MUMBAI: Fresh from its debut on Euronext Amsterdam, advertising heavyweight Havas has beefed up the role of long-serving money man François Laroze, handing him the additional title of global chief operating officer alongside his existing chief financial officer duties.

Having cut his teeth at the group since 2007, Laroze brings a wealth of experience and intimate knowledge of Havas's inner workings to his expanded brief. As the newly minted COO of the freshly listed company, he will collaborate closely with the group's executive committee to ensure the ambitious targets dangled before investors are hit both in the short and medium term.

His marching orders include securing solid organic growth through the holy trinity of client retention, new business wins and in-business development – all while leveraging the group's "converged" strategy. Laroze will also be tasked with fattening the profitability ratio through rigorous cost management and ensuring consistent cash flow generation.

Havas  chairman & chief executive Yannick Bolloré lavished praise on his lieutenant: "François' extensive experience and proven leadership make him the perfect choice to drive our transformative initiatives forward as a newly listed company. We are excited to witness the positive impact François will continue to bring to our organisation "

For his part, Laroze appears eager to shoulder the additional responsibilities: "I'm thrilled about this new chapter and the opportunity to continue to contribute to Havas' transformation journey and growth in an expanded role."

The move signals Havas's determination to put its financial house in impeccable order as it navigates life as a standalone public company, with Laroze now wielding influence over both the purse strings and operational levers of the advertising group.