Press release
Paris, July 2nd, 2026
H/Advisors appoints Arielle Schwab as Global Co-CEO to support the organisation’s Growth, Integration and Innovation Agenda
H/Advisors is taking a new step forward in its development. As Europe’s leading strategic communications advisory group, it has appointed Arielle Schwab as Global Co-CEO, alongside Neil Bennett, a specialist in financial communications who also leads H/Advisors’ UK offices.
This appointment comes at a time when reputation, influence and leadership challenges have never been more interconnected, and are increasingly played out on a global scale and in real time.
In her new role, Arielle Schwab will focus on three key priorities:
International and Commercial Expansion of H/Advisors
She will strengthen collaboration and synergies across offices to support clients in their respective markets, further develop integrated offerings capable of addressing the full spectrum of strategic challenges facing organisations, and continue expanding sector-focused capabilities in high-demand areas such as public affairs, crisis management, healthcare, cybersecurity and defence.
Building a Shared Creative Platform
Based in Paris and drawing on the group’s international resources, this platform will remain true to the Havas Group’s creative DNA. It will position creativity as a key driver of differentiation and value creation for clients while fostering innovation across H/Advisors.
Accelerating Digital and Social Media Capabilities
Arielle Schwab will also lead the acceleration of best-in-class digital and social media offerings across the offices and client base. This effort will leverage H/Advisors’ strengthened expertise, particularly following the acquisition of Format, to create a leading hub for innovative advisory services, content strategy and executive communications support.
Arielle Schwab will retain her role as Head of H/Advisors France and continue serving as Vice President of Havas Paris, overseeing its Influence activities.
Stéphane Fouks, Executive Chairman of H/Advisors and Executive Vice President of Havas, commented: “This appointment marks an important milestone in the development of Europe’s leading strategic advisory group. Arielle brings deep expertise in corporate affairs and reputation management. At a time when business leaders must navigate increasing complexity, her ability to combine strategy, influence and trust-building will be a major asset.”
This appointment also reflects Havas’ ability to develop leaders from within its longstanding advisory and influence businesses.
Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas, said: “Arielle’s appointment reflects our commitment to fostering the talents who are shaping the future of our group. In a world where the boundaries between communications, influence, public affairs, creativity and transformation are increasingly blurred, her career embodies the integrated approach that defines both Havas and H/Advisors.”
Arielle Schwab commented: “The strategic communications advisory sector is undergoing profound transformation. The synergies between our offices, expertise and capabilities represent a powerful lever for helping clients address their reputation and growth challenges effectively. I am convinced that the innovative and integrated approach that Neil Bennett and I share is key to developing and delivering ambitious ideas and high-value growth opportunities for international companies and institutions. ”
About Arielle Schwab
Arielle Schwab brings more than 15 years of experience in strategic advisory services, executive counsel, reputation management, corporate transformation and high-stakes communications. She leads the Influence practice at Havas Paris, one of the agency’s core corporate communications pillars. In 2024, she was appointed Vice President in charge of the Havas Paris 2030 strategy, which defines the agency’s transformation and growth roadmap, and also assumed leadership of H/Advisors France. Throughout her career, Arielle Schwab has advised numerous leading organisations, particularly in the infrastructure, innovation, retail and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Havas, she worked at Eurogroup Consulting, where she focused on major public-sector transformation projects through both strategic and operational consulting assignments.
Arielle Schwab serves on the boards of several organisations, including Libraries Without Borders (Bibliothèques Sans Frontières) and Langage des Femmes. She also co-founded “M’endors pas” (Don’t put me under), together with Caroline Darian, an association dedicated to combating drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) in France and internationally.
Media Contact
Kate Keepax
Global CMO
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