Havas Media Canada Expands Leadership Team with New Appointments

Strategic hires and promotions reflect agency’s evolution into a performance-driven, client-focused growth partner

Havas Media Canada has announced a series of leadership appointments that reinforces its commitment to performance, innovation and client growth. The changes reflect a deliberate shift in how the agency shows up to market as a strategic growth partner built to help brands navigate complexity and deliver measurable business outcomes. Under the direction of president Louise Simkin, the agency has added new senior talent and made targeted internal promotions to further strengthen its national team.

Erin Rahn has joined as senior vice-president, partnerships. She leads media investment and marketplace strategy across the agency, with an increased focus on attention metrics and ensuring client investment strategies are aligned with quality, measurable outcomes. Rahn brings senior experience from Cadreon, Kinesso and Magna Global.

Justin Furman has been named vice-president, growth. He is responsible for new business development and market positioning, and joins Havas from leadership roles at Cossette Media, Sid Lee and EssenceMediacom.

Paul Linley has been promoted to vice-president, client experience. He is focused on deepening client relationships and driving excellence in account delivery across the agency’s portfolio.

These appointments reflect the kind of agency we’re building. One that’s focused, forward-looking and grounded in real client needs, especially in a fragmented and increasingly complex media landscape. Erin, Justin and Paul each bring a unique strength to the table. They’re collaborative, experienced and ready to push us forward.

Louise Simkin

President, Havas Media Canada

Earlier this year, Harpreet Dhaliwal was promoted to executive vice-president, client experience and operations, with a mandate to drive national consistency and operational rigour. Carly Schmidt was also promoted to senior vice-president, performance, where she continues to lead the agency’s expanding performance and commerce capabilities.

Together with Alessia Grosso, Louise Simkin, and other senior leaders, they bring a performance-driven mindset that is closely tied to data, advanced analytics and Havas Media’s ongoing investment in AI and innovation.

We’ve taken the time to build a team that reflects where we’re going. It’s a mix of new thinking, proven leadership and shared ambition. There’s a real energy here, and I couldn’t be more confident in the team we’re building.

Louise Simkin

President, Havas Media Canada

These leadership changes support Havas Media Canada’s broader ambition to grow through integrated media solutions, stronger partnerships, and deeper collaboration across the Havas Village, a model designed to bring together media, creative, content, data and technology under one roof, with a single focus on client success.