Havas Elevates Leadership in North America Through New Appointments

Havas Play North America, a division dedicated to helping brands connect with fans through gaming, creators, sports, music, and live experiences, has announced new appointments as part of a broader restructuring and relaunch.

Alessia Grosso, who has a background in strategy and analytics for Havas Media Canada, has been appointed as the head of strategy and product for Havas Play North America. Grosso's goal is to connect Play's work to real human insights in the intersectional world of fandom, rather than treating them as separate groups.

Grosso self-identifies as a "gamer-girl" and will be responsible for connecting Play's work to various fandoms, with the aim of activating these communities to drive business growth for clients.

Andrea Isaac, who has been with Havas for more than 15 years, has been appointed as managing partner. Isaac's focus will be on ensuring Play's work engages with the full spectrum of fandoms.

The new focus for Havas Play North America is to activate fandoms to drive business growth for clients. The division operates as a "cultural consultancy," connecting brands with fans through events, content, social campaigns, and sponsorships. Havas Play has had a U.S. presence since then and has worked with clients including Coca-Cola, Puma, Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, and Hyundai.

The leadership shift at Havas Media follows a broader restructuring that has involved consolidating and streamlining teams across markets, investing in AI capabilities, and expanding Play's remit at the intersection of media and creativity. The new appointments mark a relaunch and an effort to invest more heavily in the division while expanding its services and sharpening its cultural focus.

The new structure positions Havas Play at the intersection of media and creative, with a focus on connecting Play's work to various fandoms and real human insights. Havas Play expanded from its roots in France to become a global offering in 2023.

In a separate development, Havas Chicago has been tapped by Stanley Steemer to reintroduce an icon. This fact is not directly related to the previous bullet points but is an interesting development related to Havas Play.