Horizon Media Holdings and Havas have announced the formation of Horizon Global, a new joint venture that brings the two media companies to meet the growing demands of global marketers. 

Headquartered in New York and spanning over 100 countries and with a combined USD 20 billion in global billings, Horizon Global harnesses Horizon Media and Havas Media Network’s combined strengths to deliver a agency network alternative at a time when clients face fewer, more constrained options. 

Bob Lord has been appointed interim CEO of Horizon Global, effective immediately, and will be responsible for driving the venture’s growth strategy and delivery of client experience excellence across the world. He will maintain his current role as president, Horizon Media Holdings.

Additionally, Renata Spackova is appointed to the role of global chief operating officer, Horizon Global. Based in Paris, Spackova will lead the strategic deployment for the company across more than 100+ markets around the world.

Lord and Spackova will work closely with Horizon Global’s board of directors which includes Koenigsberg, Bolloré, Peter Mears (global CEO, Havas Media Network), and other key members of the Havas and Horizon Media leadership teams.

Horizon Global will focus on US-centric global client opportunities. Outside of those opportunities, Horizon Media and Havas Media Network will continue to operate independently servicing their respective client portfolios, pursuing new business and building their brand profiles, according to the agencies.

The joint venture will unite Horizon’s Blu platform and Havas’ Converged.AI platform to form a seamless, AI-native experience - BluConverged. 

Bill Koenigsberg, CEO and founder of Horizon Media Holdings, said, “Built exclusively for the needs of the modern global marketer, Horizon Global is rewriting the agency network playbook. 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.”

Yannick Bolloré, CEO and chairman, Havas, added, “This partnership marks a significant moment for our agencies. 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.”

Lord said, “Horizon Global enters the market at a dynamic moment with a global offering that truly puts clients first. 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.”