Havas Media names Olney Effectiveness Head

Olney will work across strategy, planning, data and analytics teams, alongside CSA, Havas’ advanced analytics team, and Converged.AI, the network’s global AI technology platform.

Havas Media Network has appointed James Olney as Global Head of Effectiveness, with responsibility for developing the network’s global approach to measuring and improving the impact of marketing investment.

His remit covers measurement, experimentation, marketing mix modelling and AI-enabled analytics.

James Olney to lead Havas Media effectiveness proposition

Reporting to Joanna Lawrence, Global Chief Strategy Officer at Havas Media Network, Olney will establish frameworks and capabilities designed to connect marketing activity with business outcomes.

Joanna Lawrence, Global Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Media Network: "James has a rare ability to make the complex simple. Throughout his career, he has helped brands move beyond reporting to understand what is truly driving performance and where to invest next. As we continue to evolve our Growth Powered by Desire proposition, his blend of strategic thinking, analytical expertise and commercial focus will be invaluable in helping our clients make smarter decisions and unlock new opportunities for growth."

Olney previously worked at Havas as Data Strategy Director for O2/Telefónica. He returns to the network with more than 15 years of experience in effectiveness, analytics and measurement.

Havas expands measurement and analytics capabilities

Before returning to Havas, Olney led advanced analytics and effectiveness for the UK and EMEA hub during the IPG-Omnicom transition. He previously served as Head of Data & Analytics at Mediahub EMEA, where he developed the agency’s analytics practice into a significant commercial function.

His experience includes work with brands such as New Balance, Value Retail, Kraken, Polestar and Legal & General. More recently, his work has focused on using AI and machine learning to connect marketing activity with business performance.

James Olney, Global Head of Effectiveness, Havas Media Network: "Too often, effectiveness is treated as a synonym for measurement, a rear-view-mirror. I see it as a growth engine. The real value comes when measurement helps teams make better decisions before any money is spent – that’s why having an effectiveness position in the strategy team could be game-changing. I’m excited for the opportunity to blend strategy, technology, and advanced analytics to deliver effectiveness that scales globally as a powerful lever for disproportionate growth."

Olney to integrate effectiveness into client planning

Working with CSA, Olney will focus on developing Havas Media Network’s effectiveness capabilities across markets. The work will include embedding evidence-based planning, measurement and learning into client engagements.

The network said the role is intended to give marketing effectiveness a greater role in strategic decision-making, with measurement and analytics used to inform investment decisions and ongoing optimisation.

www.havasmedianetwork.com

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