Leading global communications agency, HAVAS Red, has named Sophie Raine as its new Managing Director in London.

Raine joins from Ketchum UK where she worked for four years and was responsible for leading the second largest consumer practice in the UK, Ketchum Brand, prior to this she was Deputy Managing Director at W Communications.

As Managing Director, Sophie will take on the leadership of the London office, focusing on its continued growth, new business and client experience. Reporting to Rachael Sansom, CEO Europe and UK, she will continue to work with major blue-chip clients including American Express and Jaguar Land Rover.

Sophie brings with her a wealth of experience across retail, consumer tech, FMCG and not-for-profit sectors. Her career highlights include multiple award wins, spending the last three years on the Women in PR committee as well as being named as one of Campaign Magazine’s 40 over 40. 

Sophie takes over from previous Managing Director, Richard Clarke, who will be moving within the HAVAS network to a new role for the HAVAS Creative Group in Australia.

Raine said of her new role, “HAVAS Red is a dynamic fresh player in the global agency landscape, and I’m delighted to be working with the incredible teams in London, the north and beyond.

“There’s an energy within not only HAVAS Red but also within the HAVAS Village in London that I quickly knew I wanted a part of. What this agency has achieved since its inception in 2019 is remarkable.

“I have spent a lot of time with the senior team, and we quickly bonded over our passion for the craft of earned. The talent within the agency, the breadth and depth of the offering and work, and the incredible growth story meant joining this team was a no-brainer for me.”

Rachael Sansom, HAVAS Red CEO Europe and UK, added, “We’re incredibly proud of how HAVAS Red has developed and shaped over the last five years not just in the UK but globally. We are beyond delighted to have someone of Sophie’s calibre and proven track record to lead the next stage of HAVAS Red’s development in the UK, there are exciting times ahead. “We are sad to say goodbye to Richard in London, who has done an unprecedented job growing this business over the last five years but thrilled he will be taking on a significant new role within the HAVAS global network.”