Havas consultancy hires data chief

Havas Media Group’s consulting wing has recruited digital expert Oliver Southgate as head of data and technology solutions for the UK, with a brief to beef up clients’ understanding of the sector.
At the new division, dubbed HMG Consulting, Southgate (pictured) will lead the delivery of data and technology projects across the group’s client base. He will also be responsible for a team of consultants, who will work closely with clients to understand their strategic business priorities and lead the identification and implementation of new products and services.
Southgate started his career in 2001 at RedEye Solutions before working in the digital development departments of two publishing firms, Reed Business Information and Haymarket Media.
He then switched to a third, Informa, before moving agency-side at LBi to become technology director. After a spell in Saudi Arabia at the National Commercial Bank he moved back to the UK, eventually taking on the role of chief technology officer at Flutr.
Southgate joins Havas from the Social Ad Group, where he has been since November 2011.
HMG Consulting boss Darren Goldie said: “We are lucky to have Oliver as a member of our team. His experience in designing the next generation of data and experience management platforms will help customers manage both short and long term customer value & deliver tangible and measurable ROI.”