Havas Formula: New York Consumer PR Agency Profile (Havas)

Havas Formula is a national consumer and lifestyle PR agency founded in San Diego in 1992 by Michael Olguin and owned by Havas since 2014. Tara Reid became CEO in January 2023 as Olguin became chairman, and he retired in 2023. Havas named Dara Busch CEO of Havas PR North America in 2024, overseeing Havas Formula and Havas Red US.

Originally published October 2015. Updated October 17, 2026.

Who founded and leads Havas Formula?

Michael Olguin founded the agency in 1992. PRWeek and a January 11, 2023 release reported that Tara Reid, previously president of Havas Formula Midwest, became CEO of the PR business and Adrienne Cadena became CEO of Havas Street, with Olguin moving to chairman. Both CEOs reported to Stephanie Nerlich, North America CEO for Havas Creative. Olguin later retired in 2023, per the San Diego Business Journal. In 2024 Havas named Dara Busch CEO of Havas PR North America, a role covering Havas Formula, led by Reid and Cadena, and Havas Red US.

Who owns Havas Formula?

Havas owns Havas Formula. Havas Creative's global CEO Donna Murphy described it as an integral part of the Havas Group since its acquisition in a 2023 statement. EPR covers the parent in its Havas Group profile and sister PR network in its Havas Red profile.

What does Havas Formula do?

The agency's January 2023 release says it grew by double digits in 2022 and offers strategic communications and experiential programming. Reid's biography on its site lists general market and multicultural PR, digital and social, and crisis management. EPR's consumer brand stories and Hispanic PR agencies pages cover the category.

Which clients has Havas Formula worked with?

The agency's 2024 PR Net 100 entry names Heineken USA, TurboTax, JPMorgan Chase and Nike, and cites Havas's Meaningful Brands study. These are the agency's own claims.

How does Havas Formula compare with other firms?

Havas Formula is a national agency inside a holding company, with San Diego roots. EPR's California PR, Los Angeles PR firms and New York PR firms pages cover its markets. Another agency owned by a larger group is Hawkins International, and the PR agency profiles directory lists more.

Related: PR agency profiles, Consumer brand stories, Hispanic PR agencies, Hawkins International, 5W Public Relations