Havas Media Group Australia has announced the appointment of Sebastien Leblanc as CFO of Havas Media Group Australia, effective immediately.
Leblanc (main photo) replaces Philippe Tia, who has relocated to London to take on the role of global CFO for Havas agency Edge Performance Network (EPN).
Leblanc’s extensive knowledge and management of large-scale media business operations as an international CFO, his vast internal auditing skills, stakeholder management and proven track record overseeing complex financial systems make him an ideal business partner to CEO, Virginia Hyland and the Havas Media management team.
Leblanc has worked for Havas since joining the business as an internal auditor in 2007. He has spent the past 12 years in CFO roles in South America, initially at Havas Chile, followed by Mexico and, more recently, Colombia and Peru overseeing media billings of $1 billion.
A French citizen, Leblanc has begun transitioning into his new role from hotel quarantine after arriving in Sydney with his family.
Philippe Tia, said: “I’ve known Sebastien for 14 years. He’s very carefully been handpicked as the perfect partner to Virginia Hyland to serve the new ambitions of Havas Media Group in Australia and New Zealand for the coming years.”
Tia departs for his new role after spending seven years based in Sydney as Havas Group ANZ CFO, including leading the successful acquisition of Hyland Media. Philippe’s global role at EPN.
Tia continues an international career with the Havas Group that began when he joined Paris global HQ in 1996, before moving to Singapore as Regional FC in 1997. He worked as CFO Singapore/Malaysia, then for APAC for Havas Creative Group, before returning to Europe in 2011 as CFO Eastern Europe. After three years based in Prague, he moved to Australia in 2014.
Leblanc, said: “Many thanks to Philippe for contributing to Havas Australia and New Zealand’s growth so successfully over the last seven years.
“Philippe will be missed and we are sad to see him leave, but also excited for him to have such a tremendous opportunity within Havas to support Edge Performance Network’s growth and expansion. All the best Philippe!”
Havas Media Group, CEO, Virginia Hyland, said: “I want to thank Philippe for his support and wish him the very best in his new global role.
“He has helped to handpick Sebastien, who is one of the most respected Havas CFO’s within the group, to join me in Australia as we continue our growth trajectory.
“Automation of processes and excellence in financial management will enable the business to continue to invest in new talent and capabilities. Welcome, Sebastien.”
