Havas Chicago Names Larry Gies as Chief Strategy Officer

Havas Chicago has appointed Larry Gies as Chief Strategy Officer, adding the veteran strategist to its leadership team as the agency strengthens its strategic capabilities and creative offering.

Gies joins Havas Chicago after spending 17 years at Energy BBDO, where he helped build the agency’s strategy practice and contributed to several of its most recognised campaigns. With a career spanning more than three decades, he brings experience across global brand strategy, creative development and effectiveness-led marketing.

Three Decades of Brand Strategy Experience

Throughout his career, Gies has worked on strategies for some of the world’s best-known brands.

Earlier in his career, he contributed to the strategy behind Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ platform and Miller Lite’s ‘Beer Wars’ campaign in the US. He later worked on campaigns that helped position chewing gum within popular culture, further expanding his experience in building culturally relevant brand narratives.

Building Award-Winning Work at Energy BBDO

During his tenure at Energy BBDO, Gies led strategic work behind campaigns including Extra Gum’s ‘Sarah and Juan’ film, the ‘For When It’s Time’ campaign, Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby and Champion Reverse Weave.

His strategic leadership contributed to more than 100 strategy and effectiveness honours for the agency, including Effies, Cannes Lions for Effectiveness, Jay Chiat Awards, APG Awards and WARC recognition.

A Strategy Philosophy Rooted in Culture

Commenting on his appointment, Gies said the strongest strategies begin with understanding what people genuinely care about while giving creative teams the freedom to create work audiences want to engage with.

He said Havas Chicago’s ability to balance long-term brand building with agile, culturally connected thinking, along with its entrepreneurial approach, made the opportunity particularly compelling.

Leading Strategy at Havas Chicago

In his new role, Gies will oversee Havas Chicago’s strategic direction while working closely with Agency President Kat Ott and Chief Creative Officer Frank Dattalo.

His responsibilities will include strengthening client capabilities, supporting talent development and helping elevate the agency’s strategic and creative work.

Reuniting with Former Colleagues

Welcoming Gies to the agency, Dattalo highlighted their previous collaboration at Energy BBDO on campaigns including Orbit’s ‘Dirty Mouth’ and 5 Gum’s ‘Stimulate Your Senses’, describing Gies as a strategist who combines rigorous long-term brand thinking with a strong instinct for cultural relevance.

Returning to the Havas Network

The appointment also marks a return to the Havas network for Gies.

He began his career in Chicago at Tatham Euro RSCG, working on the Procter & Gamble business, before holding roles at J. Walter Thompson, Wieden + Kennedy, TBWA/Chiat/Day and Y&R Chicago.

After spending 17 years at Energy BBDO, Gies now returns to Havas Chicago, where he will help shape the agency’s strategic direction as brands continue to navigate evolving consumer behaviour and cultural shifts.