Richard Beaven

Global CEO, Initiative

Richard Beaven is an internationally experienced change agent focusing on media agency organizations. He is responsible for leading Initiative’s Worldwide strategy, operations and a Worldwide team of over 2500, a role he has held since spring 2008. Clients include Bayer, Hyundai, Kia and Unilever.

Since Richard joined Initiative in 2006, the agency has won a number of new client assignments in North America and significantly expanded its relationship with several others. His leadership, vision and reputation have brought new talent to Initiative, and been a catalyst in developing innovative new approaches and partnerships.

In 2008 he was recognized as Mediaweek’s Media Executive of the Year and ‘Media Maven’ by Advertising Age and in early 2009 Initiative US was awarded Agency of the Year by both Advertising Age and Adweek/Mediaweek.

Richard has more than 23 years’ marketing, advertising and media experience. Prior to joining Initiative, he was Managing Director for MediaVest, USA, where he led some of the industry’s most prestigious assignments, including Procter & Gamble Communications Planning and Coca-Cola, as well as playing a key role in building Digital and Consumer Planning capabilities.

In Europe, he was a driving force in the transformation of Leo Burnett Media into Starcom UK, and the successful merger of Starcom with BBH's Motive.

Richard studied Business, Advertising and Marketing at Bristol Polytechnic in the UK and is a keen student of documentary photography.