The article was originally published in PR Noticias. Written by Carleth Morales

The Summit gathered public affairs and strategic communications experts from 20+ countries.

Participants included Stéphane Fouks, Chairman of H/Advisors; Co-CEOs Neil Bennett and Tom Johnson; Head of H/Advisors Havas Paris, Arielle Schwab; and other professionals.

Javier Gándara Martínez, Global Director of Public Policy and Managing Director for Southern Europe at easyJet, shared what clients truly value in their strategic advisors: trust, knowledge, and impact. He stated that “reputation is everything. It’s a core asset that must be actively protected and enhanced.”

Madrid hosted the third edition of H/Advisors’ Global Summit, the annual event for international communications and public affairs consultancy driven by the Havas Group. More than 180 communications and public affairs consultants from around the world gathered at Havas Village Madrid for an event centred on business development.

Through sessions and bootcamps, participants explored opportunities arising in a changing and competitive global context—one in which communications and public affairs professionals play an increasingly strategic role within organisations, and where firms like H/Advisors are consolidating their position as key partners in decision-making and in building trust with stakeholders.

The event featured the participation of Stéphane Fouks, Chairman of H/Advisors; Co-CEOs Neil Bennett and Tom Johnson; Arielle Schwab, Head of H/Advisors Havas Paris; and Javier Curtichs, CEO of Tinkle, the network’s agency for Iberia.

During their presentations, the group’s leadership highlighted the organisations positive growth, its increasing international recognition, and the launch of H/Advisors Brussels, a new office specialising in Public Affairs.

Javier Gándara Martínez, Global Director of Public Policy and Managing Director for Southern Europe at easyJet, shared what clients truly value in their strategic advisors: trust, knowledge, and impact. He emphasised that “reputation is everything. It’s a central asset that must be protected and actively enhanced.” He also noted that strategic partnership is important, that “chemistry matters,” and that promises must be kept.

Meanwhile, Tracey Barber, Global Director of Transformation and Growth at Havas Creative Network, explored how chemistry, creativity, and clarity drive successful pitches. “Follow-up matters. The pitch doesn’t end in the room. Feedback, learning, and relationship-building are key to long-term success.” She also pointed out that creativity makes strategy memorable, and that it’s essential to identify what you do best.