Havas Creative Group Appoints Stephanie Nerlich as Global Chief Client Officer

Havas Creative Group announced today it has named former MDC Partners executive vice president Stephanie Nerlich, global chief client officer. 

Stephanie brings significant expertise in general management, marketing communications and transforming corporate culture to the newly created role after nearly four years at MDC Partners, where she most recently served as EVP partner development and talent (and interim office of the CEO). With a proven track record of building brands and delivering growth, Stephanie will work alongside Tracey Barber, global CMO Havas Creative Group, and will report into Chris Hirst, global CEO Havas Creative Group.

While at MDC Partners, Stephanie was responsible for supporting agencies across the broad spectrum of communications services including innovation, advanced analytics, customer experience and digital design, in addition to media, PR, experiential and traditional creative functions. Her role was designed to aid agency CEOs and champion key partner initiatives, drive talent - including recruitment - and evolve platforms for scale. Stephanie collaborated with executive teams to drive organisational structure change, while also fuelling creative and operations initiatives. Prior to MDC Partners, Stephanie served as president and CEO of Grey Canada.

As part of Chris’ global leadership team, Stephanie will be responsible for global client relationship development and best practice. She will work with agency CEOs to support Havas’ portfolio of global and large regional clients, driving integration and ensuring client-centricity is at the core of the group’s growth strategy.

Chris Hirst, global CEO Havas Creative Group, said: “I’m super excited Stephanie is joining us. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience and is further evidence of our global ambition. I can’t wait for her to get stuck-in.”

Stephanie Nerlich, global chief client officer, added: “The relationship between an agency and its clients is crucial for success and growth, and my job is to reinforce the need to deliver consistent, best-in-class service. I’m thrilled to bring my experience to this role and create a single vision across all methods of client contact, ensuring these marketers receive the smartest strategic guidance and most impactful creative recommendations.”