Havas Restructured UK and Ireland Operations
The advertising giant has consolidated its regional agencies under a single leadership structure.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Business Strategy
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Havas has completed a major restructuring of its operations across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The agency group appointed James Affleck to lead the unified regional division, which now includes all local Havas agencies.
Why it matters
This reorganization aims to streamline internal operations and improve client access to the firm's integrated service offerings. By consolidating management, the group seeks to simplify how brands engage with its various specialized divisions.
James Affleck now oversees a wide portfolio including Havas Media Network, Havas London, Havas Helia, Gate One, Havas People, Inviqa, Conran Design Group, Havas Red, and One Green Bean. Dominique Bergantino has concurrently assumed the newly created role of Head of Integration.
The players
James Affleck
He has been appointed to lead the newly restructured regional operations for Havas in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Mark Whelan
He continues his work as Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer of Havas Village UK and Global Creative Partner of Havas Creative Network.
Dominique Bergantino
He has moved into the newly created position of Head of Integration within the firm.
The details
The restructuring aligns all regional agencies under Affleck to foster tighter collaboration across the Havas ecosystem. While leadership has shifted for these units, Mark Whelan retains his current roles as Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer of Havas Village UK and Global Creative Partner of Havas Creative Network.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The Havas leadership restructuring was announced.
Market Landscape
This reorganization follows a widespread industry trend where large holding companies consolidate multiple agency brands to provide clients with more integrated, seamless service models. By centralizing management, Havas positions itself to compete more effectively against rivals that have already moved to unified operating structures.
Existing clients of the various Havas agencies in these regions may see changes in their primary points of contact and project coordination as the new leadership structure takes effect. The consolidation is intended to make accessing diverse agency expertise easier and faster for corporate partners.
The takeaway
Consolidating regional operations under a single leader is a common strategic pivot to reduce silos and improve service agility. Companies often execute these changes to ensure that clients can benefit from a more cohesive and efficient suite of professional services.
Further reading
For more on industry management trends, visit the Business Strategy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MediaPost.
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