Havas London has officially named Holly Ripper as its new CEO, bringing in the former BBH Managing Director to lead the agency into its next chapter. She succeeds James Fox, who stepped down in January after three years with the company, two of which he served as CEO.
An Esteemed Industry Leader Joins Havas London
Ripper’s extensive experience in the advertising sector makes her a formidable addition to Havas London. She has been an integral part of BBH since 2015, initially joining as a managing partner before ascending to the role of MD in 2022. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in revitalizing Tesco’s brand presence, contributing to an estimated £644 million in incremental profits with an impressive Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI) of 3.54.
Her leadership also helped secure high-profile clients such as Netflix, Ray-Ban, Ribena, Häagen-Dazs, King Games, and F&F Clothing. Prior to BBH, Ripper held key positions at Ogilvy UK and Sydney, Havas Sydney, and Green Cave People, further solidifying her expertise in creative business growth.
Steering Havas London into the Future
In her new role, Ripper will collaborate closely with the agency’s leadership team, including Chief Creative Officer Vicki Maguire, Chief Client Officer Catherine Peacock, Chief Strategy Officer Matt Springate, and Chief Design Officer Lorenzo Fruzza. Together, they aim to drive creativity, enhance commercial performance, and foster a dynamic, inclusive workplace culture.
A significant part of Ripper’s responsibility will be to strengthen existing client relationships while also expanding the agency’s portfolio. Havas London has recently secured major wins, including Nomad Foods (pan-European), Asahi Super Dry (global), and VisitEngland, showcasing its growing influence in the industry.
A Vision for Growth and Innovation
Reporting to Havas UK Chair and Group Chief Creative Officer Mark Whelan, Ripper is set to officially step into her role in May 2025. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Havas continues to evolve under the leadership of Global CEO Donna Murphy, who expressed her excitement about the agency’s direction:
“I am thrilled to welcome Holly to Havas London. The agency is brimming with energy, confidence, and momentum, thanks to the outstanding leadership team already in place. Holly’s expertise and passion for creative excellence will further amplify our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
Ripper herself is eager to take on the challenge, stating:
“Havas is a powerhouse of talent, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit. I’m excited to join such a forward-thinking team that is already making waves in the industry. My goal is to build on this momentum and help create groundbreaking ideas that truly connect with consumers while driving success for our clients.”
Positioning Havas London for Continued Success
Under the independent ownership of the Bolloré family and now listed in Amsterdam, Havas is navigating a rapidly evolving creative landscape. Ripper’s expertise in brand-building and strategic leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the agency’s long-term success, particularly as it prioritizes innovative campaigns and high-impact client solutions.
With a dynamic leadership team and an ambitious new CEO at the helm, Havas London is set to reinforce its reputation as a bold and influential force in the advertising world.
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