Havas Group Media has promoted its current chief client officer, Eleni Sarla, to the chief executive position of its specialist culture, film and gaming wing, Target Group.
She replaces the agency group’s founder and former CEO, Rob Wilkerson, who left earlier this year after two decades with the business.
Based in the UK, Sarla will now be responsible for growing the entire Target Group business, which includes Target Media, Target Live, Organic and Superhero.
“I spend a lot of my spare time attending the theatre and exhibitions, so I couldn’t believe my luck when I was given the opportunity to combine my passion for the arts with my work life,” Sarla said.
“I look forward to building on the outstanding success of this organisation, helping each specialist business to thrive, grow and continue to provide the unique service that our clients have come to expect from Target Group.”
Sarla joined creative agency Havas London as managing partner two years ago, before moving to Havas Group Media as CCO in 2018. She has also previously held senior positions at agencies including Grey London, Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi and M&C Saatchi.
Commenting on the appointment, Matt Adams, CEO, UK & Ireland, Havas Group Media, added: “Eleni is a true example of a hybrid leader, with amazing experience of leading client business across creative and media agencies.
“She is also a self-confessed culture vulture and a big supporter of the arts, making her move to head up Target Group a natural progression. I’d like to congratulate her on this very well-deserved promotion.”
Target Group’s clients include Studio Canal, Zenimax (Bethesda), Southbank Centre, Barbican, Picturehouse Cinemas and Live Nation Music UK.
