About
Chris is recognised for his ability to design, lead and embed brand, customer and technology transformation of bluechip companies. During his 8 year tenure as Group CEO of CHE Proximity Australia, he imagined a new type of agency, perfectly balancing customer consultancy with creative expression. Over this time CHE Proximity was recognised as WARC’s most creative agency in Australia (2019), WARC’s 3rd most effective agency in the world (2020), Contagious’ top 10 best and bravest agencies on the planet 4 years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), Australian Financial Review’s 3rd most innovative Australian company (2019) and winner of AFR’s most innovative marketing solution four years in a row (2017, 2018, 2020, 2020). In 2017 and 2018 he was recognised as B&T’s ‘male champion of change’ across Australia marketing and media industries.
Chris started Howatson+Company with a vision to create a fully independent creative business responsible for re-establishing advertising as a multi-disciplinary profession and valued for generating economic value. In its first year the agency was named D&AD 2022 Global Independent Agency of the year, Mumbrella Emerging Agency of the year, growing to 110 people and welcoming 35 commercially, and creatively ambitious, clients.
Articles by Chris
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Equal representation isn’t a nice to have, it’s our responsibility
Equal representation isn’t a nice to have, it’s our responsibility
By Chris Howatson
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Handle your data with care, or you might end up in court
Handle your data with care, or you might end up in court
By Chris Howatson
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Investor capital worth $1bn meets with Australia's most promising start ups at CHE Proximity
Investor capital worth $1bn meets with Australia's most promising start ups at CHE Proximity
By Chris Howatson
Activity
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Best of luck to our Athlete Ambassador and Allianz Para-legal, Nic Beveridge, as he embarks on his journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games! Nic…
Best of luck to our Athlete Ambassador and Allianz Para-legal, Nic Beveridge, as he embarks on his journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games! Nic…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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We are proud to announce Samsung Electronics Australia has won a total of eleven WeMoney People’s Choice Awards this year. In the Mobile Phones…
We are proud to announce Samsung Electronics Australia has won a total of eleven WeMoney People’s Choice Awards this year. In the Mobile Phones…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Welcome to dentsu eBay Australia. Congratulations to Marcelle, Nick, Hattie and the rest of the team at iProspect Australia. Great win!…
Welcome to dentsu eBay Australia. Congratulations to Marcelle, Nick, Hattie and the rest of the team at iProspect Australia. Great win!…
Liked by Chris Howatson
Experience
Education
Honors & Awards
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Adnews Power 50, 2018
Adnews
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Male Champion of Change 2018
B&T Women in Media Awards
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Male Champion of Change 2017
B&T Women in Media Awards
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40 under 40
Campaign Asia Pacific 2014
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Australia/NZ Agency Head of the Year, Runner Up, 2013
Campaign Magazine Asia Pacific
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Australia/NZ Young Achiever of the Year, Runner Up, 2013
Campaign Magazine Asia Pacific
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B&T Victorian Agency of the Year, 2013
B&T
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B&T Young Achiever of the Year, Finalist, 2013
B&T
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ADMA Young Marketer of the Year, Finalist, 2013
ADMA
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BRW Young Executive of the Year, Finalist, 2013
BRW
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AdNews 40 under 40, 2012
AdNews
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B&T Young Achiever of the Year 2012
B&T
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Young Director Marketer of the Year, Victoria
ADMA
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Asia-Pacific Account Person of the Year 2010
Campaign Magazine
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B&T 30 Under 30, 2010
B&T
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AFA Youngblood of the Year
AFA
More activity by Chris
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Omnicom Media Group Australia has locked in the newly-created role of chief marketing officer. "I’m incredibly excited about this new opportunity…
Omnicom Media Group Australia has locked in the newly-created role of chief marketing officer. "I’m incredibly excited about this new opportunity…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Women bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas and unparalleled drive to the table and it’s essential that we continue to actively champion their…
Women bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas and unparalleled drive to the table and it’s essential that we continue to actively champion their…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Where would we be without our sensational Operational Director? Our own Mary Anne T. has been so deservedly recognised by B&T as one of Ad Land’s…
Where would we be without our sensational Operational Director? Our own Mary Anne T. has been so deservedly recognised by B&T as one of Ad Land’s…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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I’m incredibly excited to attend IFA 2024 in Berlin once again and fascinated by the pivotal role AI plays in simplifying consumers' lives. At…
I’m incredibly excited to attend IFA 2024 in Berlin once again and fascinated by the pivotal role AI plays in simplifying consumers' lives. At…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Since finishing at Optus I’ve rediscovered the small joys in life. Taking my kids to school and sport. Cooking dinner. Walking, gardening and being…
Since finishing at Optus I’ve rediscovered the small joys in life. Taking my kids to school and sport. Cooking dinner. Walking, gardening and being…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Dropping by for a very rare LinkedIn appearance to say that LONDON IS CALLING. I’ll be swapping this prop phone booth for the real deal - officially…
Dropping by for a very rare LinkedIn appearance to say that LONDON IS CALLING. I’ll be swapping this prop phone booth for the real deal - officially…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Colonial First State doesn't settle for average. For the last two years our performance has been anything but average. In fact we have been leading…
Colonial First State doesn't settle for average. For the last two years our performance has been anything but average. In fact we have been leading…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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I wrote a book. In the middle of all last week’s excitement (and mixed emotions) about Cameron Mackenzie OLY passing on the proverbial gin baton, I…
I wrote a book. In the middle of all last week’s excitement (and mixed emotions) about Cameron Mackenzie OLY passing on the proverbial gin baton, I…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Before the next chapter begins, a moment of reflection. The last ten years with IPG Mediabrands has been an adventure beyond all expectation. From…
Before the next chapter begins, a moment of reflection. The last ten years with IPG Mediabrands has been an adventure beyond all expectation. From…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Excited to be judging the B&T Awards for 2024!
Excited to be judging the B&T Awards for 2024!
Liked by Chris Howatson
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For any of my clever creative agency folk or clients looking for some social and cultural smarts - chat to Soph 🧚🏻 🧚♀️ 🧚♂️
For any of my clever creative agency folk or clients looking for some social and cultural smarts - chat to Soph 🧚🏻 🧚♀️ 🧚♂️
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Holding the Paralympic medals! On Friday night I was utterly delighted - as you can see from my mega smile - to present the medals at the Paris 2024…
Holding the Paralympic medals! On Friday night I was utterly delighted - as you can see from my mega smile - to present the medals at the Paris 2024…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Bronze for Madison! 🥉 Congratulations to Allianz Athlete Ambassador, and Australian Flag Bearer, Madison de Rozario for her incredible performance…
Bronze for Madison! 🥉 Congratulations to Allianz Athlete Ambassador, and Australian Flag Bearer, Madison de Rozario for her incredible performance…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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Super proud to see two of our latest spots on this list this month - Puppies and Car Chases...what more could you want? Brought to life with the best…
Super proud to see two of our latest spots on this list this month - Puppies and Car Chases...what more could you want? Brought to life with the best…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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We are thrilled to announce Samsung Australia has won a total of eleven WeMoney People’s Choice Awards. 2024 marks the second time WeMoney has run…
We are thrilled to announce Samsung Australia has won a total of eleven WeMoney People’s Choice Awards. 2024 marks the second time WeMoney has run…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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An eye popping "50%" 🤔 of the country admit that they don’t engage with their superannuation and have it on autopilot. Our new campaign for Colonial…
An eye popping "50%" 🤔 of the country admit that they don’t engage with their superannuation and have it on autopilot. Our new campaign for Colonial…
Liked by Chris Howatson
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