Havas Chicago has named Chase Cornett as chief strategy officer, expanding its leadership team. Cornett will join Havas Chicago’s executive bench which includes Myra Nussbaum as co-president and chief creative officer, and Kat Ott as co-president, bolstering the strategic vision for the agency. 

“Chase’s track record is unmatched, yet it’s not only his amazing reputation that sets him apart. He’s got a knack for imagination—reinventing the possibilities for brands, infusing creativity and purpose at every turn,” said Ott in a statement. 

Cornett joins from VML and WPP OpenX where he served as global chief strategy officer for The Coca-Cola Company business. As a member of the integrated leadership team, Cornett helped the brand with its global music platform, Coke Studio, iconic Coca-Cola Christmas work and most recently “Thanks for Coke-Creating.” All those efforts contributed to Coca-Cola’s first-ever “Brand of the Year” win at Cannes Lions this year. 

He is also one of the strategic leaders behind some of the most recognizable campaigns for renowned brands including Gatorade, Tropicana, Red Bull, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Disney Stores, and Toyota. His work has been recognized at the top global award shows including Cannes Lions, the One Show, Effie, and CLIO awards.

Prior to taking the helm of the global Coca-Cola business, Chase successfully led the pitch and then global strategy for Team Intel—rebranding the tech giant. He also served as head of strategy for VML’s Kansas City office and was senior vice president and strategic planning director at FCB Chicago. 

“What a great time to be joining the talented, creative and culture-driven team at Havas Chicago. Myra and Kat share my passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together,” said Cornett in a statement.

Havas Chicago is also bolstering its strategy team by promoting Andy Malloy to evp, head of strategy, up from group strategy director. Also joining the team is Claudia Reeder, who will serve as svp, group strategy director. She was previously with VML. Mike Niemczyk is coming on board as vp, group strategy director and was previously with Cramer-Krasselt. 

The new strategy team will focus on brand clients including Wayfair, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Bel Cheeses, James Hardie Industries, Citigroup, and Moen Incorporated.