Dan Gibson takes on dual role at Havas

Havas Worldwide has appointed Dan Gibson, managing director for Host Singapore, to concurrently lead Havas Worldwide Singapore as Group MD.Prior to taking on the role of MD at Host, Gibson (pictured) was managing director of Ogilvy Advertising. Gibson has helped grow Host Singapore to have accounts such as Coca-Cola’s Stills portfolio, global work for Unilever’s Lux brand, Google, Topshop, Citibank & SMRT.In July 2011 Host established a partnership with Havas and saw the French group acquiring 51% of the business whilst allowing Host’s founders to maintain control of the operations of the business.Gibson added that Havas Worldwide Singapore and Host Singapore will continue to operate as independent brands.“Both are proud agencies, with strong recent New Business records, and I look forward to helping accelerate that collective momentum,” he said.Meanwhile, Anthony Freedman, regional CEO of Host said: " I strongly believe that with Gibson now able to leverage the relative strengths of both brands within Singapore, Host will be well positioned to build on an excellent first year."Juan Rocamora, chairman for Havas Worldwide Asia-Pacific also added that the agencies have complementary strengths, and “Gibson’s creatively-driven leadership, as well as his strong local experience, will be critical in driving the Havas Creative Group forward within the newly formed Havas Village.”Havas Worldwide Singapore office also recently appointed Lionel Goh as client service director. Goh will lead account management and business development of the Singapore hub, and service regional and national clients. The agency also recently hires Stefano Augello; head of strategic planning, Carl Griffith; head of digital and VJ Yamat; healthcare director SEA. Troni added that this is “part of the agency’s overall plan to strengthen the management team at Havas Worldwide in Singapore.”Naomi Troni said: "We have focused this year on integrated planning and channel communications for international clients, with Havas Worldwide Singapore now an APAC hub for a range of global brands including Air France, Credit Suisse, Merck, Seagate and Total.”