Havas Chicago Names Chase Cornett as Chief Strategy Officer

The agency is also making several new senior hires, bolstering its strategy team

Havas Chicago, the agency known for Meaningful and high performing Creative, today announced the appointment of Chase Cornett as Chief Strategy Officer, expanding its leadership team and investing in top strategy talent. Cornett will join Havas Chicago’s executive bench which includes Myra Nussbaum as Co-President & Chief Creative Officer and Kat Ott as Co-President, bolstering the strategic vision for the agency.

“Chase’s track record is unmatched, yet it’s not only his amazing reputation that sets him apart. He’s got a knack for imagination – reinventing the possibilities for brands, infusing creativity and purpose at every turn,” said Ott.

Nussbaum added, “This mindset is why we know he’s the perfect person to help support our mission of making creative that drives culture, human connection and business results.”

Cornett joins from VML and WPP OpenX where he served as Global Chief Strategy Officer for The Coca-Cola Company business. As a member of the integrated leadership team, Cornett helped usher culture-driving work for the brand, including their global music platform, Coke Studio, iconic Coca-Cola Christmas work and most recently “Thanks for Coke-Creating.” All contributing to Coca-Cola’s first-ever “Brand of the Year” win at Cannes Lions this year. 

He is also one of the strategic leaders behind some of the most recognizable campaigns for renowned brands including Gatorade, Tropicana, Red Bull, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Disney Stores, and Toyota. His work has been recognized at the top global award shows including Cannes Lions, the One Show, Effie, and CLIO awards.

Prior to taking the helm of the global Coca-Cola business, Chase successfully led the pitch and then global strategy for Team Intel — rebranding this iconic tech giant for only the second time in history. He has also served as Head of Strategy for VML’s Kansas City office and was Senior Vice President and Strategic Planning director at FCB Chicago. 

“What a great time to be joining the talented, creative and culture-driven team at Havas Chicago. Creativity and culture have never had more commercial value–giving brands who embrace it a competitive advantage that drives real growth. Myra and Kat share my passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together,” said Cornett.

To round out its talent-packed strategy team and continue its investments in this space, Havas Chicago is promoting Andy Malloy to EVP, Head of Strategy. Previously, Malloy was Group Strategy Director for the agency. Also joining the team is Claudia Reeder, who will serve as SVP, Group Strategy Director. She was previously with VML. Finally, Mike Niemczyk is coming on board as VP, Group Strategy Director and was previously with Cramer-Krasselt.

All of these new roles are effective immediately. Together, they’ll focus on brand clients including Wayfair, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Bel Cheeses, James Hardie Industries, Citigroup and Moen Incorporated.

Source: Havas Chicago

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