Havas Media Australia chief Virginia Hyland is parting with her employer after a legal stoush over an alleged breach of workplace rights.

The exact nature of the dispute is unclear, but Mi3 understands both parties have moved to settle out of court after Hyland last month filed a Federal Court case against the French holding company's local media arm.

A spokesperson for the agency confirmed negotiations were ongoing: “Havas Media Australia and Virginia and are actively working toward an amicable and progressive resolution. Out of respect for this process and for all involved we won’t be making further comments at this time.”

The souring of relations between the two parties is said to be linked in part to tension between Hyland and Havas Media's global management. 

According to Federal Court records, Hyland and her lawyers had filed a ‘Breach of General Protections’ claim. These kinds of cases typically refer to an accusation that an employer has taken an adverse action – such as dismissal or discrimination – against an employee for reasons prohibited under the Fair Work Act 2009. Per the Fair Work Commission, those reasons could include extended absence from work due to illness or injury, exercising workplace rights, or refusing unlawful requests or demands.

The Fair Work Commission confirmed the matter was not filed with the workplace tribunal until 26 June, suggesting the nature of the dispute did not involve unfair dismissal – which is required by law to be heard by a FWC Member prior to court escalation. It is also understood that discrimination was not a component of the filing. 

Per Federal Court records, Hyland engaged legal representation from employment law and industrial relations firm Sasphire Legal, while Havas Media Australia has been represented by workplace relations specialist, Williamson Barwick. 

Hyland's absence from the agency's day-to-day operations had been noted in industry circles for several weeks. In the wake of her exit, it is understood a replacement will be recruited. 

Hyland first took the helm of Havas Media in 2020, following the company’s acquisition of her own media agency, Hyland Media. The deal had taken Havas Media’s Sydney headcount upwards of 100 and brought with it a client portfolio that included brands like Coty, Etihad Airways, Sydney Airport, Deliveroo and Church & Dwight.

Under Hyland’s leadership, the agency last year bolstered its Melbourne footprint and services with the acquisition of independent media and creative production shop Hotglue, aligning with an aggressive global M&A strategy pursued by the holding company’s leadership.

Hyland had been upfront on the media arm’s appetite for further local acquisitions. Last August, she told Mi3 the agency was looking for “fantastic indie talent” with specialisms in CX and ecommerce. “We aren't stopping in terms of growing this model."

Over the last year, industry speculation has mooted several potential acquisition targets, with advanced conversations said to have been underway with multiple independent agency founders at varying points in time. The latest, Mi3 understands, is that a deal has been finalised with an acquisition announcement expected in coming weeks.