Havas Media Network UK has assembled a team of eight seasoned planners, led by newly promoted Chief Planning Officer, Jackie Lyons.
The establishment of the Connected Planning Hub is geared towards delivering more comprehensive planning solutions across the network. It amalgamates planners from various domains including planning, activation, commerce, and digital.
The team comprises notable individuals such as Rebecca Smithson (Head of Activation), Barry Walsh (Digital Strategy Partner), Kathryn Harding and Stefan Schoombee (Communications Planning Partners), Priscilla Dolladi (Digital Strategy Director), Lewis Marchant (Digital Strategy Director), and Eleanor Mitchell (Director of Communications Planning) based in Manchester. Mitchell and Marchant recently joined from OMD and Dentsu X respectively.
Lyons, formerly heading planning at Havas Media Network UK and recipient of the Future Media Leader of the Year Award in 2022, envisions this setup akin to a team of ‘Avengers’, each possessing unique strengths.
She emphasized, “Our objective is to instigate change, encouraging innovative thinking and identifying opportunities beyond conventional campaign approaches.”
In addressing the challenges of media fragmentation, Lyons stressed the importance of planners who can navigate the omnichannel landscape while maintaining coherence in strategy. She highlighted the team’s role as quasi-consultants within the organization, collaborating closely with clients to unearth potential avenues beyond standard campaign directives.
The plan includes doubling the team’s size within the next year, focusing on product launches such as planning tools, sustainability initiatives, and attention-driven strategies, alongside developing comprehensive training programs.
Patrick Affleck, CEO of Havas Media Network UK, underscored that this initiative aims to maximize the diverse expertise present within the network, including agencies like Havas Entertainment, Havas Market, Edge, Ledger Bennett, and Search Labs. Affleck emphasized the necessity of adapting to evolving client needs, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, and the imperative of adopting a holistic omnichannel approach.
He concluded, “Understanding the intricate nature of customer journeys and addressing them effectively demands a multifaceted approach. Our network of agencies and disciplines equips us to fully realize the potential of tailored solutions aligned with both client and customer needs.”
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