Havas Worldwide has appointed Michael Keany to the newly created role of chief commercial officer, Americas, effective June 27.
Keany will be responsible for developing and expanding Havas Worldwide’s digital capabilities in North and South America, with a focus on developing strategic partnerships, identifying new lines of business for Havas and its clients, and scaling digital products and services.
“Throughout his career, Michael has helped organizations use emerging technologies to develop disruptive products and services, enter new markets, and drive client impact,” said Andrew Benett, CEO of Havas Worldwide and Havas Creative Group. “As we aim to continuously transform for the future, Michael will help better position both Havas and our clients for success.”
Keany is a seasoned digital leader and business builder with over 25 years of experience. He joins the agency from McKinsey & Company, where he served as VP and co-founder of McKinsey Academy, a platform as a service (PaaS) start-up focused on digital professional development. Most recently, Keany led Digital Quotient (DQ) and Digital Capabilities (DC), two new ventures that focus on digital transformation. Previously, Keany worked at three iconic digital design innovation firms: Schematic, Method, and Code and Theory, where he was first EVP of strategy and marketing development and, later, CEO.
“I’m delighted to be joining Havas at this exciting time for the industry,” said Keany. “With its commitment to true multidisciplinary collaboration, Havas understands that real innovation requires outstanding teamwork. I look forward to finding better ways to evolve current capabilities and drive business impact.”
Keany will be based in New York and report to Benett.