EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Havas appoints Alberto Canteli as Executive Chairman for Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Communications group says recent strategic appointments emphasise its ambition to accelerate growth across the continent.

Following the recent announcement of Provit Chemmani as CEO Africa, Havas has confirmed the appointment of Alberto Canteli as Executive Chairman Africa. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as Chairman and CEO of Havas Nordics, Benelux, Central & Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Photo: Havas

Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world’s largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people operating in over 100 markets.

“With a strong track record in managing complex and diverse regions, Alberto brings both strategic vision and operational excellence to this key market,” the company says in a press release.

“He has successfully led the deployment of Centres of Excellence in several regions worldwide, an experience that will be instrumental in accelerating our transformation and impact in Africa.

“This strategic appointment underscores Havas’ ambition to accelerate growth across the African continent, a region undergoing rapid transformation and rich with potential.”

The appointment follows the recent nomination of Provit Chemmani as CEO Africa, who will report directly to Canteli.

According to Havas, the new leadership structure is designed to bring renewed energy to its operations and position Africa as a strategic growth driver for the group’s global ambitions.

Comments Yannick Bolloré, CEO and Chairman of Havas: “Africa is not just a market of the future. It is also continent of boundless creativity and opportunity. At Havas, our expansion across the continent reflects our deep belief in the region’s potential and our commitment to building lasting partnerships that drive sustainable growth.”

Globally, the Havas client list includes Citroen, Burger King, Santander Bank, Adidas, KFC and Canal +.

Conference hall stage with a man in a blue suit speaking at a podium on a large screen ticon africa banner visible'shaping the future of ict in africa'

Landmark gathering gets underway with delegates from over 30 countries

Opening plenary hears that securing Africa’s economic future requires businesses to discover new customers and cross-border opportunities.

Pre-conference masterclass discusses taking African brands to the world

Participants challenged to identify, articulate and commercialise the cultural assets that make their brand ready for a global audience.

Three people stand side by side in front of a sports direct backdrop the woman in the middle holds a blue and orange 'sports direct' sign

Africa’s first Sports Direct retail store opens its doors in Nairobi

Second outlet planned for Nairobi before year end, with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco said to be future target markets.

Person wearing a beige sweater holds a phone with a translucent search bar reading 'search' and microphonecamera icons in the foreground

Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility

Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?

Person shopping at a deli counter holding an orange shopping basket in a cheese section of a supermarket

The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI

Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.

Conference stage with a woman in a patterned dress speaking to an audience large screens display '' logos and banners for a marketers conference with 'institute of marketing in malawi' branding on stage panels and backdrop

Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession

Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.

Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan

Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.

We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?

Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.

Hotel receptionist assisting a guest at the check in counter with a gray suitcase nearby behind the desk

Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers

Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.

Three people in formal attire pose for a photo at an awards event a woman in a pink dress holds a trophy while two men in suits stand beside her against a gold confetti backdrop

FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards

South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.

Portrait of a man with short black hair and a beard wearing a black button down shirt against a light gray background

Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths

Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.