Health marketing network Havas Health & You (HH&Y) has hired David Leonardi as chief creative officer of Havas Tonic, its largest consumer-focused health and wellness agency. David will work with Tonic’s managing director Corey Cirillo and HH&Y global CCO Eric Weisberg to rethink the future of Havas Tonic, as a direct response to the expanding needs of consumer health and wellness brands.
David brings over 20 years of experience across consumer, health and wellness, joining from Hill Holliday Health, where he led the expansion of the agency’s health practice, producing work for brands including Cosentyx, Invokana, Xarelto, Zarbee’s, Kisqali and more. Earlier in his career, David held creative leadership roles at Ogilvy NY and Merkley+Partners. He will report to Weisberg in his new role.
“I love the challenge and adventure of building and shaping things—a great culture where everyone can feel safe, have fun, and thrive—and lasting client relationships that are full of trust. I also love teaching and helping to influence people’s careers so that they might hire me one day,” said Leonardi in a statement. “And of course, I love the satisfaction of building powerful, successful brands that connect with and help people through smart, insight-driven work.”
Havas Tonic has been shaping communications across OTC, DTC and wellness communications for more than two decades, with capabilities in strategy, social and video content. Leonardi’s appointment builds on the momentum started when Cirillo joined Havas Tonic from BBDO in late 2020. Cirillo brings expertise in FMCD, personal care and retail, having previously led work for CVS Health.
“I am ecstatic to unlock the next era of Havas Tonic in partnership with David. David’s creative strength is second to none and with his leadership we’ll have an offering that is truly unmatched in the marketplace,” said Cirillo in a statement.
“We wanted a modern, innovative and proven leader with both IQ and EQ to unlock the future of our consumer offering—and in David we found all of that and more,” added Weisberg in a statement.