In a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of Africa’s media landscape, Havas Red, the global agency micronetwork, has unveiled its expansion into South Africa, marking its presence in an impressive 14 markets worldwide. This expansion, led by the Havas Global PR Network, is a significant step for Havas, one of the world’s largest global communications groups, and part of the Vivendi conglomerate.

Havas Red’s unique approach to PR transcends traditional boundaries, embracing the convergence of media consumption in a way that defines the future of public relations. By seamlessly merging traditional and digital publishing, content creation, social media, and data analytics, Havas Red has witnessed explosive top-line growth since 2021.

The agency has been at the forefront of innovation, introducing specialized offerings like Red Connect, its global content and creative production agency launched in 2020, Havas Red Health in 2021, and more recently, Red Impact, uniting the network’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) capabilities on a global scale. This year, Havas Red proudly adds Peaks, its award-winning multichannel executive branding support, and SWAY by Havas Red, an end-to-end influencer marketing service, to its arsenal of offerings.

Carel Scheepers, Chief Strategy Officer of Havas Village Africa, takes the helm as the head of Havas Red South Africa. Vineel Agarwal, CEO and Managing Partner of Havas Village Africa, will also serve as the CEO of Havas Red South Africa.

Vineel Agarwal, CEO of Havas Red South Africa, emphasized the importance of partnerships in today’s fast-paced and purpose-driven world, stating, “We are proud to work with a diverse portfolio of clients at the Havas Village in South Africa; our clients trust us as their partners in transformation, growth, and forward-thinking. With Havas Red, we will be opening a valuable platform for brands to do even more.”

Carel Scheepers, Head of Havas Red South Africa, shared the agency’s mission, saying, “We live in a world where people are in need of more. More meaning, more purpose, and, most of all, contributing to building the industry of tomorrow. We get to change the world, bit by bit.”

James Wright, Global CEO of Havas Red and Global Chairman of the Havas PR Network, expressed his excitement about this strategic move into Africa, particularly Johannesburg, a pivotal business and media gateway to the region. With Vineel and Carel at the helm, Havas Red aims to become the leading PR operation in Africa, underlining its commitment to shaping the future of PR and media on the continent.

In the ever-evolving landscape of PR and media, Havas Red’s expansion into South Africa stands as a testament to its dedication to innovation, partnership, and purpose-driven communication, setting the stage for a transformative future in the industry.