Havas Media Network UK has appointed EssenceMediacom’s James Mackenzie as chief investment officer. Joining in January as part of Havas Media Network UK’s leadership team, Mackenzie will lead the network’s investment and activation team. 

He will report into former chief investment officer and now chief operating officer Simon Bevan. 

Having held senior roles at EssenceMediacom, MediaCom, PHD and Vizeum, Mackenzie brings over 25 years of experience in media investment. Most recently, he served as chief investment officer at WPP Media’s EssenceMediacom, serving clients like Tesco, Boots, ITV and Coca-Cola.   

In his new role, Mackenzie will lead the network’s investment strategy, oversee trading and activation, strengthen media owner partnerships and more.  

Mackenzie will also work alongside Emma Withington, chief planning and strategy officer, and Paul Bland, chief digital officer.