
Jos Ortega, Managing Partner at HAVAS Red, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications, recognized for his visionary leadership in integrating sustainability and social responsibility into business innovation.
Ortega has led transformative initiatives, including Red Impact, The KITA Initiative, and Le Trophée Bleu Sustainability Awards, all aimed at reshaping corporate sustainability practices.
“Sustainability is the common thread in everything I do. It's about ensuring that our actions today create a lasting, positive impact for future generations,” Ortega said. His leadership philosophy emphasizes the role of businesses as catalysts for good, underscoring the need for sustainability in driving long-term success.
Le Trophée Bleu: A Platform for Corporate Sustainability
One of Ortega’s notable achievements is the launch of Le Trophée Bleu in 2022.
A prestigious platform created by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, the award recognizes companies committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2024, Ortega expanded the awards to recognize businesses making significant contributions across the Five Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. He emphasizes, “Sustainability is not an option; it is a necessity for businesses to succeed in the modern world.”
Purpose-Driven Business Leadership
Ortega’s leadership at HAVAS Red has centered on integrating sustainability into business strategies. He has guided companies to transition from short-term CSR efforts to long-term, impactful sustainability programs that align with evolving consumer values.
“Sustainability is about building a future-proof business that aligns with evolving consumer values,” Ortega said. His leadership has helped businesses generate lasting value for both companies and communities.
Red Impact: Turning Sustainability into Action
In 2024, Ortega launched Red Impact, HAVAS Red’s dedicated sustainability arm, which provides businesses with the tools and strategies to implement sustainability in their core operations.
Through data-driven insights and strategic storytelling, Red Impact empowers businesses to achieve measurable sustainability goals and strengthen brand credibility.
“Red Impact ensures brands go beyond talking about sustainability—it drives them to make real, measurable changes,” Ortega said.
The KITA Initiative: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Ortega has also championed gender equality in business with The KITA Initiative, which highlights the economic contributions of women entrepreneurs.
Developed by an all-women team at HAVAS Ortega, the initiative features a unique typeface used by women-owned businesses to signify ownership, challenging traditional narratives around gender and entrepreneurship.
“The KITA Initiative unmasks the true economic impact of women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated world,” Ortega said, emphasizing empowerment and recognition for women’s contributions in business.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Ortega’s recognition with the 2025 Agora Award reinforces his status as a leader in sustainability and business transformation.
Through his initiatives, he encourages companies to move beyond surface-level sustainability efforts and commit to impactful, measurable programs that contribute to a greener, more inclusive future.