Horizon Media Holdings and Havas unveil new global agency network

Horizon Media Holdings and Havas have joined forces to create Horizon Global, a new joint venture designed to serve global marketers. With combined billings of 20 billion US dollars, the venture immediately ranks among the world’s largest media investors.

Headquartered in New York and spanning more than 100 countries, Horizon Global brings together the scale and capabilities of Horizon Media and Havas Media Network. The network will focus on US-centric global client opportunities, while both parent companies continue to operate independently outside of those assignments.

Horizon Global will merge Horizon’s Blu platform with Havas’ Converged.AI technology into a single system, BluConverged. The platform aims to provide global clients with enhanced insights, greater transparency, and faster delivery.

Bill Koenigsberg, CEO and Founder, Horizon Media Holdings: "This is an exciting new chapter for Havas and Horizon. As the first agency network built in the AI era, we’re leading with future-forward ways of working, collaborating and delivering outcomes for clients – and we’re doing it responsibly at global scale."

Yannick Bolloré, CEO and Chairman, Havas: "This partnership marks a significant moment for our agencies. I’ve known Bill for years, and I’m incredibly proud Horizon has turned to Havas as its global partner. In a shifting industry, we look forward to a very exciting partnership, combining our complementary strengths."

Horizon Global also announced its executive leadership team. Bob Lord has been named interim CEO, effective immediately. Lord, who is also President of Horizon Media Holdings, brings more than 30 years of experience across media, technology, and business transformation. He will be responsible for global growth and client service.

Renata Spackova has been appointed Global Chief Operating Officer. Based in Paris, she will oversee the deployment of Horizon Global across more than 100 markets. Both Lord and Spackova will work with the board of directors, which includes Koenigsberg, Bolloré, and Peter Mears, Global CEO of Havas Media Network.

Bob Lord, interim CEO, Horizon Global: "Horizon Global enters the market at a dynamic moment with a global offering that truly puts clients first. We intentionally designed Horizon Global to usher in a new chapter of connected intelligence, innovation, and client value. Through the BluConverged Platform, and together with our teams and partners, we can now meet the growing demands for performance-based media models and drive enduring growth for the incredible brands we are privileged to represent."

www.havas.com

www.horizonmedia.com

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