Havas Media Appoints Manning Gottlieb OMD’s Andrew Darby as Managing Partner

Havas Media has announced the appointment of Andrew Darby as managing partner. Darby joins following six years at Manning Gottlieb OMD, where he was most recently client business director, leading the John Lewis & Partners business.

He oversaw media strategy and execution for a number of award-winning initiatives, including the 2017 and 2018 John Lewis Christmas campaigns, and the first ever joint Waitrose and John Lewis Christmas campaign in 2019.

A former Media Week Awards Rising Star, Darby has a strong interest in innovation. He has previously held roles at ZenithOptimedia and RP2 Media, developing and leading campaign strategies for major brands including Specsavers, L’Oréal Group and Aviva. In his new role, Darby will work across a variety of client accounts and oversee a team of 11 people.

Darby will report to Ailsa Buckley, deputy managing director, Havas Media Group. Ailsa said: "We're really excited for Andrew to join Havas Media. He immediately felt like the perfect cultural fit for us and he’s passionate about being a part of our transformational journey. We have no doubt that he will bring with him a wealth of brilliant ideas to ensure we deliver the best work and innovation for our clients.”

Andrew Darby added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Havas Media. Everyone I’ve met is full of enthusiasm, with a clear ambition to translate recent new business success into award-winning, effective work for clients. I have been impressed by the senior leadership team’s refreshing approach and

vision, and I believe it’s a great time to be joining the business. I am looking forward to building upon my previous experience and being part of the next chapter for the agency.”