Rachel Sansom has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Havas Red Europe and the UK, bringing to a close a nearly seven-year stint during which she helped transform the agency from a newly launched UK operation into one of the global network's strongest-performing markets.
Sansom announced her departure in a LinkedIn post, describing her tenure at Havas Red as "the professional ride of my life" and revealing that she is preparing to begin "an exciting new chapter" in her career.
She joined Havas Red in 2019 as Managing Director of its London office, shortly after the agency launched in the UK market. She was subsequently promoted to UK CEO in 2022 before assuming the role of CEO for Europe and the UK in 2023. During her time at the agency, Sansom also served on both the Havas Red Global Leadership Team and the Havas UK Executive Leadership Team.
Under her leadership, Havas Red significantly expanded its UK footprint, securing major client wins, delivering award-winning campaigns and strengthening its position within the competitive communications landscape. The agency has grown into one of the flagship markets within the Havas Red global network, which today spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Reflecting on her departure, Sansom said: "Today is a big day for me on a personal and professional front as, after seven fantastic years, I step down from Havas Red.
"I can honestly say that being at Havas Red has been the professional ride of my life, from growing the UK business from a fledgling start-up to working with James Wright and our amazing teams around the world as the Red Network has built and gone from strength to strength. It has been a privilege and joy to be on this huge journey.
"I have had too many amazing experiences to count, worked with the best in the business, both colleagues and clients, and most importantly have made some incredible friends along the way. It is now time for an exciting new chapter."
Before joining Havas Red, Sansom held several senior communications leadership positions across agencies and in-house organisations. Her previous roles include senior leadership positions at Red Consultancy and MHP Group, as well as communications roles at The Random House Group and Motorola.
She has received significant industry recognition during her career, appearing regularly in PRWeek UK's Power Book and being named Campaign's PR Agency Leader of the Year in 2024.
James Wright, Global CEO of Havas Red and Global Chair of the Havas PR Network, paid tribute to Sansom's contribution to the agency's growth.
"Rachael has had a wonderful and successful seven years with Havas Red, helping to take us from a start-up to a major player on the UK PR scene during that time," Wright said.
"Along the way we have picked up fantastic clients, delivered outstanding campaigns and won numerous awards. Rachael is a brilliant operator and a great friend; I wish her very best with her next adventure."
Havas Red was launched in 2019 following the integration of several Havas-owned PR businesses and has since grown into one of the group's flagship communications networks, offering services across public relations, social media, content marketing, corporate communications and influencer engagement.
Sansom has not announced her next professional move, while Havas Red is yet to name her successor.
