AUSTRALIA | NEW ZEALAND – Havas Media has welcomed Molly Blacker to the newly-created role of National Head of Strategy, shaping the next evolution of the group’s Deliberately Different strategic product.
In her role, Blacker will lead the Havas Media strategy team and be a key part of the newly formed integrated strategy collective led by Havas ANZ CSO Olly Taylor. Molly will partner closely with clients to uncover growth opportunities, elevate strategic thinking, and drive the development of impactful and culturally-led media solutions.
Kate O’Ryan-Roeder, CEO of Havas Media ANZ, said, “Molly is an exceptional cultural fit for our agency – a rare combination of a people-first leader and a highly respected craft expert. What excites us most is her ambition to bring our local Deliberately Different philosophy to life through a strategic product that delivers genuine growth and impact for clients.
“She has a natural instinct for collaboration and sees huge potential in our wider Havas Village strategy collective. I know her leadership will elevate not only the work we deliver for clients, but also the development of our people and the strength of our integrated offering. Molly’s passion for pushing the industry forward makes her an incredible addition to the team.”
Blacker joins Havas Media after eight years at Slingshot, including the last three as Head of Strategy & Creative, where she led strategy for brands including Australian Pork, Hamilton the musical, and various Michael Cassel Group productions, as well as the Goodman Fielder portfolio. Prior to that, she spent five years at UM Australia working with major brands including Johnson & Johnson, Tourism and Events Queensland, H&M and the NSW Government.
She will work closely with Olly Taylor, who was recently elevated to Chief Strategy Officer of Havas ANZ. He said of her appointment, “Molly is a star. She understands that modern media cannot rely on reach alone and that impact is everything. I am really looking forward to welcoming her to the Village and our strategy collective.”
Molly Blacker, National Head of Strategy Havas Media, said, “Some people shy away as the media landscape broadens, but this expansion is what I love about Media. To harness this world of possibility, you need a team who see that the best strategic thinking and creativity comes from diversity of thought. This shared belief with Havas Media, and the strategy collective is why I’m delighted to join the Havas Village.”
Molly’s role comes as Havas Group ANZ, led by James Wright, continues to invest in integrated capability, AI-enabled strategy and cross-Village collaboration, supporting its ambition to set a new benchmark for strategic and creative effectiveness.
Havas ANZ agencies include Havas Host, Havas Media, Havas Red, Havas New Zealand, Havas Blvd, Havas PLAY, CSA, H/Advisors APA, Kaimera, One Green Bean, Organic Publicity, Frontier, Bastion Brands part of Havas Health & You and Pronto.
