Tag: Appointment

Paris, France – Media holding company Havas has appointed new executives to lead its global data and technology strategy. Dan Hagen and Jamie Seltzer are the new global chief data and technology officers for Havas and Havas Media Network, respectively.

In his promotion, Hagen is responsible for developing Havas’ AI-powered Converged strategy across the global holding company. The operating system aims to empower the group’s employees to work efficiently to deliver integrated solutions to its clients.

Additionally, he is set to spearhead Havas’ data, tech, governance, investments, and operational strategies across the company’s global units.

Prior to his appointment, Hagen held the same role at Havas Media Network. His experience spans 25 years in data and tech, including serving as the chief strategy officer at iProspect and Carat UK.

Seltzer succeeds Hagen, now responsible for developing the Converged media product for the growth of the network’s data capabilities. She is still overseeing CSA & Media Experience Analytics, which she most recently served as global executive vice president.

In her over two decades of experience, she has held roles at WPP and Publicis Groupe.

“Data and technology are the cornerstone of our Converged global strategy – giving our people the tools, insights, and means of collaboration to supercharge our positive impact for clients. With his experience developing the Media Network’s award-winning audience planning platform, and his collaborative work with partners to develop industry-leading data and insight capabilities, Dan is ideally suited to chart a powerful data and tech future that delivers for our people and clients,” Yannick Bolloré, CEO and chairman at Havas, said.

“Clients are demanding future-forward agency partners who are data-led and outcome-driven; Jamie has been critical to ensuring Havas Media Network is positioned to deliver on that promise. We look forward to seeing Dan and Jamie’s continued collaboration across the entire Havas ecosystem to accelerate the group’s broader Converged strategy and data and tech ambitions,” Peter Mears, global CEO at Havas Media Network, said.

London, United Kingdom – Socially-led creative agency We Are Social has appointed key leaders to boost its global operations. The agency has promoted Mobbie Nazir as its new chief strategy and growth officer, Emma Cumming as chief of staff, and Silvia Mauri as global head of people and culture.

Nazir previously held the role of global chief strategy officer. Expanding his role, Nazir will oversee the agency’s global business growth, solidifying its position in the market. He will also focus on marketing and public relations, bolstering social media strategy.

Meanwhile, Cumming was formerly the agency’s global culture director. In her new role, she will handle strategic initiatives, overseeing leadership effectiveness and internal communications.

Mauri, previously the global people director, will be focusing on the agency’s employee satisfaction and engagement in her new role.

Nazir, Cumming, and Mauri comprise We Are Social’s executive management board.

“Social media is more crucial than ever for marketers and We Are Social is in the fortunate position of being the world’s leading social agency at a time when investment in social is accelerating. As the social landscape evolves, we’re seeing increasing opportunities to build on what we’re best known for – our first-class social creative output – with more creator and influencer-led work, greater global scale and an increased focus on the integration of paid social and ROI-driven measurement. I’m excited to be taking on this role, helping align our approach to growth more closely with our wider business strategy,” Nazir commented. 

Toby Southgate, global group chief executive officer at We Are Social, said, “The promotions of Mobbie, Emma and Silvia mark a significant shift for We Are Social, demonstrating our commitment to growth and to our people. With Mobbie’s extensive experience in global client and strategy work, and her huge contribution to our business strategy and thought leadership over the last decade, she’s perfectly placed to drive our growth plans forward at the speed that social demands. 

“I’d also like to congratulate Emma and Silvia on their well-deserved promotions. They have both been key players in the agency for a long time, and their roles will be vital to ensuring that our people all over the world thrive, can make career-defining work, and have fun doing it. Their leadership will be invaluable to our continued success,” Southgate added.Southgate, to whom the newly promoted leaders will report, was recently appointed to lead We Are Social as global group CEO.

Thailand – Production house electriclime° has appointed Jason Heller as its executive producer for Asia amidst the company’s expansion to Thailand.

In his new role, Heller is set to oversee projects across Asia from its office in Singapore. He previously led the boutique production house Society. Prior to that, he also worked with 72andSunny, Droga5, Grey, and Johannes Leonardo.

Throughout his production experience, including in Los Angeles and New York, Heller has worked with major brands such as Google, Amazon, and Uber.

With the expansion, electriclime° is extending its production solutions to Bangkok, recognising it as a growing production hub in Asia.

electriclime°’s client portfolio includes Kia, Sony, Marriott, and Hyundai.

Heller commented, “I am thrilled to be joining electriclime°. It’s an honour to work alongside such an incredible team of filmmakers, artists, and talented individuals who consistently strive for excellence and push creative boundaries.”

“We’re thrilled to have Jason join the electriclime° team as we continue to expand and solidify our presence in the Asian market. His expertise will be invaluable in driving our vision forward,” Michael Ahmadzadeh, electriclime° co-founder, said.

“The opening of a Bangkok office adds to our strategic expansion to complement our existing global presence. This move strengthens our global network but also allows us to better serve international brands and creative agencies. Having shot several high-profile projects in Thailand, by being on the ground in Bangkok it gives us the opportunity to provide even more top-quality production services to global markets and continue to bring artistic expression and commercial storytelling to a broader audience,” Ahmadzadeh added.

Japan – Nexxen, a global advertising technology platform with deep expertise in data and advanced TV, has appointed Masatsune Shironishi as its new vice president, country manager for Japan.

With over 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and advertising, Shironishi brings deep expertise in linear TV, in-stream video, over-the-top (OTT) and connected TV (CTV), digital media, ad tech, and branding solutions to Nexxen. Based in the company’s Tokyo office, he will play a key role in driving Nexxen’s growth in the Japanese market.

Before joining Nexxen, Shironishi spent nearly three years at Microsoft Advertising as regional vice president, marketplace development. During his tenure, he successfully led the launch of Netflix Ads in Japan—where Microsoft served as the tech partner—and played a key role in advancing programmatic business strategies across Microsoft-owned platforms.

Shironishi also held leadership roles at leading ad tech firms, including Xandr, Amobee, and Videology. His career also includes senior sales positions at OpenTable, Elsevier, and I&S BBDO, further showcasing his expertise in driving growth across digital media and advertising.

Commenting on his appointment, Shironishi said, “I am thrilled to join Nexxen as its new VP, Country Manager for Japan. Given Nexxen’s strengths as a platform – particularly in data, CTV and creative solutions – I’m confident we’ll be able to help to transform advertising strategies throughout the Japanese market, and I’m eager to leverage my industry experience to drive this growth.”

“We are delighted to welcome Masatsune Shironishi as our new VP, Country Manager for Japan. His extensive knowledge and skill set will be instrumental to innovating within Japan’s digital advertising ecosystem, and we look forward to working with him as Nexxen continues to expand its presence across Asia,” said Josif Zanich, managing director for JAPAC at Nexxen.

Australia – Post-production house Heckler has named Steven Marolho as its managing director and executive producer. The appointment is effective immediately.

Marolho brings over two decades of experience in entertainment and advertising production, having held senior leadership roles at Technicolor, Moving Picture Company, and Digital Domain. Marolho worked across various markets including Australia, the United Kingdom, Greater China, and the United States.

Having worked with renowned production networks, Marolho has spearheaded business growth, talent development, and creative innovation. He leveraged his expertise in visual effects, post and live-action production, generative artificial intelligence, and immersive technology.

With his skills, he is set to contribute to Heckler’s success, positioning it as a leader in the industry.

Marolho commented, “Jamie Watson, Will Alexander and I all started in the industry over two decades ago, and I’ve always admired their passion for creative excellence and the incredible culture they’ve built as co-founders of Heckler. What drives me—at my core—is the people, both across the team and our clients.

“Having worked with Heckler on numerous projects, I’ve seen firsthand their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and craft. Stepping into this role is both an exciting opportunity and a natural progression, and I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to continue expanding Heckler’s global presence and fostering the culture that makes this company so special,” Marolho added.

Will Alexander, Heckler co-founder and CEO, said, “Steven is a strategic leader with a strong track record in team building and execution. Jamie and I have known Steve personally for over 20 years and have a huge amount of respect for him as a leader in our industry. We share a deep belief in the power of human capital and the paramount importance of culture in a growing creative network.”

“His expertise, particularly in managing studios across key global markets, will be instrumental as we expand Heckler’s footprint in Asia and the Middle East. His ability to navigate emerging technologies while delivering client-focused solutions makes him a rare and valuable addition to our team. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him on board,” Alexander added.

Singapore – Integral Ad Science (IAS), a global media measurement and optimisation platform, has appointed its chief product officer (CPO), Srishti Gupta, to the board of directors at IAB Tech Lab.

In this appointment, Gupta will collaborate with industry leaders on the IAB Tech Lab’s board of directors to help shape the strategic direction of its five pillars of innovation, with a focus on supply chain diligence.

“I look forward to serving alongside the IAB Tech Lab’s esteemed Board of Directors to develop standards, initiatives, and products that enable a thriving and vibrant digital media and advertising industry,” said Gupta. 

“Together, we’re committed to developing new frameworks and championing their adoption to ensure advertisers can protect their investments through transparent and safe interactions across the supply chain while propelling brand equity and performance,” she added.

Gupta assumed the role of CPO at IAS in September 2024, where she led the company’s product strategy, development, and go-to-market initiatives. Overseeing a global team of product and data science experts, she drives the creation of customer-centric solutions that harness IAS’s extensive data resources to enhance performance and ad effectiveness.

Before joining IAS, Gupta served as CPO at Rokt, an e-commerce technology company, and previously held the role of director of ads measurement at Amazon.

Commenting on this appointment, Anthony Katsur, CEO of IAB Tech Lab, said, “Srishti brings deep product expertise and a strong track record of collaboration, making her a valuable addition to the Board. As the industry navigates increasing complexity, it’s important that we work together to develop practical, effective solutions.” 

“We’re glad to have IAS’s perspective represented, and we look forward to Srishti’s contributions in shaping standards that support a more transparent and efficient digital ecosystem,” he added. 

India – Landor has strengthened its Asia-Pacific leadership team with the appointment of Geet Nazir as managing director for India and Joël Céré as managing director for Southeast Asia, reinforcing its commitment to brand transformation and regional growth.

Based in Mumbai, Nazir has a strong track record of working with brands such as Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Tyger Capital (formerly Adani Capital), PayU, Reliance Jewels, Usha Martin, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Tata CLiQ.

Before joining Landor, Nazir was the managing director at Conran Design Mumbai under Havas, where she led a team focused on developing design-led brand solutions. Since February 2021, she has worked with clients to navigate the complexities of the Indian market, drawing on Conran’s global design expertise.

Commenting on his appointment, Nazir said, “With an abundance of choices, Indian consumers today are increasingly drawn to brands they trust—ones that resonate with their values and aspirations. I’m thrilled to join Landor at this pivotal moment, where our purpose-driven, customer-centric approach to design and branding fosters progressive brands that not only empower our clients’ business but also create a positive impact on their customers and society as a whole.

Based in Singapore, Céré has co-founded an open-innovation agency and a boutique consulting firm in technology, alongside mentoring start-ups. He has worked with major brands including Unilever, P&G, Mondelēz, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Abbott, AstraZeneca, DBS, Kirin, Sennheiser, Electra, Intel, and City Energy across Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Céré has held key roles in various agencies, including managing global accounts at Aegis, shifting a global crowdsourcing platform from content to innovation, leading Hill & Knowlton’s digital practice across EMEA, and overseeing innovation and strategy at Grey, Bates, and Kantar.

“More than ever, Southeast Asian consumers need strong brands to navigate today’s uncertainty. With its unrivalled mix of creativity, data, and strategy, I’m excited to join Landor at this critical time to help businesses unlock their brands’ potential to drive short-term growth and build long-term value,” Céré commented.

Starting in March 2025, the new appointments are set to enhance Landor’s consulting, design, and experience capabilities across the region.

Christian Schroeder, global president of Landor, shared, “APAC is a critical growth market for Landor, and we are committed to investing in the best talent to serve our clients in the region. The addition of Joël and Geet to our leadership team underscores this commitment. Their extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to help brands in APAC navigate the evolving market landscape and achieve their business objectives.”

Lulu Raghavan, APAC president of Landor, added, “I am thrilled to welcome Joël and Geet to Landor. Their diverse backgrounds and impressive track records will be instrumental in driving our growth and innovation in APAC. I am particularly excited about partnering closely with them as we focus on expanding our presence and delivering exceptional results for our clients in Southeast Asia and India.”

Singapore –  Creative agency We Are Social has appointed Naiyen Wang as its managing director for Southeast Asia (SEA). 

Prior to the appointment, Wang led as We Are Social’s managing director for Singapore for a year. Expanding her focus, Wang will oversee the agency’s operations and lead its strategies in SEA. 

Wang first joined the agency in 2022 as head of account management. She has also held leadership roles as regional business director for DDB and MullenLowe Group.

Recently, We Are Social announced the appointment of Toby Southgate as its global group chief executive officer.

In February, We Are Social teamed up with Meltwater for a report, which found a 4.3% increase in the number of social media platforms that Singaporeans use monthly compared to last year.

The agency also recently secured global fashion brand H&M’s creator strategy remit in Asia, adding the brand to its roster of clients.

Singapore – Zachary Lim has been appointed as head of IPG Mediabrands Singapore, the media holding company under Interpublic Group. His appointment is effective immediately.

Joining IPG Mediabrands from Wavemaker Singapore, where he served as managing director, Lim is taking on a network role as he leads agencies UM and Initiative.

Lim has over two decades of experience in marketing, media strategy, business development, and agency leadership. Prior to his tenure at Wavemaker, where he spent seven years, he also worked with Maxus Global and Havas Media.

Leigh Terry, chief executive officer of IPG Mediabrands APAC, said, “We are incredibly pleased to welcome Zachary to the IPG Mediabrands family. His proven track record in driving client success and fostering a culture of excellence aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the network. We are confident that Zachary’s energy and leadership of our standout teams here in Singapore will help elevate the operations to new heights.”

Lim commented, “I am honoured to take on a leadership role at IPG Mediabrands Singapore. The network’s commitment to innovation and client-centric approach resonates with my own professional values, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented agency teams here to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

India – Dentsu India has strengthened its Customer Experience (CXM) practice with the appointment of Devang Shah as chief business officer for consumer, industrials & commerce, and Hemant Kshirsagar as chief business officer for financial services & fintech. 

These appointments reflect Dentsu India’s focus on expanding its CXM capabilities and strengthening its expertise across marketing, technology, and consulting.

In his new role, Shah will oversee the non-BFSI segment, focussing on client relationships and business growth, while also expanding Dentsu India’s presence in the luxury and precious jewellery sectors. With over 18 years of experience in digital marketing and commerce, he has led growth strategies for brands such as Gabriel & Co., Titan, Nokia, EY, and KPMG.

Commenting on his new role, Shah said, “Dentsu’s ambitious vision and integrated approach to marketing, technology, and consulting present an exciting opportunity to drive industry-leading solutions. I look forward to helping brands navigate an ever-evolving marketplace.”

Meanwhile, Kshirsagar brings 17 years of expertise in FinTech and digital strategy, having held key positions at Bain, EY, and PwC.

Kshirsagar shared, “I am excited to join dentsu and look forward to leveraging our expertise in financial services, technology, and integrated marketing to deliver accelerated growth and unlock new opportunities for our financial services clients.”

With extensive experience in their respective fields, Shah and Kshirsagar will focus on strengthening CXM capabilities and improving service delivery. They will work across the network to develop integrated solutions aimed at addressing business challenges and achieving measurable outcomes in marketing, technology, and consulting.

Harsha Razdan, CEO of South Asia at dentsu commented, “At dentsu, we’re driven by the mission to create real growth for our clients by tackling their most complex challenges. Devang and Hemant bring the strategic vision and deep industry expertise needed to accelerate this journey. Their leadership will be crucial in expanding our CXM capabilities and enhancing our customer experience impact across all practices and expertise.”

“I am confident that they will empower our clients to grow, acquire, and retain customers more effectively by harnessing the full potential of our integrated solutions in an ever-evolving marketplace,” he added.