Havas vs Hirschen Group

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.

Meik Vogler named CEO of VRM agency Ryze Digital

Meik Vogler, 48, will become CEO of Ryze Digital, the agency of German publishing group Verlagsgruppe VRM, effective October 1. He succeeds founder Philipp Mann, who is stepping down. Vogler previously served as Chief Client Officer at Havas Germany until nearly a year ago. In addition, Oliver Walz, who has been CFO since 2019, will be promoted to an expanded role, likely as co-CEO or managing director. The agency employs around 350 staff. This leadership change aims to strengthen Ryze Digital's market position in digital marketing and technology.

• Meik Vogler will become CEO of Ryze Digital on October 1.
• Vogler previously was Chief Client Officer at Havas Germany.
• Founder Philipp Mann is stepping down as CEO.

RYSM wird unabhängig von der Hirschen Group

RYSM wird vollständig inhabergeführt: Benjamin Minack und Andreas Nickel übernehmen im Rahmen eines Management-Buy-outs die Anteile der Hirschen Group an RYSM.

Rysm founders complete management buyout from Hirschen Group

Berlin-based agency Rysm (formerly Ressourcenmangel), which had been part of the Hirschen Group for 17 years, has been bought back by its two founders. Benjamin Minack and Andreas Nickel completed a management buyout of the WPP-held stake and are now sole owners of Rysm. The change restores independent ownership to the agency. The story was reported by Mehrdad Amirkhizi and published on 2026-08-27.

• Rysm was part of the Hirschen Group for 17 years.
• Founders Benjamin Minack and Andreas Nickel bought the WPP-held stake in a management buyout.
• Benjamin Minack and Andreas Nickel are now the sole owners of Rysm.