After almost two decades in charge of Havas PR, Brian Beech is to move into a part-time role from January.
“The succession plan is already well in place,” said Beech. “Nigel Hughes, with an incredibly strong management team behind him, is the ideal person to ensure Havas’s continued success. I will be here still though, as and when needed, so it will be very much business as usual.”
Over the last 20 years, Beech has helped the agency become a national player, with accounts including the likes of Asda, Greggs, Pets at Home, Kellogg’s, Mecca Bingo and TransPennine Express.
“Brian is one of the most important figures on the PR agency scene and his influence on me and the rest of the team is obvious to everyone who works with us,” said Nigel Hughes.
“We will continue to rely on his advice and support to ensure we keep the unique Havas PR culture that clients value so much. Combining that with the all of the new opportunities and resources that come with being part of Havas Group makes this a really exciting time for Havas PR.”
Beech started his career in teaching, before moving into the media sector during the “halcyon days of the 80s.” That was at Piccadilly Radio, where he was promotions manager.
He would move into public relations, after being headhunted by Tony Tighe and later held managing director roles at Communique PR and later Havas subsidiary, Euro RSCG.
Talking of the future, Beech said:
“I’ll still be busy with Havas, but I am thinking of writing my autobiography. I’ve submitted it to the publishers twice already, but they’ve rejected it both times. That’s the story of my life…”
