Havas Executive Xavier Rees to Join BBDO Network as CEO, AMV Group

BBDO Worldwide announced today that Xavier Rees will be joining the network as group CEO of AMV Group overseeing AMV BBDO and Redwood BBDO. Xavier joins from Havas where, as group CEO he led Havas Creative including its flagship creative agency Havas London and customer engagement agency Havas CX helia.

He has been a key driver of significant growth since joining Havas in 2016 and has overseen a remarkable transformation of its reputation and business performance – leading his agencies to new accounts including Asda, Volkswagen Group UK, the Department for Education, Starbucks, Compare the Market and Molson Coors.

Xavier was recognised by Campaign Magazine as its agency head of the year 2021, received Oystercatchers’ outstanding contribution award, and is regarded as one of the industry’s most celebrated campaigning leaders. Xavier sits on the IPA Council and Chairs its Talent Leadership Group, the Ad Net Zero steering group, and Effies’ UK board. He has actively supported the Creative Mentor Network, the Modern Masculinity initiative, Bloom’s reverse mentoring programme and Creative Equals’.

Diverse Minds programme, prompting conversation and action around neurodiversity. In 2020, he was named on the IPA’s inaugural iList, recognising the industry’s inclusivity trailblazers.

Xavier’s passion for the creative is what led him to BBDO, whose mantra is “The Work. The Work. The Work.” Xavier will report to Andrew Robertson, president and CEO of BBDO Worldwide, who commented, “I met Xav three years ago and was immediately impressed by his thoughtful, imaginative vision for creating value in this business and his quiet, determined approach to leading change. I'm really looking forward to working with him.”

Xavier is returning to Omnicom, where he previously spent a decade. Prior to joining Havas, Xavier helped to lead adam&eve’s successful integration into DDB as Group Managing Director, through the agency’s most successful period, including winning Cannes Lions’ global agency of the year in 2014. He has also worked for BBH, Wunderman, Archibald Ingall Stretton and RMG/JWT.

“I’ve had an incredible seven years at Havas but, the lure of AMV, Redwood and BBDO was just too great,” said Xavier. “BBDO is a business that truly understands the power of creativity to drive growth and change. I can’t wait to roll my sleeves up with such a talented bunch of people, and help shape a compelling new chapter for BBDO and its enviable roster of clients.”