Havas Media Group has announced that Stefano Spadini will take over all its media brands in Italy, following his appointment as chief executive officer of Havas Media just over a year ago.

 

Spadini, who will now also oversee Arena Media and Havas Sport & Entertainment, has worked in the media and creative industry for over 17 years across London and Milan, for companies including Starcom, Vizeum and Mindshare.

“I entered the group hoping to create something new – something without any barriers to progress and change,” said Spadini. “I have not been disappointed and am looking forward to actively promoting the continued progression of the Italian market for Havas Media Group and Havas.

Spadini will succeed Havas Media Group Italy chief executive officer and country manager Isabelle Harvie-Watt, who has been in the role since 2011. She is leaving the company to pursue “new professional interests”.

“I have had a great time at Havas,” said Harvie-Watt. “I have learnt a lot and enjoyed the challenges the rapidly changing landscape of communications has brought us.

“We have built an exceptional pool of talented, collaborative people and I leave with full confidence in the team who will keep pushing, keep evolving and keep developing fresh solutions for our clients. I will miss them all.”

Spadini will report to Havas Worldwide Italy chief executive officer and Havas Village Italy chairman Dario Mezzano to better allow integration between creative and media  through Havas’  Village system which locates teams under the same roof.

Separately, Havas London today (17 March) revealed the appointment of a new chief executive officer in former group managing director at adam&eveDDB Xav Rees. he will report directly to European and UK group CEO Chris Hirst.