Australia – Havas Media Group, the media division of global marketing and communications group Havas, has tapped Dan Johns, former chief operating officer of media and marketing solutions agency IPG Mediabrands, to be its managing partner.
The newly created role will help further drive the digital and data capabilities of the business and will report directly to Virginia Hyland, the CEO of Havas Media Group.
Johns brings with him 27 years of experience as a senior executive in two known media agencies, namely IPG Mediabrands and Ikon. He has also previously founded independent consultancy Ippon, which has provided strategic and operational advice to a variety of blue-chip marketing businesses including advertisers, agencies, and media owners. Johns specializes in digital and data businesses, including audience buying, digital experience, and social marketing agencies. He will be joining Havas Media Group at an exciting time as the network accelerates its investment into data-driven, performance, and e-commerce capabilities.
Commenting on his appointment, Johns said, “The last three years working as an independent consultant to some of Australia’s most successful brands have been both a liberating and eye-opening experience. I am really looking forward to putting into practice all that I have learned to help Havas Media Group fast track its ambitions.”
Meanwhile, Hyland said that Johns is one of the most respected senior media operators within the industry, and believes that he will bring enormous digital, data, and technology capabilities to marketers who continue to focus on driving growth for their brands.
“We are incredibly excited and proud to have someone of Dan’s caliber join our rapidly growing group as we continue to innovate and evolve. Dan’s wealth of experience will undoubtedly benefit our team and our clients, helping to elevate our thinking and capability in the ever-changing dynamic media landscape,” added Hyland.