Havas Host has hired Kelly Larken as group account director and Mike Alhadeff planning director.
Both come directly from roles in the UK, with Larken most recently working as group account director and business director for Anomaly London, where she led the Coca-Cola and Unilever Masterbrand accounts, and Alhadeff from AMV BBDO London where he was senior strategist.
“We couldn’t be happier that Kelly chose Havas Host when moving to Australia from London," says Havas Host managing director Ant More.,
"Her passion for creating not only interesting work, but effective work, was obvious from the moment we met. We can’t wait to see the work we create together and are looking forward to the energy she’ll bring to the team.”
Larken said: “I am thrilled to be starting this new chapter with Havas Host. From our very first meeting, it was evident that their ambitions match my own: to make culturally impactful work that produces disproportionate results for our clients. It’s a privilege to be joining such a talented bunch of people, and I’m looking forward to seeing what success we can create together."
Mike Alhadeff joins as planning director after almost five years at AMV BBDO London, where he was senior strategist.
He started his career with five and a half years at at Grey London, where he was as a planner. He has worked on several British FMCG brands from Lucozade to McVitties, as well as Pringles and Currys, one of the UK’s biggest retailers, and was recognised as one of 2022’s top 10 trailblazers by Campaign UK.
“I’m really excited to be joining Havas Host," Alhadeff said.
"Even from the very first Teams calls back in the UK, I sensed an energy from the team where they never settle for second best, and now that I’m here, I can’t wait to make some of the best work of my career.”
These senior appointments cap off a successful year for the agency, the first under Gayle While’s leadership; including the promotion of Ant Moore to MD, the appointment of Justin Ruben to ECD and Havas Host being appointed the creative agency for IKEA.
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