Leading global communications agency, Red Havas, is enhancing its social and content capabilities in the London office with the appointment of James Garland as Account Director – Content and Social.

Operating under a Merged Media model that brings together PR, social, data analytics and content capabilities, Garland’s role will involve leading digital and social strategy across technology, corporate and consumer accounts as well as line managing producers and designers within the growing team.

He brings to the team seven years’ experience, having held numerous U.K. and New Zealand based positions at agencies including Ogilvy & Mather and Proximity; and most recently at Saatchi & Saatchi London. Over the course of his career he’s worked on leading brands in the FMCG and technology spaces including Coca-Cola, Google Cloud, Vodaphone, Bacardi, Carlsberg and Telstra.

On the appointment, Global Head of Content, Mark Campbell commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome James into the Red Havas fold after a successful year-long period of growth across the globe. James’ skills will be integral to our drive to expand our global footprint beyond North America, EMEA and APAC, whilst also playing a pivotal role in maintain the trajectory of our content and social offering in the U.K.

On his new role, Garland said: “The Havas brand is synonymous with incredible and award-winning work and I’m very excited to be starting this next chapter of my career with Red Havas. The growth the agency has seen just one year into its tenure in London is truly impressive and I can’t wait to get stuck into some creative content campaigns for the agency’s roster of blue-chip clients.”

“With content at the core of our Merged Media philosophy its only fitting we continue to expand our capabilities in this field. We have been lucky to see continued growth and some stellar new client wins despite the challenges presented by this year. I look forward to working with James and Mark closely to continue to grow our content and social offering in the U.K.,” added Rachael Sansom, Managing Director, London.

The London-based appointment is effective immediately. Garland will report into Campbell.