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HAVAS Red Middle East strengthens leadership team amid continued regional growth

Dubai, UAE – 15 May 2025: Global merged media agency micronetwork, HAVAS Red Middle East, has announced three key leadership promotions as the agency enters a new phase of momentum and market growth. Dana Tahir has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, while Rishi Talwalker and Razan Karim step into newly elevated roles as Heads of Communications.

These appointments reflect the agency’s sharp trajectory over the last six years – marked by sustained growth, a strengthened regional footprint, and a growing portfolio of global and local brands.

In her new role as CEO, Dana Tahir will continue to lead the agency’s regional vision while deepening its commitment to creative innovation, client impact and talent development. Dana has been with the agency for over 17 years, most recently as Managing Director, where she played a central role in scaling the business and cultivating an award-winning team culture.

Rishi Talwalker has been promoted to Head of Communications, overseeing the agency’s corporate-consumer portfolio while leading strategy and growth. Razan Karim also steps into the role of Head of Communications, taking the lead on fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness clients across the region.

Dany Naaman, CEO of HAVAS Middle East, said: “HAVAS Red Middle East has been on a remarkable growth journey, driven by bold thinking, strategic partnerships and a passionate team. Dana, Rishi and Razan represent the very best of that vision – each bringing a powerful mix of insight, creativity and leadership. These appointments mark an exciting chapter for the agency as we continue to scale our impact across the region.”

Dana Tahir added: “This next chapter is a deeply personal one. I’ve had the privilege of growing with this agency and helping shape the culture we’re so proud of today. With Rishi and Razan stepping into their new roles, we are doubling down on our ambition to build work that’s not just visible, but valuable. We’re ready to raise the bar again – for our people, our clients and the region.”

Rishi Talwalker noted, “My time at HAVAS Red has taught me to adapt and scale. I’ve had the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio, alongside a team that is growing and driven. The best part of this journey has been the chance to collaborate across disciplines. I look forward to doing so much more in this new role.”

Razan Karim said, “I’m proud to take on this expanded role at such a pivotal time for our agency. As consumer expectations evolve, I’m focused on helping our fashion, lifestyle, and beauty clients lead with bold storytelling and integrated strategies that drive real impact.”

HAVAS Red Middle East today partners with some of the world’s most influential companies, including Estée Lauder, COTY, adidas, Nakheel, Disney+ MENA, Spotify MENA, Gold Apple, Marriott International, Versace, Tom Ford, Pampers Arabia, and Dubai Holding, delivering bold, meaningful work across industries and sectors.

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HAVAS Red Grows PR, Social and Content Capabilities in Asia Pacific with Expansion to Japan

Merged media agency network HAVAS Red adds Japan to its growing bench of global markets and offerings

HAVAS Red (formerly Red HAVAS), the global PR agency micronetwork, today announced the addition of HAVAS Red Japan.  

This follows the network’s regional expansion last November, when it acquired a majority stake in one of India’s foremost PR consultancy firms, PR Pundit, which now operates as PR Pundit HAVAS Red. This expansion brings HAVAS Red’s merged media capabilities into a total of 19 markets around the world.  

“Bigger, better, bolder and more borderless — that’s how HAVAS Red continues to grow each year,” said James Wright, global CEO of HAVAS Red and global chairman of the HAVAS PR Network. “Expanding into India and Africa last year was a significant milestone for us, opening doors to very exciting regions. Now we’re thrilled to extend our footprint into Japan, where our HAVAS colleagues are already delivering groundbreaking work with iconic clients, and we look forward to providing enhanced PR and social support to continue driving innovation and excellence.” 

Earlier this year, HAVAS Red announced its second market opening in Africa, with the opening of its office in Ivory Coast. In addition to Japan, India and Ivory Coast, HAVAS Red has offices in Australia, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Middle East (U.A.E., Saudi Arabia and Oman), the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, the U.K. the U.S., and Vietnam.  

“HAVAS Japan has seen significant growth over the last 3 years and by launching Havas Red in Japan with Masashi leading the capability, we are not only expanding our service offerings but also positioning ourselves to better meet the specific demands of this market. With the addition of comprehensive PR capabilities, we can deliver more integrated and impactful solutions that resonate with local audiences while aligning with global standards. This strategic move ensures that HAVAS Japan is even more equipped to drive meaningful connections for our clients, making us a stronger partner in their growth and success,” said Darrell Nelson, CEO of HAVAS Japan. 

Managing Director of HAVAS Red Japan, Masashi Kitaichi, added, “We’ve been fortunate to work already with a wonderful portfolio of clients at the HAVAS Village in Japan. Now, by expanding to become HAVAS Red Japan, we are poised to be even more powerful and integrated partners for these clients on everything from social media to experiential to public relations.” 

2023 marked another period of strong growth and performance for HAVAS Red, which was named Campaign’s Global PR Network of the Year and shortlisted for Global Agency of the Year in the PRWeek Global and PRWeek Purpose awards. In Australia, India, the Middle East, Spain and the U.S., HAVAS Red alsdo took home Agency of the Year honors. The agency’s roster of clients include Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, Pernod Ricard, adidas, Domino’s, Far East Hospitality, Sun Life, Yuu, Merex Investment, Galderma, Sanofi, Novartis, the U.K. Department of Education, IKEA Foundation, Molson Coors, Meltwater, ManpowerGroup, UNICEF, Baddoo and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, among others.  

In August 2024, HAVAS Red introduced Industry by HAVAS Red, an end-to-end strategic communications service designed to help B2B clients drive meaningful connections with audiences across their value chain. Other global offerings from HAVAS Red include Peaks, its award-winning multichannel executive branding support; SWAY by HAVAS Red, an end-to-end influencer marketing service; Red Impact, a global offering that brings together its ESG and sustainability expertise; Health by HAVAS Red, a specialized offering focused on health and wellness; and Red Connect, a B2B content marketing practice. 

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HAVAS Red Launches The State of the Influencer in 2024 White Paper

HAVAS Red (formerly Red HAVAS), the global merged media micronetwork today released its inaugural The State of the Influencer in 2024: A Client’s Perspective white paper.

To understand how influencer marketing is evolving, HAVAS Red surveyed clients across ten markets – Australia, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Philippines, Singapore, UAE, the U.S., and the U.K. These clients spanned a range of industries and sectors, from health and wellness, technology, and food and beverage to automotive, manufacturing, and tourism and travel. Clients shared their experience, what works and what doesn’t, how to drive the bet outcomes and where they believe influencer marketing is heading.

“As an industry, we’ve observed how the influencer category is ever-expanding and increasingly emerging and recognised as a performance channel,” said James Wright, Global CEO of the HAVAS Red Group and global chairman of the HAVAS PR Global Network. “Influencer marketing is driving measurable opportunities for both consumer and corporate brands globally, delivering higher engagement and paving the way for accelerated consumer conversion.”

Wright added, “Our report delves into influencer marketing at an industry level to help brands navigate the evolving landscape and inform strategic thinking. The findings of this report are insightful for brands when shaping their overall strategy, as it demonstrates the scale of influencer marketing, as well as offering insight into how and why brands are engaging with influencers. Brands that succeed in 2024 will be creatively integrating influencers into wider campaigns as a full-funnel marketing channel.”

Key takeaways from the report were:

  1. The media landscape is converging with social media. As consumers lose trust in traditional media, they’re turning to influencers who can play a crucial role in expanding the brand’s online presence. 
  2. Influence has been democratized. Over 97% of brands identify content creators as influencers, highlighting the shift away from traditional celebrities as influencers toward a new reality where anyone can become an influencer.
  3. Influencers are generating engagement through social proof. There are more opportunities for brands to utilize influencer marketing to reach a targeted and relevant demographic, delivering content that offers the potential to drive higher engagement and brand conversion.
  4. Video formats are the most effective tactic in the influencer toolbox. With 86% of brands revealing that video content resonates more effectively with most campaigns compared to static formats, brands are harnessing the power of influencer marketing for storytelling and creatively and visually, bringing campaigns to life.
  5. Finding the right fit for ROI in influencer campaigns. While 92% of brands believe that measuring influencer performance is crucial for understanding the return on investment, brands identified that one of the most prominent challenges is identifying the right influencers to achieve ROI. 

The State of the Influencer in 2024: A Client’s Perspective white paper is available to download here.

Named Campaign’s Global PR Network of the Year in 2023 and PRovoke Media’s EMEA Agency of the Year in 2024, HAVAS Red introduced a global end-to-end influencer marketing offering under the brand of SWAY by HAVAS Red in many of its markets around the world.

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NEW HAVAS RED WHITE PAPER OUTLINES HOW BRANDS CAN PLAY A MORE PROGRESSIVE AND POSITIVE ROLE IN SOCIETY

Long gone are the days when consumers had no expectations of brands beyond their product or service — before purpose became disrupted and redefined, and progress and actions came into sharp focus. As life around the globe becomes more uncertain and many people feel uneasy, unsettled or even unsafe, brands continue to be faced with increased pressure to demonstrate they care — this time, not only at the collective but at the personal level.

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