Havas Media Network names Paul Bland to lead Havas Market

Havas Media Network has appointed Paul Bland as Chief Performance & Ecommerce Officer and head of Havas Market, as the agency expands its commerce and performance capabilities across more than 30 markets. The move comes as AI-mediated shopping and agentic commerce reshape how consumers discover and buy products.

Why it matters: - Havas Media Network is putting a senior operator in charge of Havas Market as commerce shifts toward AI-mediated shopping journeys and more complex paths to purchase. - The appointment is meant to sharpen how brands are made desirable, findable and buyable across performance media, retail media and eCommerce. - Havas Market now has a larger base of expertise after investing in Tidart and Channel Bakers.

What happened: - Havas Media Network named Paul Bland Chief Performance & Ecommerce Officer and Head of Havas Market on July 22, 2026. - Bland will lead Havas Market’s 200+ eCommerce consultants, 600+ retail media experts and 1000+ performance experts. - Bland joined Havas Media UK in 2021. - His prior roles included Head of Biddable Media and Chief Digital Officer. - Bland is based in Dubai and will continue digital oversight for Emirates.

The details: - Havas Market says recent investment, including the acquisitions of Tidart and Channel Bakers, has expanded the unit’s geographic reach and depth of expertise. - Havas Media Network’s Global CEO Peter Mears said the team combines global expertise, partnerships, cutting-edge tools and local cultural nuance. - Mears said Bland has a track record of leading clients and internal teams through industry change. - Bland said Havas Market is built for consumers who are discovering and buying in “radically new ways.” - Bland said the unit’s interoperable technology approach and shopping expertise can help brands convert desire into purchase. - Havas Market operates in more than 30 markets. - The group works across performance media, performance content, retail media and eCommerce. - Havas Market says it partners with major eRetail players including Mirakl, Shopify and Amazon ads. - Client names cited by Havas Market include Harman, Johnson & Johnson, Hyundai, Kia, Gac Trumpchi, Maersk, Mars, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Ravensburger and Wolverine.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals that Havas Media Network sees commerce as a core growth area, not just a support function for media buying. - Bland’s mix of performance, omnichannel and client leadership experience suggests Havas Market wants tighter integration between strategy, technology and conversion. - The emphasis on desire-driven shopping reflects a broader industry bet that AI will influence how brands reach consumers before purchase decisions are made. - Havas Market’s awards and market footprint are being used to reinforce credibility as the unit competes for commerce budgets.

What’s next: - Bland is expected to deepen Havas Market’s role across global clients and local markets. - Havas Media Network is likely to keep leaning on its commerce proposition as shopping journeys become more automated and more AI-shaped. - Havas Market says its focus remains on optimizing the entire path to purchase and delivering connected shopping experiences.

The bottom line: - Havas Media Network is betting that a stronger commerce leader will help brands turn fragmented digital shopping into measurable growth.