JORGE A. PLASENCIA

GLOBAL CHIEF CLIENT OFFICER, HAVAS CREATIVE NETWORK, MIAMI

In May 2024, Havas Creative Network named Plasencia as global chief client officer. He focuses on comprehensive engagement strategies, integrating capabilities and identifying partnerships and growth opportunities for new and existing clients. He also serves as chairman and CEO of Republica Havas, which he co-founded back in 2006. It’s a marketing agency developing culturally relevant communications for blue-chip companies — Walmart, Toyota, Google, Sanofi — and for social, digital, and mobile media. The company employs more than 200, with 30 nationalities represented. It recently launched a division that focuses on health equity for communities of color.

EDUCATION: Barry University (BS), Northwestern University (Advanced Management Executive Program)

READING: The New CEO, by Ty Wiggins, Ph.D., and From Havana to DC: the Rise of Cuban Americans in Florida Politics, by Carlos F. Orta

MENTOR: My most constant and supportive mentor, personally and professionally, is legendary Floridian, business leader and philanthropist (and our Republica Havas client) Adrienne Arsht. I cannot imagine my journey without her influence.

INSPIRATIONAL FLORIDIAN: My friend David Lawrence, Jr., for what he has done to impact the lives of countless children across our state.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: I have learned the importance of greeting each day with positivity. I have learned that moments are not appreciated until they become treasured memories. I have learned that paying it forward is the only way. I have learned that having a sense of humor lightens the journey. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I have learned to live with an attitude of gratitude.