Horizon Media Holdings and Havas today announced the formation of a new media-focused joint venture called Horizon Global that will target what they called “US-centric global client opportunities.”

It will manage a combined $20 billion in global billings. 

Outside of those opportunities, Horizon Media and Havas Media Network will continue to operate independently servicing their respective client portfolios.    

The joint venture will initially be led by Bob Lord as interim CEO. He will continue in his role as president-Horizon Media Holdings.  

In addition, Renata Spackova, who has been with Havas for over six years, has been appointed global COO of the joint venture. Based in Paris, Spackova will lead the strategic deployment of Horizon Global across more than 100+ markets around the world.   

Lord and Spackova will work closely with Horizon Global’s board of directors that includes Bill Koenigsberg (CEO and founder of Horizon Media Holdings), Yannick Bolloré (CEO and chairman, Havas), Peter Mears (global CEO, Havas Media Network) and other key members of Horizon and Havas leadership. 

The joint venture will unite Horizon’s Blu platform and Havas’ Converged.ai platform to form “BluConverged,” a platform the new partners say is designed to unlock “smarter insights, faster outcomes and true transparency for global clients.” 

“Built exclusively for the needs of the modern global marketer, Horizon Global is rewriting the agency network playbook,” stated Koenigsberg. “With an open ecosystem approach, Horizon Global fosters cooperation, prioritizes transparency and places power back in the client’s hands. As the first agency network built in the AI era, we’re leading with future-forward ways of working, collaborating and delivering outcomes for clients – and we’re doing it responsibly at global scale. This is an exciting new chapter for Havas and Horizon.”  

“This partnership marks a significant moment for our agencies,” said Bolloré. “I’ve known Bill for years, and I’m incredibly proud Horizon has turned to Havas as its global partner. In a shifting industry, we look forward to a very exciting partnership, combining our complementary strengths.” 

Added Lord, "We intentionally designed Horizon Global to usher in a new chapter of connected intelligence, innovation, and client value. Through the BluConverged Platform, and together with our teams and partners, we can now meet the growing demands for performance-based media models and drive enduring growth for the incredible brands we are privileged to represent.”