Published on: May 20, 2026
Havas has announced the acquisition of French corporate influence communications agency Format through Havas Paris, marking a strategic move to strengthen its capabilities across media relations, social media, creator partnerships, and content production.
Founded in 2021 by Thomas Khaski, Format has quickly emerged as a prominent player in France’s evolving corporate influence communications landscape. The acquisition comes at a time when businesses and executives are increasingly building direct communication channels through social platforms while content creators continue to gain influence over public opinion.
The partnership aims to combine Havas Paris’ strategic communications expertise with Format’s agile and technology-led influence capabilities to deliver modern communication solutions for brands, scale-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies.
Led by Mayada Boulos and Julien Carette, Havas Paris sees the acquisition as an opportunity to accelerate growth in the fast-evolving influence communications market. The move also enhances the agency’s digital influence and strategic advisory services.
For Format, the partnership offers access to Havas’ global network, creative resources, and broader consulting capabilities, supporting the agency’s next phase of expansion. As part of the deal, Format’s teams will also become part of H/Advisors, Havas’ international strategic communications network operating in more than 20 countries.
Despite the acquisition, Format will continue to operate independently under its existing brand name and structure. Founder Thomas Khaski will remain CEO, ensuring continuity in the agency’s entrepreneurial culture and agile operating model.
Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas: “We are delighted to welcome Thomas Khaski and the entire Format team to the Havas family. Their expertise strengthens our global capabilities in corporate influence communications, at a time of rapid transformation and convergence across communication channels. This partnership with Havas Paris is fully aligned with our ambition to build differentiated advisory platforms that give our clients a real competitive edge.”
Thomas Khaski, Founder of Format: “Format was born from the belief that corporate communications must be reinvented in an era defined by a massive shift in information consumption towards social media and the rise of new opinion leaders. Joining Havas give us access to a broader playing field while preserving what defines our DNA: agility, operational excellence, and close proximity to new areas of influence.”
Arielle Schwab, VP at Havas Paris, in charge of Influence activities: “Format’s arrival within the Havas Paris ecosystem is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate today and co-create the corporate influence models of tomorrow. With Format, we are bringing in a pure-play ‘Influence 3.0’ player, a cutting-edge, AI-driven structure rooted in technology and corporate social platforms. Combined with the strength, creativity, and network of Havas Paris, our clients will benefit from the very best of both worlds.”
Stéphane Fouks, Executive VP of Havas and Executive Chairman of H/Advisors: “I have been following the work of Thomas Khaski and the Format team for several years. Their approach to new forms of influence, blending digital platforms, traditional media, and content creators, is particularly relevant. With Format, we are strengthening this expertise for the H/Advisors network and building on a future-ready model.”
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