Havas Media has today announced further growth of its commercial operations as it continues its ANZ expansion. Havas’ commitment to being one of ANZ’s most technologically-advanced media agencies has signalled the creation of two new senior roles in the business, charged with increasing Havas’ commercial expertise and implementation across Havas’ client portfolio.

John Lynch joins the team in the newly created role of National Investment Director, building on the agency’s dedicated investment expertise. Lynch will be tasked with evolving the Havas Media commercial capabilities across core media and non-media client product portfolio, including technology services, content and programmatic. Lynch will operate across all group media brands including Havas Media, Havas Sports and Entertainment and Arena Media.

Lynch will also focus on emerging areas of growth in line with Havas’ significant commitment to content services, through partnerships, including those with Vivendi businesses.

Lynch will report into James Zipeure, who has been promoted to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, the first for Havas Media Group, Australia. His remit will cover all operational and commercial day-to-day delivery across the Havas Media Group, as well as an expanding role across the wider Havas Village group of companies.

Zipeure said: “Our position as a forward-thinking challenger network was a key factor in getting John to join Havas Media. As one of the most sought after directors in market it’s fantastic to have him on board. John and I will be working closely in the coming months as we continue to find new ways of unlocking greater opportunities for existing and new clients.”

In his past two years with Havas Media, Zipeure has helped define a new approach for media investment strategy and delivery as well as pioneering a new commercial model for clients. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of driving a number of changes at the agency, setting up divisions in programmatic, social, mobile, performance, data, content along with the recently launched Havas Sports and Entertainment division.