Havas Media has confirmed the appointment of Kate O’Ryan-Roeder as CEO, marking a strategic move in the agency’s evolution in Australia.
O’Ryan-Roeder comes to Havas from the Managing Director role at Mindshare in Sydney, bringing a track record of digital innovation, client investment growth and strong operational leadership.
During her tenure, she led a team of nearly 150, oversaw a bespoke agency for LVMH, and helped secure major new business including the recent win of MG.
In her new role, O’Ryan-Roeder will be tasked with driving Havas Media’s next phase of growth, one that emphasises data-led media strategy, integrated services across the Havas Village model and deeper client outcomes in a rapidly shifting media market.
With O’Ryan-Roeder at the helm, Havas Media Australia is setting the tone for a bolder, more integrated role in the media execution and outcomes space.
She will lead national operations across Australia and New Zealand with a firm focus on product investment in media, AI, technology and data, and on fostering deep collaboration across creative, media, PR and publicity, public affairs and health within the Havas Village model.
James Wright , Group CEO Havas ANZ, Global CEO Havas Red and Global Chair, Havas PR Network, said the appointment follows a highly competitive process, “We were very humbled by the huge interest we had in the Havas Media CEO role and got to meet some incredibly talented candidates.
“Kate stood out from the get-go with a wonderful blend of smarts, savviness and strong client and people skills. We are about to embark on a very exciting period of investment and transformation at Havas ANZ that will further showcase our difference in the market and Kate leading the Havas Media Network is going to be a huge driver of this.”
O’Ryan-Roeder said she was delighted to take up her new position. “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Havas team come January.
“What truly inspired and resonated with me was the sense of shared values and purpose and I’m excited by the unique Village approach — it’s a powerful way to deliver exceptional results for clients and cultivate a truly collaborative and supportive environment for our people.
“The vision for ANZ that James and Havas has in the next years is bold and transformative, and something I wanted to be a big part of.”
Maria Grivas, CEO of Mindshare Australia & New Zealand wished O’Ryan-Roeder well in her next role, adding that Mindhsre was sad to see her leave.
“Kate has made a meaningful impact at Mindshare, both in Sydney and globally,” she said. “Her thoughtful leadership, care for clients, and commitment to culture have helped shape who we are today.
“While we’re sad to see her leave Mindshare, our heartfelt congratulations go to her as she steps into this exciting new chapter as a CEO, and we wish her every success.”