Havas appoints APAC talent chief for all agency brands

In the newly created role, Zhang will be leading regional talent initiatives across all Havas brands including the group 'flagships', Havas Worldwide and Havas Media.

Prior to joining Havas, Zhang led APAC HR operations at R/GA Singapore. Before moving to Singapore, he spent 10 years at IPG in New York as director of corporate human resources, leading global HR initiatives.

Zhang will report to Michael Lelievre, chief financial officer of Havas Asia Pacific, and will work closely with the groups senior leaders.

In a statement, Lelievre called Zhang “a critical hire” and expressed confidence that his experience will make him a big asset for the group.

He will oversee local HR leads in Asia Pacific and work with the global talent team, helmed by chief talent officer Patti Clifford in New York and Celine Merle-Beral, the Paris-based chief talent officer for Havas Media.

Zhang has also worked as human resources manager with ALLOY Media + Marketing, Dow Jones & Company, and Ogilvy CommonHealth.