James Wright and Kate O’Ryan-Roeder. Credit: Havas
Kate O’Ryan-Roeder has stepped into the role of chief executive of Havas Media ANZ after nearly two decades with Mindshare and WPP. Her decision to join Havas reflects a conscious shift towards a more integrated, client-focused approach.
Since taking the reins at Havas Media, she now leads a 120-member team that services well-known clients like Emirates, Red Bull, Puma, and Contiki. Havas operates within a broader framework known as the Havas Village, which includes around 600 professionals across various sectors, including media, advertising, PR, public affairs, and healthcare.
O’Ryan-Roeder’s extensive experience has provided her with a clear vision for her new role. “That time also gave me real clarity about what I wanted to do next, the type of organisation I wanted to work at,” she remarked in an interview with AdNews.
The allure of Havas’s village model was a significant factor in her decision. While she understood the concept theoretically, the genuine experience of being part of an integrated team made a profound impact. “It’s a real, lived experience. It’s tangible,” O’Ryan-Roeder noted.
James Wright, CEO of Havas Group, explained that the company has strategically built its capabilities through acquisitions rather than consolidations. “We didn’t have a regulated healthcare advertising agency, so we bought one. We’ve been covering blind spots within our marketing offering,” he stated.
However, cultivating a collaborative internal culture is vital for those pieces to function effectively. “Multiple agencies are essentially competing with each other before they’re even competing with the outside world,” Wright observed.
O’Ryan-Roeder’s interactions with various professionals across the village prior to her hiring helped solidify her commitment. “It’s a deeply values-led organisation, and I needed to feel that I shared those values,” she explained.
The transition from managing director to CEO has demanded a redefinition of her role. “As an MD, you’re very focused on delivering the output. In this role, it’s about utilising and enabling capabilities,” she said. Her first move was to embark on a listening tour across Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland—an important process to understand the team and their insights for future strategies.
The roadmap established for Havas Media over the next three years is phased, beginning with laying foundations, followed by strengthening market positioning, and finally pursuing growth. “You can’t put flesh on the bones until you’ve really listened and understood,” O’Ryan-Roeder stated, underscoring the importance of genuine engagement.
Regarding transparency—a significant issue in media agencies—O’Ryan-Roeder advocated for open conversations. “You’re not going to build trust with anyone if you’re not upfront and honest,” she emphasized, illustrating a strong commitment to client relationships.
Wright expressed confidence in Havas Media’s trajectory in Australia, noting the agency’s growing interest amidst a competitive landscape. “We’ve never had a busier start to the year,” he confirmed, hinting at the potential for further successes under O’Ryan-Roeder’s leadership.
For O’Ryan-Roeder, the opportunity and responsibility that come with her new role are intertwined. “Havas feels different. That’s our opportunity, but it’s also our responsibility for our people and our clients to feel that every single day,” she concluded.
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