AD Agencies
Havas acquires majority stake in Acento to expand public affairs in Spain
PARIS: Havas has tightened its hold on the Iberian advisory scene, acquiring a majority stake in Acento Public Affairs, one of Spain’s most influential public affairs consultancies. The move cements H/Advisors as a heavyweight in strategic communications across Spain and beyond.
Founded in 2019, Acento has quickly made a name for itself, advising clients at the intersection of politics, regulation and reputation. Led by co CEOs Alfonso Alonso and Pepe Blanco, the firm employs more than 50 professionals across Madrid, Barcelona and Brussels.
Under the deal, Acento will be fully integrated into H/Advisors, Havas’ global strategic advisory and public affairs network. The firm will rebrand as H/Advisors and continue under the leadership of Alonso and Blanco, while gaining access to a worldwide bench of 1,500 specialists across 50 offices.
For Havas, the acquisition is another confident step in an expansion streak that has seen H/Advisors grow through targeted buys, including Gauly Advisors in Germany, Cunha Vaz and Associados in Portugal, Australian Public Affairs in Australia, and Klareco Communications in Singapore. In Spain, H/Advisors has been present since 2022 following the acquisition of Tinkle.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré, said Spain and Portugal remain key markets for the group. He welcomed Acento’s leadership and team, adding that they would help set new standards in strategic advisory communications across regions.
Alonso described the move as a natural next chapter for Acento, noting the shared values and focus on senior level counsel. Blanco added that joining a multinational group with a strong commitment to public affairs would allow the firm to truly think and act globally.
Europe sits high on H/Advisors’ priority list. Over the past year, the network has strengthened its Brussels presence, bringing together teams from Acento Brussels and Gauly Advisors close to the heart of EU decision making.
H/Advisors executive chairman and Havas executive vice president Stéphane Fouks, said the deal underlines the growing importance of public affairs and strategic communications as organisations navigate political and reputational complexity. Strengthening leadership in Spain and Europe, he said, is central to H/Advisors’ ambition to build a truly international advisory group.
In short, Havas is not just buying scale. It is buying influence, insight and a sharper voice in a region where the conversation increasingly matters.
AD Agencies
Gaëtan du Peloux of Marcel named jury chair for Abby Awards 2026
French creative leader to head Still Print category at Goafest this May
MUMBAI: Gaëtan du Peloux, co-president and chief creative officer at Marcel, has been appointed jury chair for the Still Print category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
Born in Paris and the eldest of seven siblings, du Peloux began his career as a copywriter at CLM/BBDO in 2003. Over the years, he has become one of the most celebrated French creatives of his generation, with over 400 awards to his name, including multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix, D&AD Black Pencils and One Show best of show accolades.
At Marcel, the creative hot shop of Publicis Groupe, du Peloux and his creative partner, Youri Guerassimov, have produced landmark campaigns for national and international brands. Notable work includes “The Inglorious Fruits & Vegetables” for Intermarché, “The Black Supermarket” for Carrefour, “HackMarket” for Back Market, and “WoMen’s Football” for Orange.
Du Peloux also serves as president of the French Art Director’s Club and has participated in numerous creative festivals worldwide, including D&AD, Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio, LIA, Eurobest, Andy, NY Festival and French ADC. Outside work, he is a husband and father of three.
The Abby Awards 2026 Powered by The One Club | The One Show will take place during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, where du Peloux will lead the judging of the Still Print category.
