AVENIR GLOBAL vs Havas

NATIONAL and its parent company, AVENIR GLOBAL, celebrate their 50th anniversary today

NATIONAL and its parent company, AVENIR GLOBAL, celebrate their 50th anniversary today. Also, Padilla Names New President to Lead Next Chapter of Growth and Innovation.

NATIONAL and its parent company, AVENIR GLOBAL, celebrate their 50th anniversary today

The newsroom page now features a new top story dated September 22, 2026, announcing that NATIONAL and AVENIR GLOBAL are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Additionally, several new press releases have been added, including 'Padilla Names New President to Lead Next Chapter of Growth and Innovation' (September 9, 2026), 'Hanover appoints Anita Boateng as President and Managing Partner' (June 17, 2026), 'NATIONAL announces new Atlantic leadership structure' (June 16, 2026), and 'Hanover Appoints Samantha Gregson Donnelly as Managing Director for the Middle East' (June 9, 2026).

Brands Shift Q4 Spend to Retail and Social Amid Political Uncertainty

Advertisers are increasing Q4 media spending on social, video, and retail media, boosting year-on-year growth. Agency holding companies reported strong Q3 results: Publicis 5% organic growth, Havas 2.4%, Omnicom 7.3%. WARC forecasts global ad spend to reach $1.34 trillion in 2026, an 11.9% increase. Retail media budgets are up 20-30% for some clients, while social spend rises significantly. However, buyers remain cautious due to midterm elections, consumer confidence, and economic uncertainties. Some clients have trimmed Amazon spending expectations due to soft Prime Day performance. The article also covers account moves, personnel changes, and insights on news-avoidant voters.

• WARC forecasts global ad spend to reach $1.34 trillion in 2026, an 11.9% increase.
• Omnicom reported 7.3% organic growth, Publicis 5%, Havas 2.4% in Q3.
• Retail media budgets increased 20-30% for some clients, social spend up to 20% at Scène Studios.

Havas Grows in North America, Lags in Other Regions

Havas reported Q3 2026 net revenue of $782 million (€703 million), up 7.2% year over year, with organic growth of 2.4%, down from 3.8% in Q3 2025. North America was the strongest region with 7.5% organic growth, while other regions lagged. The company has completed eight acquisitions since the start of 2026 and CFO François Laroze indicated more are forthcoming. Total net revenue for the first nine months of 2026 reached $2.3 billion (€2.07 billion). Havas forecasts organic revenue growth of 2% to 3% for the full year 2026. The results highlight a contrast with rivals struggling in North America, positioning Havas as a notable performer in that market.

• Havas Q3 2026 net revenue: $782 million (€703 million), up 7.2% year over year.
• Q3 organic growth: 2.4%, down from 3.8% in Q3 2025.
• North America organic growth: 7.5%, strongest region in Q3 2026.

Geely Germany Marketing Chief Departs; Alpine Role

Geely Auto Germany's marketing chief, Roman Franke, has left the company shortly after joining in spring 2026, prompting the need to revise its marketing plans. Franke has since taken a new position as Director of Alpine Brand Germany, effective October 1, 2026. The departure follows Geely's official market launch in Germany this year and the appointment of Havas as its full-service agency for a launch campaign. The reasons for Franke's exit remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, the Berlin PR agency Kruger has announced it will handle Geely's press relations following a pitch. Geely's marketing leadership vacancy and Havas's current role remain unclear, as inquiries went unanswered.

• Roman Franke left Geely Auto Germany and became Director of Alpine Brand Germany on October 1, 2026.
• Geely Auto Germany had launched officially in 2026, with Havas hired for a full-service launch campaign.
• The Berlin PR agency Kruger won a pitch to handle Geely's press relations.