Red Havas Expands Technology Innovation Offer with Appointment of Myrna Van Pelt

Red Havas today announced the expansion of its Technology, Innovation and Business practice with the appointment of Myrna Van Pelt as Red’s head of technology and Business in the Australian market. With Myrna’s highly regarded industry expertise, her appointment will spearhead further growth and diversity of client work in this significant industry sector.

“Technology innovation sits at the centre of contemporary industry practices, driving new ways of working, deepening engagement levels with customers and the rapid evolution in the way we consume, protect and use information. This is a strategic priority area for Red Havas globally, and we are delighted to bring in new talent to help drive further expansion of the technology innovation offer for our clients,” said CEO of Red Havas Australia, Shane Russell.

“Myrna’s appointment forms part of a strategic alignment to drive Red’s world-leading technology, business and innovations capabilities in the Australian market. I have a vested interest in this development, and given my background in enterprise tech from my agency leadership roles in the US, I will be focused on bringing additional executive-level commitment to the growth of Red Havas’ technology and business offer.”

Myrna commented that the rapid uptake of new and emerging technologies is driving major shifts in how businesses need to communicate, particularly across enterprise technology.

“As organisations shift from awareness to adoption of enterprise strength solutions in the emerging technology sphere, there’s an urgent need for the development of meaningful content to provide a compelling story, both for vendors and customers alike,” said Myrna.

“The rapid pace of change and development in the areas of quantum computing, AI, accelerated Cloud adoption, digital health, and the urgent scramble for advanced cyber security solutions, all the way through to the ongoing digital transformation journey for enterprise, education and government, means that comms will continue to play a critical role in the broader understanding and adoption of these solutions.”

“I am thrilled to be landing in a progressive agency such as Red Havas, with its global network, talented teams, and client roster. Joining an international agency, and one that is on a fast growth track like Red Havas, my goal will be to help organisations deliver on the vision of making technology innovation more meaningful,” Myrna stated.

Having held in-house house and agency leadership roles across enterprise and consumer technology brands throughout her 20-year career, Myrna’s experience includes global and national brands such as Telstra, Apple, Optus, Oracle, TomTom, Veeam, Motorola, Dimension Data and Royal Philips. She will draw on this heritage for the benefit of Red Havas clients.

Myrna will report to managing partner for corporate and public affairs Matt Thomas, who welcomed the appointment, strengthening Red's existing capabilities in this area.

“Following on from her technology innovation portfolio as practice head and MD of a number of international agencies, including H&K, Zeno, and global lead client roles in Europe across the technology spectrum, Myrna brings proven strategic understanding of the innovation narrative and will boost our vision in expanding our tech and business offer,” Matt said.

Myrna is based out of Red’s Sydney office and will support clients across Australia and New Zealand.