Michael Kaushansky Appointed as President of Havas Helia, North America
In a move designed to spark bold thinking and an accelerated approach around data utilisation, Havas Group has appointed data expert Michael Kaushansky as the president of Havas Helia, North America. A 100+ person powerhouse that has worked with some of the world’s most well-known brands including Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Loews and AARP, Havas Helia provides data fuelled performance marketing campaigns, CRM strategy and implementation, loyalty program management and marketing technology consulting. Michael is currently the EVP, Chief Data Officer for Havas North America and will retain this role while jumping in to lead and grow the Helia business.
In his new position, Michael has direct oversight and responsibility for the agency’s data, analytics and marketing technology and insights practices. He’ll set the agency’s unique approach to data strategy, measurement and analytics capabilities that are the foundation of Havas’ complete delivery to clients. His hand-selected team of data scientists and data engineers ensures clients receive data analysis and personalised insights that no other agency can provide.
“As we continue to become the agency partner for the modern CMO in North America, data and personalisation on the path to purchase is a critical strategy,” said Paul Marobella, chairman and CEO of Havas Creative, US. “Data is more important than ever before. By showcasing Helia’s unique ability to track and manage first-party data, we are giving brands the most modern agency available.”
Havas Helia fuses creativity, data intelligence and marketing technology to give its brand partners measurable, results-driven customer experiences. Most importantly, Havas Helia is DMA-certified to access and handle brands’ first-party data. Meaning Helia can host, manage and profile segment data and create a personalised approach that no other agency is able to do. It’s certified to bring a brand’s first-party data to life, double down on existing customer bases and start real relationships with customers.
“Helia has the most unique set of offerings that allow brands to hold the best possible relationship with their consumers,” said Michael. “Advertisers cannot legally know the information that we have access to through our DMA-certification. There is no more powerful way for a brand to communicate with its consumer than by name or identity characteristics – and we can do that. We’re covered on the privacy end and we have the technology to do it effectively.”
Michael brings deep analytics and data experience to his new leadership position. He joined Havas in 2011 as EVP, Chief Analytics Officer for Havas Media and has previously held senior analytics roles at Ogilvy & Mather and Publicis. Michael has a MS in Applied Mathematics from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. and started his career on the client side in analyst roles with Glaxo SmithKline, Conseco, Target and GE Money.
“Like me, Michael believes in the power of data and creativity,” said Paul. “It is critical that we have a leader like Michael who can harness the collective intelligence and experience of the team to drive growth. He’s got a proven track record for innovation, product growth and data management. It’s everything we need to boost this business.”
Havas Helia is located in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago and New York. Michael will reside in New York and report directly to Paul.
