One of those roles that pops up now and then in agencies is chief client officer (no, not that CCO), more often in media agencies.
In the old days it would probably have been head of account management and Havas has a new such CCO in James Fox (below), a seven-year Lucky Generals vet, latterly at its New York office.
Fox joins CEO Xavier Rees, CCO (the other sort) Vicki Maguire and two strategists in Mark Sinnock and Britt Iversen on the Havas senior leadership team.
Fox says: “I’m very proud to have had seven ‘lucky’ years at one of the most successful start-ups of a generation – and I will forever be grateful for the support from the founders and my time working alongside brave clients and some of the finest talent in London and New York.
“Having returned across the pond, Havas London – led, quite literally, by the best in our industry – represents an exciting new chapter. You can feel the energy and momentum the second you walk into the office. With this leadership team, a stellar client list underpinned by new business wins such as Asda, and credentials such as its Certified B Corp status, the agency is poised to be world-leading in every aspect as our marketing economy shifts gears post-pandemic.”
CEO Rees says: “You only have to look at what James has achieved with a brilliant agency in Lucky Generals to appreciate what he’ll bring to Havas: a determination to make great creative work with and for our clients, a proven new business pedigree, and a proper entrepreneurial spirit.
“He’s also proven himself to be adept at fostering an agile, independent, start-up spirit while simultaneously tapping into the opportunities and benefits of a wider network…As soon as we met, I knew he was the missing piece of the jigsaw for what we’re building here at Havas London.”
Havas has, indeed, done well under CEO Rees and co. although it seemed to lose some momentum after it won won Asda last year – which often happens with big, labour intensive supermarket accounts. Hence, maybe, another senior suit.
