Havas Worldwide appointed Thomas Funk as managing director, Europe, responsible for overseeing regional operations, and Eric Schoeffler as executive creative director for Europe, responsible for overeeeing creative for clients in the region while working closely with Havas’ creative leaders, reports LBB. Both Funk and Schoeffler will report to Havas Europe CEO Chris Hirst, who joined the agency from Grey London early last year.
Funk and Schoeffler join the agency from DDB Germany, where Funk served as CEO and Schoeffler as CCO. Funk arrived at the agency as a COO in 2011, following nearly nine years with RAPP, during which time her served as CEO of RAPP Germany and then global CEO, data solutions. Schoeffler has spent the past seventeen years with DDB Germany, following a seven-year stint as an art director for Westag.
The pair’s departure comes in the wake of a well-publicized emissions-scamming scandal surrounding DDB Germany client Volkswagen and there’s at least some speculation that their exit could spell trouble for the agency’s relationship with the client.
“I’m thrilled to have Thomas and Eric join our team,” said Hirst. “Under their leadership, DDB Group Germany was transformed into an integrated agency with a strong creative reputation. Their vision and collaborative spirit will be integral to our continued success.”
“With Chris at the helm, we’ve been building incredible momentum in Europe,” added Havas Worldwide and Havas Creative Group global CEO Andrew Benett. “These recent appointments are yet another pivotal step toward optimizing the agency’s structure to further elevate our creative teams, strengthen our offering, and accelerate growth across the region.”