Havas Media has appointed Molly Blacker to the newly created role of National Head of Strategy
Blacker will lead the Havas Media strategy team and join the integrated strategy collective led by Olly Taylor, working closely with clients to drive growth, elevate strategic thinking and deliver culturally-led media solutions.
CEO ANZ comments
Kate O’Ryan-Roeder, Chief Executive Officer at Havas Media ANZ, said Blacker brings both leadership and craft expertise to the role.
“Molly is an exceptional cultural fit for our agency, a rare combination of a people-first leader and a highly respected craft expert,” O’Ryan-Roeder said.
“What excites us most is her ambition to bring our Deliberately Different philosophy to life through a strategic product that delivers genuine growth and impact for clients.”
Blacker’s past experiences
Blacker joins from Slingshot, where she spent eight years, including the last three as Head of Strategy & Creative, leading work for brands such as Australian Pork, Hamilton the musical and the Goodman Fielder portfolio.
Prior to that, she spent five years at UM Australia, working across clients including Johnson & Johnson, Tourism and Events Queensland, H&M and the NSW Government.
Integrated ‘Village’ model
In her new role, Blacker will work within Havas ANZ’s integrated “Village” model, designed to bring together strategy, creative and media capabilities.
Taylor said her appointment strengthens the group’s strategic direction.
“Molly is a star. She understands that modern media cannot rely on reach alone and that impact is everything,” Taylor said.
Blacker comments
Blacker added that the evolving media landscape presents new opportunities.
“Some people shy away as the media landscape broadens, but this expansion is what I love about Media.
“To harness this world of possibility, you need a team that believes the best strategic thinking and creativity come from diversity of thought,” she said.
Investment in capability
Blacker’s appointment comes as Havas Group ANZ, led by Chief Executive Officer James Wright, continues to invest in integrated capability, AI-enabled strategy and cross-Village collaboration.
The group’s ANZ network includes agencies such as Havas Host, Havas Media, Havas Red, Havas PLAY and H/Advisors APA, among others.
Main image: Molly Blacker