Havas Host has announced the appointment of two key figures from the UK to its leadership team. Kelly Larken joins as Group Account Director, while Mike Alhadeff steps in as Planning Director.

These appointments come as Havas Host continues to build on a successful year under the leadership of Gayle While.

Larken, who was previously group account director and business director for Anomaly London, brings with her a wealth of experience, having worked with high-profile clients such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, Amazon Prime, BMW MINI, Mars Petcare, and Netflix. Commenting her appointment, Havas Host Managing Director Ant More said, the business was delighted Larken had chosen to come to Havas Host when moving to Australia from London.

"Her passion for creating not only interesting work, but effective work, was obvious from the moment we met," he said.

Larken herself expressed excitement about her new role. "I am thrilled to be starting this new chapter with Havas Host. From our very first meeting, it was evident that their ambitions match my own: to make culturally impactful work that produces disproportionate results for our clients," she said.

Alhadeff, formerly a senior strategist at AMV BBDO London, was recognised as one of 2022’s top 10 trailblazers by Campaign UK.

"From the moment we met Mike we knew he’d be a great fit with Havas Host," Alyce Gillis, Head of Strategy at Havas Host, said. "Not only does he have a great track-record and excellent experience, but he is someone who has already demonstrated boundless enthusiasm for the kind of culture-driven work that we’re passionate about making at Havas Host.'

In his new role, Alhadeff will be tasked with creating strategies across an array of Havas Host and Havas Village clients, and will also work across the research and insights division Havas Labs," he said.

"I’m really excited to be joining Havas Host. Even from the very first Teams calls back in the UK, I sensed an energy from the team where they never settle for second best, and now that I’m here, I can’t wait to make some of the best work of my career."

These senior appointments cap off a a year of executive changes at Havas Host, which included the promotion of Ant Moore to MD, and appointment of Justin Ruben to ECD. Havas Host was also appointed the creative agency for IKEA this year.

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