Havas Red hands Joanne Ng the keys to its social business

Havas Red Australia has promoted Joanne Ng to Executive Director, Social, leading the agency’s national social media practice across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Ng has been with Havas Red since 2021, working across the agency’s client portfolio and leading the social remit for Toyota Motor Corporation Australia.

She replaces Stuart Hood, who will move into a contracting role.

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National remit

In the new role, Ng will oversee strategy, innovation and client delivery across social media, influencer marketing, creator partnerships and content.

Havas Red Australia CEO Shane Russell said Ng had played a key role in developing the agency’s social offering over the past four years, as the business continues to invest in its social, influencer and content capabilities.

“Social media, influencer, and content are no longer add-ons; they're central to how brands build reputation and drive growth. Joanne's vision for our social practice reflects where the market is heading, and we're excited to see her lead this next phase,” Russell said.

Social and creator focus

Ng said the way consumers discover and interact with brands was increasingly shifting towards social platforms, creating an opportunity for businesses to use social beyond traditional marketing.

“Consumers are increasingly discovering, evaluating and experiencing brands through social first. That presents a significant opportunity for businesses to use social not simply as a marketing channel, but as a driver of influence, reputation and growth,” she said.

Ng will also focus on expanding Havas Red’s social offering beyond content creation and channel management, including the use of social intelligence to inform communications strategy and creator partnerships.

The appointment follows the launch of CRed earlier this year, Havas Red’s creator and influencer marketing practice. Social, influencer and creator communications also sit within the agency’s Merged Media model, which brings together traditional and digital publishing, content, social and data.