Mumbai: Horizon Media Holdings and Havas has announced the launch of Horizon Global, a groundbreaking joint venture that marks the industry’s first agency network built in the AI era. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s modern marketer, Horizon Global combines the strengths of two of the world’s most respected media leaders, with a combined $20 billion in global billings, immediately positioning it among the top media investors worldwide.
Headquartered in New York and spanning over 100 countries, Horizon Global is set to deliver a bold, breakthrough alternative at a time when clients are faced with fewer and more constrained choices. While Horizon Global will focus on US-centric global client opportunities, both Horizon Media and Havas Media Network will continue to operate independently for their existing client portfolios and new business pursuits.
At the core of the new network lies BluConverged, a next-generation platform merging Horizon’s Blu and Havas’ Converged.AI technologies. BluConverged will provide global clients with an AI-native experience that enables smarter insights, faster outcomes, and true transparency.
“Built exclusively for the needs of the modern global marketer, Horizon Global is rewriting the agency network playbook,” said Bill Koenigsberg, CEO and founder of Horizon Media Holdings. “With an open ecosystem approach, Horizon Global fosters cooperation, prioritizes transparency and places power back in the client’s hands. As the first agency network built in the AI era, we’re leading with future-forward ways of working, collaborating and delivering outcomes for clients – and we’re doing it responsibly at global scale. This is an exciting new chapter for Havas and Horizon.”
“This partnership marks a significant moment for our agencies,” said Yannick Bolloré, CEO and Chairman, Havas. “I’ve known Bill for years, and I’m incredibly proud Horizon has turned to Havas as its global partner. In a shifting industry, we look forward to a very exciting partnership, combining our complementary strengths.”
To lead the venture into its next phase, Bob Lord has been appointed interim Global CEO of Horizon Global, effective immediately. With over three decades of experience in media, technology, and business transformation, Lord will drive Horizon Global’s growth strategy while continuing in his role as President of Horizon Media Holdings.
Renata Spackova has also been named Global Chief Operating Officer, based in Paris, where she will spearhead Horizon Global’s strategic rollout across 100+ global markets.
Lord and Spackova will work alongside Horizon Global’s Board of Directors, which includes Koenigsberg, Bolloré, Peter Mears (Global CEO, Havas Media Network), and other senior leaders from both Horizon Media and Havas.
“Horizon Global enters the market at a dynamic moment with a global offering that truly puts clients first,” said Bob Lord. “We intentionally designed Horizon Global to usher in a new chapter of connected intelligence, innovation, and client value. Through the BluConverged Platform, and together with our teams and partners, we can now meet the growing demands for performance-based media models and drive enduring growth for the incredible brands we are privileged to represent.”
