Staff Reporters
Jan 6, 2025

Havas Media Network names Singapore CEO and SEA president

Dentsu Media’s Singapore MD Pankaj Nayak joins Havas effective immediately.

Havas Media Network names Singapore CEO and SEA president

Havas Media Network has appointed Pankaj Nayak, former Singapore managing director of Dentsu International’s Media group, as CEO of its Singapore operations and president of Southeast Asia.

The appointment comes after Nayak's nearly four-year stint at Dentsu, where he led the media division and built capabilities across performance, commerce, and data analytics. His 25-year industry career includes leadership positions at major networks, including roles as chief marketing officer at OMD APAC and director of business development at OMG Asia Pacific. During his 17-year base in Singapore, he has handled key government portfolios including the National Heritage Board, the National Council for Problem Gambling, and various Whole of Government businesses.

Having previously served as regional director during Havas' Euro RSCG era until 2008, Nayak returns to the network to implement the network's Converged strategy across SEA. This integration-focused approach aims to merge talent, capabilities, platforms, and expertise to enhance collaboration across the network.

L-R_Pankaj Nayak and Rana Barua.

His mandate includes expanding Havas Media Network's core capabilities in activation (Havas Play), commerce (Havas Market) and data & tech (CSA). He is tasked with pursuing strategic alliances and acquisitions to strengthen the agency's regional offerings.

"Havas' Converged strategy and the region's growth potential were key factors in my decision to return," said Nayak. "I look forward to leveraging our collective regional strengths to deliver integrated solutions that meet our clients' evolving needs."

Rana Barua, group chief executive officer, India, SEA & North Asia, said: "Asia's diverse and rapidly evolving markets demand a leader who understands the nuances of each market. Pankaj's deep regional experience and expertise in driving global client businesses makes him ideal for this role."

Source:
Campaign Asia

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