Havas Melbourne has announced the appointment of two senior staff as the business continues its growth trajectory.
Naomi Johnston joins as general manager for the media team while Tim Higginson takes the role of general manager for the creative side of the business.
The new roles will help continue the momentum of the media and creative specialist teams but also establish a leadership structure designed to service the increasing number of clients seeking integrated services across the Havas Village.
Johnston brings more than 20 years’ media experience to the role, having worked in general management, strategy and client leadership positions in large Melbourne media agencies.
She has helped grow blue-chip brands including Lion Drinks & Dairy, Treasury Wine Estates, Toyota, Red Energy, Bank of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
“The Havas Village model is unique. I’m thrilled to be helping create compelling media experiences in an environment that truly appreciates how media and creative need to work in harmony," Johnston says.
Higginson brings nearly 25 years of experience to Havas, having worked in client leadership and management positions in creative and integrated agencies in Melbourne and Brisbane.
He has extensive automotive expertise but has also worked across a range of other categories, supporting iconic brands including Nike, Nestle Peters, National Foods, Kraft and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
“There’s a real sense of purpose and energy in the leadership team at Havas and this really caught my attention along with Havas’ belief in building meaningful brands," Higginson says.
"I’m thrilled to join the team and work with Matt again to deliver on that promise.”
Johnston and Higginson will report to Havas Melbourne and Havas Media Group AUNZ CEO Matt Houltham.
“The comms landscape has never been more complex or fragmented. Our challenge is to help brands add value instead of just contributing to the noise," Houltham says.
"Naomi and Tim both bring a deep understanding of how media and creative can combine to drive results. But critically, they are also great collaborators and fun to work with, so I’m excited about what they’ll bring strategically and culturally to the team and our client work.”
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