Havas Media Network UK Appoints James Mackenzie Chief Investment Officer

​Havas Media Network (HMN) UK has appointed EssenceMediacom’s James Mackenzie as chief investment officer. Joining in January as part of HMN UK’s leadership team, James will lead HMN’s investment and activation team with a focus on accelerating strategic-led activation and media partner integration with Converged.AI, Havas’s AI-driven, fully integrated global operating system.

Having held senior roles at EssenceMediacom, MediaCom, PHD and Vizeum, James brings over 25 years of experience in media investment. Most recently, he served as chief investment officer at EssenceMediacom where he built trusted relationships with major clients including Tesco, Boots, ITV and Coca-Cola.

In his new role, James will lead the network’s investment strategy across Havas Media Network and its agencies. He will oversee trading and activation, drive best practice data fuelled implementation through the application of Converged.ai and strengthen media owner partnerships to deliver best-in-class outcomes for clients.

James will also work alongside Emma Withington, chief planning and strategy officer, and Paul Bland, chief digital officer, to deliver HMN’s vision in shaping the future of activation planning, tool development and practices that elevate product delivery across the network.

He will report into former chief investment officer and now chief operating officer Simon Bevan.

On James' appointment, Simon said, “We’re building a modern investment and activation team that embraces the opportunity of data, automation and AI, whilst creating new roles and opportunities to shape the future of media investment. James’ leadership has consistently delivered strategic growth, operational excellence and award-winning investment solutions. His appointment reflects our commitment to building a future-facing, collaborative and high-performing investment function.”

James said, “HMN is brilliantly positioned for future growth, with the strength of our client partnerships – Domino’s and BBC being prime examples – showing we’re a serious contender in the market. I’m excited to step into a central leadership role, working closely with the senior leadership to shape the direction of the UK business. In a fast-moving, data-driven industry, HMN’s entrepreneurial spirit and agility are key.”