Mike Wilson to head Havas Media Group

Naked Communication's co-founder Mike Wilson has re-emerged to spearhead the launch of Havas Media Group in Sydney.

Wilson, who left Naked after nine years in July, will head the agency in Sydney and report into Vishnu Mohan, Asia Pacific chief executive of Havas Media Group.

Working alongside Wilson is Havas Media’s existing team, including Ben Sjorgen, general manager of Havas Media, and Victor Navarro, GM of the group’s performance marketing brand Ecselis.

The local Havas Media Group launch includes Havas Media (formerly MPG) and Arena, with the global digital networks such as Ecselis and trading desk Affiperf to support the two client facing media brands.

Wilson’s appointment is effective from today and his immediate role includes managing the Group’s existing clients, including LG Electronics and Emirates, and launching specialist brands locally.

“The communications landscape has changed beyond recognition over the past decade, particularly with the advent of digital and mobile, yet there has been very limited innovation in the media agency sector,” Wilson said.

“The time is right. Clients demand a 21st century media agency is available to help navigate this confusing landscape. There also needs to be a media agency destination for hungry young media professionals aiming to forge a career which is rewarding and epoch-shaping. With this new way of working Havas Media will be the agency of choice for the ambitious, where they will be supported, nurtured and challenged to be the industry's very best.

“Finally, Havas Media will be an agency where all employees will be expected to make a difference. In keeping with the group's 'meaningful connections’ positioning, we will live that promise as a business, and are committed to creating Australia's first 'meaningful' media agency brand in the process.”

Dominique Delport, global MD of Havas Media Group, said: “Australia is one of the most dynamic and exciting markets in the world and we are committed to replicating the success that our creative agency Havas Worldwide has witnessed under the leadership of Anthony Gregorio, CEO of Havas Worldwide.”

“Mike’s introduction came to us at a pivotal time for our Australian operations. Vishnu Mohan…has known and respected Mike for years and, as the wider restructure at Havas developed, it became essential that we brought in someone who has worked across the specialist disciplines within the industry.

“Mike’s broad minded and cross disciplined approach to media will be instrumental to our success in this important region.”

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