• by Larissa Faw , March 6, 2015

Havas Media North America has been named U.S. AOR for Safelite AutoGlass, the U.S.'s largest provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services. 

Safelite spent $22.8 million on advertising between January and September 2014 and $29.2 million in advertising in 2013, according to Kantar Media. 

The agency will be responsible for all planning and buying, along with digital and paid social-media efforts. Havas' Chicago office will manage the account. 

Previously, these responsibilities were handled by Columbus-based Ron Foth, who will remain the creative and social agency for Safelite. 

“Havas brings world-class tools and talent to the table to both craft and measure the effectiveness of our media buys,” said Renee Cacchillo, Safelite’s vice president of customer & brand strategy. “Their expertise will allow us to further differentiate Safelite as a leader in the automotive industry and help to fuel profitable growth for the company.” 

Much of the agency’s effort on behalf of the client will focus on “lead-driving channels” to boost sales. The agency will team with sibling networks within Havas, including its programmatic trading desk, Affiperf, for real-time media planning and buying, as well as its paid social-media arm, Socialyze. 

The win strengthens an existing partnership between Havas Media Group and Safelite’s parent company, Belron, which includes business in several European markets.