Havas has created a global Chief Strategy Officer role and appointed Raphaël de Andréis to shape an AI-led strategic direction for the group. The move, effective immediately, makes de Andréis responsible for steering integration across creative, media, health and content operations as the advertising network pushes Converged.AI, its operating system for unifying data, technology and creative capabilities.
De Andréis adds the strategy position to his existing role as CEO of Western Europe. He reports directly to Chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré and will work across Havas' global networks to evolve the brand portfolio and deepen collaboration within Havas Villages, the company's integrated agency hubs.
"For our clients, unprecedented market changes bring both challenges and opportunities. To help them succeed in this complex environment, Havas must be the most client-focused communications group, bringing together technology, media, and world-class creativity to create desirable brand stories. Raphaël brings an international cross-disciplinary perspective and has been instrumental in shaping our Group's Growth, Powered by Desire positioning. His appointment will further strengthen our ability to deliver integrated, high-impact strategies for our clients," Yannick Bolloré, Chairman & CEO of Havas, said.
Positioning for an AI-enabled future
The new structure is part of a broader push to position Havas as an AI-enabled communications group. Converged.AI, the proprietary platform de Andréis will help roll out, is meant to embed artificial intelligence across the organization rather than treat it as a standalone toolkit. The company expects tighter strategic alignment to improve how it serves complex, multi-market clients.
Global agency networks are reorganizing leadership to put AI at the center of client services. Chief strategy appointments are becoming delivery-focused, not just advisory. As agencies restructure to embed AI, the demand for strategic leadership that bridges technology and business grows. Professionals navigating these shifts can find targeted resources at AI for Executives & Strategy.
De Andréis's track record at Havas
De Andréis joined Havas in 2013 as CEO of Havas Media Network France and President of Havas Productions. He later led the development of Havas Village France before expanding his remit across Western Europe. On the group's Executive Committee, he helped build the "Growth, Powered by Desire" platform, which links creativity, technology and business performance.
Before Havas, he started his career at TBWA and led the agency BETC.
Beyond the boardroom
De Andréis is also the author of two novels that explore technological and environmental transformation. The books reflect a long-standing interest in the societal effects of innovation, a theme that runs parallel to his strategic work.
Why this matters for Executives and Strategy
Havas is not adding a thought-leadership role; it is building a global operations-focused strategy function around AI delivery. The appointment signals that AI strategy is no longer a specialized discipline reporting to the CIO. It now sits at the top of the org chart, directly accountable for how the business unifies its services and wins in a tightening market. For executives, the takeaway is concrete: AI-led strategy is a core C-suite capability, and it's being hard-wired into organizational design, not layered on afterward.
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