Insiders' Guide: Havas Sports & Entertainment

Who is the team leader?
Keith Impey, Marcus Wight and Tim Howland run our UK business. It is fair to say they all have very different management styles that complement each other very well.

What's in your in-tray?
Every day brings different challenges, with briefs coming in ranging from 2012 Olympic Games or Premier League football sponsorships, to sampling collectable toy ponies for four to 11-year-old girls.

Where do you get inspiration from?
We are very fortunate to work in a team where we all genuinely love working with each other. Sport is something that everyone has an opinion on and is extremely passionate about. We know budgets have to work harder, that's why we have our research and strategy experts at the heart of everything we do to further understand and justify every aspect of comms planning in all areas of sponsorship and bespoke marketing activity.

Media we can't live without?
Obviously, any sports media - the team is looking forward to The Ashes and the Lions' tour this summer. But, working closely with our sister agencies within the Havas Group, we know our way around all media and how brands can engage consumers by associating themselves with their passions and interests.

Preferred lunching venues?
Our favourite local haunts are Fernando's or Epoca on St Martin's Lane - Antonio does a lovely spaghetti bolognese.

Most memorable night out?
The Christmas party is always the one everyone looks forward to most and is usually the most entertaining. Business directors Andy Clilverd or Lord Hor Hor will probably be the ones making you giggle the most.

Advice to graduates starting out in media?
Keep your eyes and ears open. Go out and meet people when you can. We are all constantly learning in such a fast-changing, dynamic environment and building good relationships with people will stand you in good stead for the future.

If we ruled the world...
Every client would want to learn more about how Havas Sports & Entertainment can surprise and delight them by ensuring we achieve impact with a target audience.

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk