HAVAS, an advertising and media communications agency group, has appointed Richard Clarke as its new Chief Growth and Client Officer in Australia. Clarke joins from HAVAS UK, where he previously served as Managing Director of HAVAS Red London. His move to Australia marks a significant step in expanding HAVAS’s leadership and strategic vision in the region.

Clarke brings a distinguished background in communications and advertising, highlighted by his successful tenure at HAVAS Red and his earlier role as a Senior Partner at Ogilvy UK. His notable achievements include spearheading the award-winning NHS ‘Missing Type’ blood donation campaign, being recognized as ‘Campaign of the Decade’ by PRWeek, and guiding HAVAS Red to be named EMEA Regional Midsize Agency of the Year.

In his new role, Clarke will focus on fostering cross-Village growth, driving new business development, and incubating innovative service-based propositions within HAVAS Australia. Reporting directly to HAVAS Creative Network ANZ Group CEO James Wright, Clarke will play a crucial role in enhancing the agency’s capabilities and expanding its client services.

“I am delighted and privileged to have been given the opportunity to move within HAVAS to Australia,” Clarke said. “We have a world-class roster of agencies, talent, clients, and opportunity and I am already blown away by the incredible energy and ambition within the HAVAS Village Australia. I am looking forward to working with outstanding leaders like James and the senior management teams and forge the next chapter of growth for the Group.”

James Wright, CEO of HAVAS Creative Network ANZ, praised Clarke’s appointment, stating, “Richard did an unprecedented job growing the HAVAS Red UK business during his time there, as well as building phenomenal relationships with creative, media, digital, and health teams across the HAVAS Village in London. He is an excellent operator, brilliant with clients, and naturally brings agencies and teams together. Having him in this newly created position in Australia will ensure we are even better set up to service cross-agency clients and grow.”