Latest news with #Havas
Mint
18 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
The advertising industry parties in Cannes, with AI as its new plus-one
Tech companies like Spotify annually host parties for clients and business partners at the Cannes Lions advertising festival, where attendees are known for letting loose after dark. After several years of small experiments with AI and big anxieties over its impact, advertising executives got with the program at this week's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the ad industry's annual five-day gathering on the French Riviera. Almost every company that took over a swanky beach club, hosted guests in a villa or bought its staff $5,000 festival passes told an enthusiastic story about artificial intelligence. Raging against the machine was firmly out. Any remaining rank-and-file worries about job losses were mostly voiced far from official events. 'We've moved beyond the promise and the fear to the practical application," said Don McGuire, chief marketing officer at chip maker Qualcomm, adding that the company is saving 2,400 hours a month by using an AI agent-building tool called Writer. 'People are talking about using it in different contexts. It's no longer, 'Well, it could do this, or could do that.' " Two years ago, at the first Cannes Lions since the debut of ChatGPT announced AI's new potential, ad agency Monks co-founder Wesley ter Haar set up in a small apartment. Cassandra-like, he told visitors that AI was about to upend ad creation and employment. Executives at other companies in Cannes that year described their trials with the technology but emphasized that only humans can develop the emotional insights that steer ad campaigns. This time the idea of AI-driven industry transformation was mainstream, even if leaders still expressed confidence about humans' continued role. 'Obviously the world of business, and the world at large, is being profoundly disrupted as we speak, and the impact on jobs is already being felt," said Marisa Thalberg, the chief customer and marketing officer at Catalyst Brands, the company formed by the merger of Brooks Brothers-owner SPARC Group and JCPenney. 'My optimism comes from knowing how much creativity is—and will remain—so fundamentally and uniquely human, even if the ways we harness and express it continue to change." Instagram and Facebook owner Meta Platforms used the festival to unveil a host of new AI-based products designed to help advertisers make ads as quickly and simply as possible, feasibly without the need for an agency. Executives at the company repeatedly said the tools weren't designed to replace agencies, however—just to speed up their work and help smaller businesses that can't afford agencies. Marketers in Cannes even put concerns such as President Trump's trade war and tightening consumer budgets on the back burner in favor of talking about AI. 'I didn't have one single conversation about tariffs," said Yannick Bolloré, the chairman and chief executive officer of French advertising holding company Havas. The guest list-only 'cafe" run by Havas on the grounds of the Mondrian Hotel used AI to turn guests into 3-D characters in a movie using only a photo. The company last year said it would invest 400 million euros, or more than $429 million at the time, in AI development over the course of four years, a commitment similar to those made by rival holding companies. Now Bolloré is asking that his staff refer to AI agents as 'teammates." 'Those agents will be fully part of the Havas family," Bolloré said. 'In terms of employees we will find a lot of efficiencies, but our bet is that we will manage more revenue with the same amount of people." But reality isn't always close at hand during Cannes, a 13,000-person conference where $1,355 magnums of Dom Pérignon are regularly ordered to business tables at lunch, and executives' public displays of affection for AI began to wear thin with some. Lower-ranking attendees darkly joked at post-programming parties that they'd be replaced by their artificial counterparts before the next festival. And research published Monday raised some red flags for agencies, most of which have been racing to build up their AI arsenal. Agency trade association the 4As and consulting firm Forrester found that although 75% of agencies are using the technology—up from 61% last year—75% of those using it are also funding it directly without passing on the costs to clients, up from 41% in 2024. 'That is deeply concerning," said Jay Pattisall, principal analyst at Forrester, who wrote in the report that 'agencies are backsliding into antiquated commercial models that led to the commoditization and lack of transparency associated with marketing services." The strongest pushback to the AI overload at Cannes came from the celebrities and social-media content creators who now flood Cannes along with traditional ad players and tech companies. Actors Josh Duhamel, Reese Witherspoon, JB Smoove and others touted their own creative companies but also made a case for the employment of Hollywood talent in the ad industry. Advertising benefits from emotional connections that actors, directors and scriptwriters know how to provide, Smoove said. 'We're talking about mastering the moment," Smoove said. 'You meet somebody that you haven't seen in years and they tell you a funny joke? AI can't do that."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Havas Reports the Progress of Transactions Under Its Current Share Buyback Program
PARIS, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Havas N.V. (EURONEXT: HAVAS) hereby reports transaction details related to the €50 million buyback program as communicated on May 28, 2025. From June 9, 2025, up to and including June 13, 2025, a total of 512,988 shares were repurchased on exchange at an average price of €1.5513. Up to and including June 13, 2025, a total of 1,279,340 shares were repurchased under the share buyback program for a total consideration of €1.5287. Havas N.V. publishes on a weekly basis, every Monday, an overview of the progress of the share buyback program on its website: About HavasFounded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people operating in over 100 markets and sharing one mission: to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people. To meet the needs of its clients, Havas has developed a seamlessly integrated strategy and operating system, Converged, fusing all its global expertise, tools and capabilities, to create, produce, and distribute real-time, optimized, and personalized marketing solutions at scale. With inspired human ideas at the heart of this unique model, supercharged by the latest data, technology and AI, the teams work together with agility and in perfect synergy within Havas Villages to provide clients with tailor-made solutions that support them in their positive transformation. Havas is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its talent. Further information about Havas is available at View source version on Contacts For more information, please contact: Charlotte Rambaud Global Chief Communications +33 6 64 67 66 27 Delphine Maillet Head of Investor +33 6 80 36 18 12 Kristin Calmes Global Senior Communications +33 6 08 40 76 27 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Creativity Rewired: Havas Debuts 'Beyond the Brief' to Spotlight Neurodiversity as the Next Creative Advantage
Launching on Neurodiversity Pride Day at Cannes Lions 2025, the global campaign challenges the industry to rethink creativity by focusing on neurodivergent talent. CANNES, France, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Havas unveils Beyond the Brief – a bold, first-of-its-kind global campaign designed to reshape conversations around the future of the creative industry. Launched live on the opening day of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and led by Donna Murphy, Global CEO of Havas Creative and Health Networks, Beyond the Brief builds on Neuroverse: Powered by Havas, and the commitment to reshaping how creative talent is identified and embraced. The initiative was teased over the weekend with an unbranded activation on the Croisette and continues throughout the festival. "We're at a pivotal point of transformation in the creative industry, driven by the rise of AI and the welcoming of new tools and ideas. Yet there remains a clear gap – one that Havas believes has a clear resolve by tapping into the immense potential of neurodivergent creative talent," said Donna Murphy. The campaign is anchored by the inaugural Havas mainstage panel, "Neurodivergent Minds: They Don't Need Advertising – Advertising Needs Them," taking place June 16 at the Palais' Lumière Theatre. Moderated by The Daily podcast host Michael Barbaro of The New York Times, the conversation features global recording artist, Lola Young, who will be joined by Renee Connolly, Chief Belonging & Inclusion Officer and SVP, Life Science Communications & Branding, Merck KGaA; and Donna Murphy. "I'm not here to fit into anyone's idea of what 'creative' should look like, I'm here because the way my mind works is exactly why my art connects," shared Lola Young, global recording artist. "ADHD isn't a barrier, it's the engine. Being part of this panel, and the industry challenge Havas is putting forward at Cannes, is about saying it loud: there's power in the mess, and brilliance in the minds people have spent too long trying to 'fix'." Unbranded digital teaser displays appeared along the Croisette ahead of the official campaign's launch, and running all week, with bold creative asking questions like, "What if the future of creativity doesn't look like the past — and never did?" QR codes embedded in the work link to a dedicated microsite with a full agenda of neurodiversity-focused programming across Cannes and beyond Havas, underscoring that this is a movement larger than one agency. Additional programming includes the Havas Café panel, "The New Creative Alchemy: Neurodivergent Minds & AI as Industry Catalysts," on Monday, June 16. The session will unveil new data and professional insights that highlight the contributions of neurodivergent individuals, as creative professionals and powerful consumers, offering agencies, brands, and leaders a practical roadmap for action. "With Beyond the Brief, we're looking to amplify these voices and challenge the industry to rethink the systems in place. At the world's largest creative festival, we're calling on everyone to help shape a future of creativity that's more dynamic and powerful than ever before," adds Murphy. The campaign's dedicated microsite, accessible via QR codes on the Havas digital displays on the Croissette, offers a full look at Beyond the Brief and Havas' broader neurodiversity efforts, including the Cannes programming agenda, featured events across the festival, downloadable insights report, and more. Visit it directly at ABOUT HAVAS HEALTH NETWORK Havas Health Network unites Havas Life, Havas Lynx, and Jacques, all wholly owned health and communications networks, with the consumer health businesses and practices of Havas Creative Network. The network's approach is centered around making a meaningful difference and has the talent, tenacity, and technology that health companies, brands, and people need to thrive in today's world. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Havas Worldwide, LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Havas Reports the Progress of Transactions Under Its Current Share Buyback Program
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Havas N.V. (EURONEXT: HAVAS) hereby reports transaction details related to the €50 million buyback program as communicated on 28 May 2025. From 2 June 2025 up to and including 6 June 2025, a total of 766,352 shares were repurchased on exchange at an average price of €1.5136. Up to and including 6 June 2025, a total of 766,352 shares were repurchased under the share buyback program for a total consideration of €1.5136. Havas N.V. publishes on a weekly basis, every Monday, an overview of the progress of the share buyback program on its website: About Havas Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people operating in over 100 markets and sharing one mission: to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people. To meet the needs of its clients, Havas has developed a seamlessly integrated strategy and operating system, Converged, fusing all its global expertise, tools and capabilities, to create, produce, and distribute real-time, optimized, and personalized marketing solutions at scale. With inspired human ideas at the heart of this unique model, supercharged by the latest data, technology and AI, the teams work together with agility and in perfect synergy within Havas Villages to provide clients with tailor-made solutions that support them in their positive transformation. Havas is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its talent. Further information about Havas is available at
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First Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Storyboard18's Marquee Nights returns - an evening of exclusive candid conversations, creativity, global insights
Storyboard18's 'Marquee Nights' returns on June 2 with an exclusive evening featuring Yannick Bolloré - global media magnate, industry visionary and one of the most influential voices shaping the future of communications read more May 28, 2025: Storyboard18's Marquee Nights is back - and this time, it promises an evening of sharp ideas and soulful stories. The invite-only series, known for its unplugged conversations with some of the world's most influential minds, returns on June 2 at The Oberoi, Gurgaon with a marquee name in global business, media and marketing: Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO, Havas. From the future of creativity in an AI-powered world to the evolving business landscape between India and France, this special evening will open a rare window into the mind of one of the most visionary leaders in the global media and communications arena. It's more than a fireside chat - it is a front-row seat to the forces shaping global commerce, culture and content. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The previous editions have seen the likes of Carl Pei, Read Hastings and William Dalrymple engage in meaningful and impactful conversations on technological innovations, streaming, newest trends in consumer technology, and much more. More from Business How Indian fintech startups are driving Malaysia's UPI-like digital payments revolution Yannick Bolloré Yannick Bolloré co-founded the production company WY Productions in 2002. In 2006, he joined his family group, the Bolloré Group, to launch and develop its media division. Within five years, Bolloré Média became a leading independent French TV group and was subsequently sold to Canal+, making the Bolloré Group a shareholder in Vivendi. He then joined Havas in 2011 and became Chief Executive Officer of Havas S.A. in 2013. Upon his arrival, he began an in-depth transformation of the group through the 'Together' strategy, making Havas the most integrated group in the industry. He also orchestrated the repositioning of the group around the mission 'Make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses and people,' for meaningful, committed and responsible communications. In June 2024, Bolloré unveiled Havas' new strategic plan, Converged, aiming to supercharge the integration of the group's expertise in creativity, media, production, and technology through a unified operating system. In December 2024, he orchestrated the group's return to the stock market, now listed on Euronext Amsterdam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bolloré was appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Vivendi in April 2018. In connection with the Vivendi Spin-Off, in October 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Canal+ SA and Director of Louis Hachette Group. Bolloré was named a Young Global Leader in 2008 by the World Economic Forum. He has received numerous honors and awards from international associations and the business press. He is also a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Bolloré graduated from Paris-Dauphine University in 2001. So come, be part of a night where ideas are uncorked, perspectives are reshaped and the spotlight is not just on success, but the stories that built it.
