Havas has announced the addition of a COO role to its global ranks, naming Peter Mears to the position.

Mears moves to Havas Group following more than eight years at IPG Mediabrands, most recently as global COO at Initiative.

He also held roles including president of U.S. operations at Initiative and CEO of Canadian operations at IPG Mediabrands.

In his new role at Havas, Mears will oversee operations and strategy for all media units. He will also support regional and local leadership for agency management, new business and local client strategy. Mears will report to the CEO of Havas media business, Alfonso Rodés, as well as to the Havas Media executive committee.

Mears will also be working closely with Yannick Bolloré, CEO Havas Group, to further promote the integration of its creative and media divisions, which recently merged.