In a strategic move to bolster the agency’s leadership team, the Havas Village has today announced the internal appointments of Dan Smith (right) to managing director of Havas Worldwide Sydney and Ben Sjogren (left) to managing director of Havas Media.

The creation of the new roles reflects the significant growth of both agencies over the past 12 months, with the total headcount of Havas Village in Sydney now over 240.

Smith has been pivotal in the growth of Havas Worldwide Sydney from an agency of 75 to more than 130 people over the past three years. He previously occupied the role of client services director and for the past 18 months has lead a team of over 50 on one of Australia’s most high profile integrated accounts, Defence Force Recruiting (DFR).

Sjogren joined Havas Media in 2013, guiding the business from its start-up status to a leading force in the industry with over 60 staff. Sjogren has continued to drive the agency’s operations and growth trajectory and has presided over a number of major account wins including QBE and Douwe Egberts.

Havas Worldwide CEO, Anthony Gregorio, said, “I’m delighted to see Dan move into this new role and extend his exceptional leadership across further areas of the business while still playing a pivotal part on the DFR account.

“The appointment of Dan and Ben is another step in our global strategy of bringing advertising, media and PR disciplines closer together.”

Havas Media CEO, Mike Wilson, added, “Ben is one of the Australian media industry’s best creative and strategic minds. He thoroughly deserves this exciting new role and we’re looking forward to continuing to drive the agency’s growth with Ben at the helm.”

Smith and Sjogren will be working together closely in the coming months to continue the development of the Havas Village approach, bringing together the best minds and resources to approach new and existing client challenges.