Havas Media Group has promoted Dennis Potgraven to the newly created role of head of strategy for Greater China.

Potgraven, who has spent two years as head of strategy with Havas Media Hong Kong strengthening the strategic output, will relocate to Shanghai to oversee China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan strategy teams, working closely with existing clients whilst supporting new business.

Prior to this, he worked with the group in Amsterdam as strategy director, handling clients including Hyundai, Kia, Disney and Danone, with 15 years of client-side experience before that.

“I am very happy to get this role within Havas Media Greater China,” said Potgraven on the appointment. “The company’s ambitions and development match mine very well. Besides, I feel very comfortable with the entrepreneurial spirit in the group.”

“For the last few years, I have had the chance to work with many great talents in the Greater China organisation and I look forward to working more closely with them on the exciting and growing set of clients we serve in the Greater China region,” he added.

“Dennis is a pure marketing strategist who has proven to help our clients reaching their business results,” added Havas Greater China deputy global managing director and chief executive Christophe Cases.

“His experience in working both on the brand and agency side makes him extremely well qualified in designing strategies that bring value to our clients. He has also been an active contributor to the development of thought leadership and has been systematically recognised for his drive and ability to collaborate across our various groups.”

At Advertising Week Europe, Havas global chairman and chief executive Yannick Bolloré argued that his group is “two years ahead” of rivals such as WPP in adopting a new-style full-service approach for clients. Click here to read the feature.