Host/Havas appointed Justin Ruben as executive creative director. He joins from CHEP, where he led the Sydney creative department as executive creative director after returning to Australia from New York in mid-2021.

Ruben began his career at DDB Sydney more than 20 years ago and has worked at a number of leading agencies in Australia and the US, including Publicis Mojo, BMF, BBH New York and Droga5 New York, where he spent four years as group creative director.

He has won multiple awards at major shows such as D&AD, Cannes, and The One Show. Ruben’s Summer Rituals ad for Drumstick was voted among the best of the decade. Other highly regarded work includes changing the bagel emoji for Philly Cream Cheese; Read Yourself Better for The Wall Street Journal, and getting legendary baby photographer, Anne Geddes, to change her famous photo style for Karicare.

Host/Havas chief executive officer, Gayle While, commented, “Justin’s passion for creating culturally influential work that impacts society and brands makes him an ideal fit for Host/Havas and its commitment to making a meaningful difference to clients.

“Justin is a talent of the highest calibre, with an infectious energy to success. We’re lucky to have him on board to continue our legacy of creating meaningful, attention-grabbing work for clients. We can’t wait to see what he brings to Host/Havas. It’s going to be amazing.”

Ruben added, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the agency. It’s the perfect combination of the independent spirit of Host, with the incredible capabilities and smarts of Havas. I can’t wait to create some outstanding work.”

Ruben fills the role vacated by former executive creative director, Jon Austin, who departed the agency last month after more than a decade working at the agency.

His appointment consolidates the Host/Havas Leadership Team for a new era. Ruben joins While; managing director, Ant Moore, who was promoted to the newly created role in March after almost nine years as Host/Havas managing partner; Havas Creative Group Australia chief strategy officer, Olly Taylor; head of strategy, Alyce Gillis; and Havas Creative Network Australia chief executive officer, James Wright, who returned from a global Havas role in New York in January.