Havas Group Media begins a new chapter with the appointment of Peter Mears as chief executive officer. As CEO, Mears will continue to promote even more collaboration across the Group's media business and will focus on driving growth. His appointment is effective January 1.

Having joined Havas Group Media in April in the newly created role as global chief operations officer, Mears made a positive impact on the business. As global COO, he oversaw operations and strategy of all Havas media units. Before joining Havas, Mears served as the global COO at Initiative where he oversaw the entire network and its local offices.

"In just six months at Havas, Peter implemented even higher operational standards, boosting collaboration and building the most agile teams in the media industry," says Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO of Havas Group. "Peter has a passion for winning, an absolute must for this next stage at Havas Group Media.”

To support and advise Mears, Alfonso Rodés, deputy CEO of Havas Group, will assume the role of chairman for Havas Group Media.

"We have amazing talent that is passionate about creating meaningful work for our clients,” says Mears. "Through integrated teams, shared resources and by leveraging innovation and technology we are poised to make an even bigger impact for our clients, partners, consumers, and the industry as a whole."