Horizon Media Holdings and Havas have created a new joint venture that brings together the media investment leaders as part of an effort to attract some of the biggest advertisers in the world.
Introducing Horizon Global, which will be headquartered in New York. As Horizon Media and Havas sees it, their combined strengths are poised to deliver “a bold breakthrough agency network alternative at a time when clients face fewer, more constrained options.”
Horizon Global will focus on U.S.-centric global client opportunities. Outside of those opportunities, Horizon Media and Havas Media Network will continue to operate independently servicing their respective client portfolios, pursuing new business and building their brand profiles, the companies stress.
Specifically, Horizon Global will unite Horizon’s Blu platform and Havas’ Converged.AI platform to form BluConverged.
“Built exclusively for the needs of the modern global marketer, Horizon Global is rewriting the agency network playbook,” said Bill Koenigsberg, CEO and founder of Horizon Media Holdings. “With an open ecosystem approach, Horizon Global fosters cooperation, prioritizes transparency and places power back in the client’s hands. As the first agency network built in the AI era, we’re leading with future-forward ways of working, collaborating and delivering outcomes for clients – and we’re doing it responsibly at global scale. This is an exciting new chapter for Havas and Horizon.”
Havas Chairman/CEO Yannick Bolloré added, “This partnership marks a significant moment for our agencies. I’ve known Bill for years, and I’m incredibly proud Horizon has turned to Havas as its global partner. In a shifting industry, we look forward to a very exciting partnership, combining our complementary strengths.”
Serving as Horizon Global’s interim CEO is Bob Lord.
“With more than three decades of experience at the intersection of media, technology and business transformation, Lord will be responsible for driving Horizon Global growth strategy and delivery of client experience excellence across the world,” Horizon and Havas said.
Lord maintains his current role as President of Horizon Media Holdings.
Additionally, Renata Spackova has been appointed to the role of Global Chief Operating Officer of Horizon Global. Based in Paris, Spackova will lead the strategic deployment of Horizon Global across more than 100+ markets around the world. Lord and Spackova will work closely with Horizon Global’s Board of Directors, which includes Koenigsberg, Bolloré, Havas Media Network Global CEO Peter Mears and other key members of the Havas and Horizon Media leadership teams.
“Horizon Global enters the market at a dynamic moment with a global offering that truly puts clients first,” said Lord. “We intentionally designed Horizon Global to usher in a new chapter of connected intelligence, innovation, and client value. Through the BluConverged Platform, and together with our teams and partners, we can now meet the growing demands for performance-based media models and drive enduring growth for the incredible brands we are privileged to represent.”
