Havas Worldwide Health has appointed Ben Davies as the next CEO of its European division, he will report directly to New York-based Havas Worldwide Health managing partners and CEOs Doug Burcin and Donna Murphy.
He takes over from current CEO Ed Stapor, who will serve until the end of the year, before moving to a new role within the network.
Davies has 26 years’ experience in the healthcare marketing and advertising environment, most recently as CEO of PAN Advertising.
“We are very excited to welcome Ben to our team,” said Burcin.
“His background in healthcare marketing and advertising is impressive and will be a tremendous contribution to our continued success in Europe.
“Ed’s done a great job in this role and we have full confidence that under Ben’s leadership, we will continue to grow and innovate in Europe.”
As well as leading PAN Advertising, Davies was also co-founder and EU Chairman of Indigenus, a healthcare creative agencies network; an member of the executive board and joint head of the health division at Creston; and a founding partner of both a consumer health agency and a medical education agency.
“Ben’s credentials are incredibly strong and he’ll be a great asset to Havas Worldwide Health,” added Murphy.
“We’re excited to see how his wide range of abilities and leadership experience will work to keep us at the forefront of the health and wellness communications industry.”
Also commenting on the appointment, Stapor said: “Ben is a real talent with a proven track record of success in Europe. He’s exactly what we are looking for to continue driving our momentum in the region and I am confident we are in good hands for future growth.”
Earlier this year, the agency hired a new managing director, Claire Dobbs, for their London operation and acquired Manchester-based digital agency Creative Lynx.