Havas London has poached a new chief strategy officer from TBWA Australia and New Zealand, who has relocated to London from Sydney.

Matt Springate’s appointment marks the first time in several years since the agency has employed a dedicated chief strategy officer. He will sit alongside CEO James Fox and chief creative officer Vicki Maguire on the Havas London leadership team.

With a career spanning more than 20 years across multiple continents and several leading agencies, Springate boasts a wealth of experience both within strategy and leadership positions.

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Before joining TBWA in 2017, Springate spent two years as managing planning partner at Grey London, working alongside CEO James Fox and chief creative officer Vicki Maguire on the Havas London leadership team.

“I am so excited Matt is returning to the UK to join us on the next stage of Havas London’s journey,” said Havas London CEO James Fox.

“Not only is he held in extremely high regard by everyone that has had the privilege of spending time with him, he also boasts one of the best strategic minds in the business. He has extensive high-level network experience, and an intrinsic knowledge of how modern strategy can impact client business.”

He added that he had an “extensive high-level network experience”.

Discussing his new role Springate said: “I loved my time at TBWA, but after seven years away, it feels good to be coming home. It’s the people that make any opportunity feel right.”

“I know how lucky I am to have the chance to work with Vicki again and to build something special with her and James, a brilliant leader who I’ve loved getting to know. It’s a partnership I’m genuinely excited about.”

Featured image: L-R Matt Springate, James Fox and Vicki Maguire