Havas Names New CEO in Advance of Acquisitions

French media network Havas has appointed former Euro RSCG head David Jones as its new CEO, in advance of a EUR 750m spending spree it has planned for the next three years.

Havas Chairman Vincent Bolloré, who holds a 29.9% stake in Synovate's parent Aegis, confirmed that the EUR 750m has been earmarked for acquisitions, adding: 'We have decided to take up external growth again. There are plenty of opportunities everywhere'.

Jones (pictured) replaces Fernando Rodés, who earlier in the week resigned from the post he had held since 2006. In a statement, Havas said he has decided to 'focus on his personal and family entrepreneurial activities'.

Prior to becoming CEO of Havas-owned ad agency Euro RSCG, Jones was the youngest-ever Board director at ad agency AMV/BBDO. Before this, he worked at Lowe Europe, J Walter Thomson and BDH/TBWA. During the last UK election, Jones advised David Cameron on the Tories' ad strategy.

For the year 2010, Havas has reported an 8.1% increase in group revenue to EUR 1.56 billion.

Web site: www.havas.com .