi Group, we have unparalleled access to talent, data, technology and innovation. This is an incredible opportunity to position Havas PR as the global industry leader that maximizes client outcomes in the changing face of media, technology and consumer behavior. I look forward to working with our teams in the U.S. and around the world to make this vision a reality.”

Donna Murphy, global chief executive officer Havas Health & You, stated: “James’s outstanding vision and leadership, progressive thinking and passion for our teams and clients, make him the perfect fit for driving the next phase of our PR business.”