NEWS22 November 2017
UK – Havas helia’s chief executive officer, Tash Whitmey, has been poached by Tesco to become its loyalty and membership director.
Whitmey will take on the newly created role at Tesco, leading its Clubcard loyalty scheme, next year.
She became CEO of Havas Helia – Havas’ data and digital business – in 2011 when it rebranded Evans Hunt Scott (EHS). Tesco was one of EHS’s original clients when it set up in 1995.
In a statement, Chris Hirst, chairman of Havas UK and chief executive, Europe, said: "When the opportunity arose to lead the UK’s original loyalty scheme, we couldn’t stand in Tash’s way. While we are hugely disappointed to see her leave, it’s a brilliant opportunity for her and we’re equally excited to have her as a client."
Whitmey said: "It’s a real wrench to leave helia, but I depart in the knowledge that the agency is in great shape, and has an exciting future. The opportunity to work on Clubcard at Tesco was too exciting to miss, and I can’t wait to get started. I look forward to the continuation of helia and Tesco’s longstanding and successful relationship…albeit from the other side."