INNOCEAN has reaffirmed its global media partnership with Havas Media Network, extending a relationship that spans Hyundai, Kia and Genesis across key regions. With a renewed focus on data, technology and customer connectivity, the collaboration promises transformative outcomes, aligning media innovation with Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitious mobility and brand vision.
When INNOCEAN, the global marketing communications powerhouse of Hyundai Motor Group, announced in January 2026 that it had renewed its global media mandate with Havas Media Network, the decision carried more weight than a routine contract extension. It was a statement of intent—an affirmation that in the age of electrification, digital transformation, and shifting consumer expectations, the right media partnership is as crucial as the right product strategy.
The renewal followed a comprehensive internal review by INNOCEAN on behalf of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, the three flagship brands of Hyundai Motor Group. The outcome was clear: Havas Media Network would continue to steer media strategy across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. This global remit will be executed in close collaboration with INNOCEAN’s international teams, headquartered in Seoul and supported by regional hubs in Frankfurt, Dubai, New Delhi, and Jakarta. The structure reflects the increasingly borderless nature of media, where campaigns must resonate locally while maintaining a unified global narrative.
For Hyundai Motor Group, the decision is deeply strategic. The automotive industry is undergoing seismic shifts, from the rise of electric vehicles and connected mobility to the redefinition of customer journeys in a digital-first world. In this context, media is no longer about reach alone; it is about precision, relevance, and impact. By renewing with Havas Media Network, INNOCEAN is signalling its commitment to harnessing data and technology to connect acquisition, conversion, and retention in ways that build lasting customer relationships.
Steve Jun, Head of Global Business at INNOCEAN, captured the essence of this vision: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Havas Media Network, reflecting our shared commitment to delivering stronger, data-led media performance across key global markets. Together, we will continue to accelerate growth by creating more connected and effective customer experiences for Hyundai Motor Group brands.” His words highlight the dual ambition of the partnership: to drive measurable business outcomes while elevating the customer experience into something seamless and personalised.
Peter Mears, Global CEO of Havas Media Network, echoed this sentiment with a focus on innovation. “INNOCEAN and Havas Media Network have a shared commitment to innovation, impact and global excellence at scale,” he said. “In extending our storied relationship, we look forward to driving transformative business outcomes through Converged.AI, creating seamless, data-driven media experiences that are as innovative as the Hyundai Motor Group brands we proudly champion.” Mears’ emphasis on Converged.AI, Havas’ proprietary data and technology platform, points to the future of media—where artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are not optional but essential.
The renewal is also emblematic of a broader trend in the automotive sector. As carmakers compete not only on engineering but also on brand storytelling, the role of media agencies has expanded. They are now custodians of customer engagement across digital ecosystems, tasked with ensuring that every touchpoint reinforces brand identity and builds trust. For Hyundai Motor Group, which has invested heavily in electric mobility, sustainability, and connected technologies, aligning its media strategy with these innovations is vital. The partnership with Havas Media Network ensures that these narratives are communicated effectively to diverse audiences worldwide.
What makes this renewal particularly noteworthy is its timing. Hyundai Motor Group is entering a defining chapter, with ambitious goals for electrification and mobility innovation. The media mandate, commencing in January 2026, is designed to support these strategic priorities. By leveraging Havas’ global scale and technological capabilities, INNOCEAN is positioning Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis not just as automotive brands but as lifestyle and mobility leaders.
The collaboration between INNOCEAN and Havas Media Network is not new; it builds on years of shared success. Yet the renewed mandate signals a deeper integration of capabilities. The focus on Converged.AI suggests that campaigns will increasingly be personalised, drawing on behavioural insights to deliver tailored messages at the right moment. This approach reflects the industry’s shift towards performance-driven media, where effectiveness is measured in conversions, loyalty, and advocacy rather than impressions alone.
From a magazine perspective, the story is one of evolution. It is about how two organisations—one rooted in automotive communications, the other in global media—are adapting to a world where customer journeys are fragmented, expectations are heightened, and technology is the bridge between brand and consumer. It is about recognising that media is no longer a supporting act but a central driver of business transformation.
The renewal also illustrates the delicate balance between global consistency and local relevance. With teams in Seoul, Frankfurt, Dubai, New Delhi, and Jakarta, the partnership is structured to deliver campaigns that resonate with local audiences while contributing to a cohesive global narrative. This balance is critical in an era where consumers demand authenticity and cultural sensitivity, even as brands seek to project a unified identity.
Looking ahead, the partnership between INNOCEAN and Havas Media Network is poised to become a benchmark for global media collaborations. It demonstrates how data, technology, and creativity can converge to deliver not just visibility but meaningful engagement. For Hyundai Motor Group, the stakes are high: the success of its electrification and mobility strategies depends not only on engineering excellence but also on the ability to tell compelling stories that inspire trust and loyalty.
In renewing its global media mandate with Havas Media Network, INNOCEAN has reaffirmed its belief in the power of partnership to drive growth and transformation. The collaboration stands as a testament to the importance of aligning media strategy with business vision, ensuring that the story of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis is told with clarity, impact, and resonance across the world.
Discover more from Creative Brands
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
