Host/Havas has appointed Justin Ruben, executive creative director.
He joins from CHEP, where he led the Sydney creative department as ECD after returning to Australia from New York in mid-2021.
He fills the role vacated by Jon Austin, who departed the agency after more than a decade to found an independent creative agency with Laura Aldington and Simone Gupta.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the agency," Ruben said.
"It’s the perfect combination of the independent spirit of Host, with the incredible capabilities and smarts of Havas. I can’t wait to create some outstanding work.”
Ruben started his career at DDB Sydney more than 20 years ago and has worked at a number of leading agencies in Australia and the US, including Publicis Mojo, BMF, BBH New York and Droga5 New York, where he spent four years as group creative director.
Ruben's work has been recognised with multiple awards at shows including D&AD, Cannes, and The One Show.
His ‘Summer rituals’ ad for Drumstick was voted among the best of the decade. Other highly regarded, influential and innovative work includes changing the bagel emoji for Philly Cream Cheese, ‘Read Yourself Better’ for The Wall Street Journal, and getting legendary baby photographer Anne Geddes to change her iconic photo style for Karicare.
Host/Havas CEO Gayle While said Ruben's passion for creating culturally influential work that impacts society and brands makes him an ideal fit for Host/Havas and its commitment to making a meaningful difference to clients.
“Justin is a talent of the highest calibre, with an infectious energy to success," said While.
"We’re lucky to have him on board to continue our legacy of creating meaningful, attention-grabbing work for clients. We can’t wait to see what he brings to Host/Havas. It’s going to be amazing."
The latest appointment consolidates the agency's leadership team building on the legacy and success of the creative and strategic and powerhouse for a new era.
Ruben joins While, MD Ant Moore who was promoted to the newly created role in March after almost nine years as Host/Havas managing partner, 20-year Host/Havas veteran Havas Creative Group Australia chief strategy officer Olly Taylor, head of trsategy Alyce Gillis, and Havas Creative Network Australia CEO James Wright, who returned from a global Havas role in New York in January.
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