Australia – Amber Abbott has been appointed CEO of Havas Australia’s creative communications agency; One Green Bean (ogb), after overseeing a period of sustained and significant growth during her tenure as managing director.
Amber assumes extended responsibility for the management and strategic direction of the agency. Working with ogb’s leadership team, managing partner Lauren Bailey and head of content Laura Byrne, to take the agency to its next phase of growth with a focus on digital innovation, world-class creative thinking, and strategic partnerships and collaborations.
Her appointment comes as One Green Bean enters its 18th year since it began in Australia helping brands earn attention through creativity that drives meaningful conversation – including enduring 10- and 11-year client relationships with Nike and Meat & Livestock Australia respectively. Under Amber’s leadership, ogb has recently welcomed a raft of new clients to its roster that includes Pinterest and Tourism & Events Queensland.
Amber has been with the agency for 11 of those 18 years, progressing from account director to hold senior leadership positions including head of client services and general manager before being appointed managing director in January 2023.
Speaking on her appointment, Amber described the full circle ogb career development she aims to replicate for her team, stating “After over a decade with ogb, it is an honour to take on this role. We’ve entered an exciting new era. We’re still the feisty, boutique agency we were all those years ago – but with the reach, reliability and rigour of a global network behind us. That is a powerful combination.”
She added, “Starting my career at ogb in 2014 was like boarding a rocket ship – fast paced, high pressure. But learning from the best in the business and working on some of the world’s most prestigious, courageous and complex brands quickly taught me that leaning into uncomfortable moments allows you to prove what you’re made of, and expedite your learning and growth.”
When asked about her vision as ogb’s new CEO, she said, “As CEO, my mission is to foster an environment that allows my passionate, talented team to thrive too – to find and seize uncomfortably exciting opportunities that push them to be their best selves, while providing the flexibility, training and personalised support to help them find the right work/life balance that is absolutely essential.”
She added, “I want to inspire my team to be present in their life beyond work, pursue passions and remain consciously curious – because the life bit makes you fundamentally better at the work bit. Not just for our careers – but for our client partners as well.”
Meanwhile, James Wright, group CEO at Havas Creative Network ANZ and global chair at Havas PR Network, commented, “The last two years has seen some of the strongest growth and commercial success in the history of ogb. This has been coupled with an outstanding culture that puts people and creativity at its core. I believe the agency is well set for this to continue with Amber at the helm. She is one of the most dedicated, organised and committed leaders I have ever worked with, and with her strategic mindset and eye for a great idea she has all the attributes you want in a CEO. More than that she is just a great person to be around and partner with as we continue to grow Havas in Australia.”
