Havas S&e Launches Russian Arm

17 Sep 2012 | tshego

Share on

Havas Sports and Entertainment has announced the opening of a new office in Moscow, increasing its global footprint to 36 offices in 20 markets.

The Russia expansion aims to solidify the company’s presence in the market in the run up to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Havas Sports & Entertainment Russia was born out of an internal team within the Havas Group (MPG and Arena Magic Box agencies) that focused on sponsorship and brand entertainment. This specialised team has been operating in Russia for the past seven years, working with clients including LVMH and Heineken.

Maria Gavrilova (pictured) has been named managing director of Havas Sports & Entertainment Russia, having previously led the internal team for the group. She commented: ‘The opening of Havas Sports & Entertainment Russia comes at a very strategic time, as Russia continues to attract an increasing number of international events. Crucially we have the local insight and can benefit from the support of the global Havas Sports & Entertainment network to help both local and international brands develop meaningful and long-term relationships with Russian consumers.’

Havas Sports & Entertainment Russia will add to the media services offered by MPG and Arena Magic Box as well as the creative services of advertising agency Euro RSCG, all led by the president of Havas Russia & CIS, Dmitry Konstantinov.

Konstantinov said: ‘Havas Sports & Entertainment Russia brings a unique offer of specialty services to the Havas Goup which reinforces Havas’ leading position in Russia and the CIS, and strengthens our capabilities in sports and entertainment.’

Lucien Boyer, President and Global CEO of Havas Sports & Entertainment, added: ‘Russia will be hosting several major global sporting events in the coming years. Our experience working for ten Olympic sponsors around London 2012 combined with our global track record with major sports and entertainment stakeholders and brands, notably with the FIFA World Cup, gives us the expertise to advise clients looking to connect with consumers around these big events.’