Havas appoints new CEO of Sports & Entertainment

The Havas Group has appointed Pedro Avery (pictured) as global CEO of its Havas Sports & Entertainment network, to succeed Lucien Boyer who is moving to Vivendi.The appointment will be effective as of 1 January 2016.In his new role, Avery will be supported by a global team led by Jérôme de Chaunac managing director of Havas Sports & Entertainment, who has been promoted from chief operating officer, and Fredda Hurwitz, global chief strategy officer.Avery, currently group managing director Havas Media Group UK and CEO Arena Media UK will bring his experience in media and entertainment to strengthen Havas Sports & Entertainment network and drive growth.He will retain his existing roles with Havas Media Group UK and Arena Media UK, providing an important bridge for clients looking for joined-up thinking between advertising and sports and entertainment.Yannick Bolloré, Havas CEO, said: “Avery is an experienced leader who knows our business extremely well. Avery and his team will work alongside myself and the executive committee to foster a better integration of Havas Sports & Entertainment within the Group.”" I would like to thank Boyer for his hard work and dedication over the past 15 years and wish him all the best in his new role at Vivendi."Avery added: "I am thrilled to become global CEO of Havas Sports and Entertainment. There has never been a better time to work with the world's top brands to reach global audiences through sport and entertainment because digital technology means we have so many more opportunities at scale. I look forward to expanding our offering at this very exciting time in the development of Havas."