Dan Johns has been chosen for the newly created role of managing partner at Havas Media Group. He joins Havas from the independent consultancy he founded three and a half years ago, Ippon, and at a pivotal time for the network as it accelerates its investment into data-driven, performance and e-commerce capabilities. Johns will report to Virginia Hyland, chief executive officer of Havas Media Group.
Johns brings broad experience to Havas from the top tier – chief operating officer at IPG Mediabrands, national chief executive officer and managing director at Ikon Communications, and early in his career, associate director at Carat in the UK. He also arrives with a long track record of proven success, which includes leading the development and growth of many specialist digital and data businesses including audience buying, digital experience and social marketing agencies.
During his 10-year tenure at Ikon, Dan oversaw the rapid growth and expansion of the business into a highly competitive national network; winning media agency of the year six years in a row and becoming the first media agency in the world to achieve an A+ rating by RECMA four years in a row.
Virginia Hyland commented, “Dan is one of the most respected senior media operators within our industry. He brings enormous digital, data and technology capabilities to marketers who continue to focus on driving growth for their brands. We are incredibly excited and proud to have someone of Dan’s calibre join our rapidly growing group as we continue to innovate and evolve. Dan’s wealth of experience will undoubtedly benefit our team and our clients, helping to elevate our thinking and capability in the ever-changing dynamic media landscape.”
Johns added, “The last three years working as an independent consultant to some of Australia’s most successful brands have been both a liberating and eye-opening experience. I am really looking forward to putting into practice all that I have learnt to help Havas Media Group fast track its ambitions.”
Cover image l-r: Dan Johns, Virginia Hyland & Mike Wilson, Havas media Group chairman AUNZ
