Havas HK names new managing director as Andrew Cawte retires

Havas Hong Kong has appointed Charlie Clack (pictured left) as its new managing director as CEO Andrew Cawte (pictured right) is retiring after 11 years. In his new role, Clack will report directly to Karl Wu, chairman and CEO of Havas Greater China. 

Since joining Havas Hong Kong ten years ago, Clack has been instrumental in driving the agency's digital and performance marketing capabilities, strengthening client relationships and contributing to the continued development of Havas' expanded service offering.  

As managing director, he will focus on accelerating growth and enhancing the agency's converged proposition across media, social, content, experiential, data and commerce. 

The leadership transition reflects Havas' continued commitment to investing in and nurturing talent and strengthening its integrated Village model, bringing together media, creative, social, commerce, data and technology capabilities to help clients navigate an increasingly complex marketing landscape. 

“I am honoured to take on the role of managing director and build upon the foundations Cawte has established over the past decade,” said Clack. “Under Cawte's leadership, Havas Hong Kong has become a stronger, more diverse and future-focused business. I look forward to working closely with Wu and our exceptional teams to continue delivering innovative solutions, integrated thinking and measurable business outcomes for our clients.” 

During Cawte's tenure, he has played a pivotal role in transforming Havas Hong Kong from a locally focused media agency into a broader integrated offering, overseeing the expansion of the business with regional expertise across social, eCommerce and events, while building deeper client partnerships and driving sustained business growth. 

“Wu and the wider Havas network have been incredibly supportive throughout my time running Havas, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together over the past 11 years,” said Cawte. “The business has evolved significantly, driven by the outstanding talent across our teams and our commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for clients. I leave knowing the agency is in a strong position, with Charlie and the wider leadership team well placed to lead the next chapter.” 

Meanwhile, Wu said, “Cawte has made an outstanding contribution to Havas, not only in Hong Kong but across the wider Greater China and APAC region. His leadership, entrepreneurial mindset and relentless focus on clients, have helped shape the business we have today. On behalf of everyone at Havas, I would like to thank Cawte for his dedication and wish him every success in whatever the future holds. 

“We are proud to be able to appoint Clack as managing director in a seamless handover of leadership. Over the past ten years, Clack has demonstrated strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving media landscape. His experience across digital transformation, performance marketing and integrated communications makes him ideally positioned to lead Havas Hong Kong into its next phase of growth," he added. 

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