HAVAS MALAYSIA BOLSTERS LEADERSHIP TO DRIVE INTEGRATED ‘VILLAGE’ VISION

Havas Malaysia has announced a series of senior appointments and a key promotion as it strengthens its integrated “Village” model. The moves span creative, CX and health, reinforcing strategic capability, client leadership and technology-driven innovation to support long-term growth and deeper collaboration with clients.

Havas Malaysia has unveiled a series of senior appointments as it accelerates efforts to deepen expertise and further embed its integrated “Village” model across creative, CX and health.

The latest additions reflect the agency’s ambition to strengthen its strategic and client leadership bench while enhancing its technology-driven capabilities. Ie-Tsen Cheng joins as business director, bringing with her extensive experience across telco, food services, automotive and FMCG categories. She will lead client management and business growth for Havas Creative, partnering closely with the senior leadership team to support client relationships and sustain agency momentum.

Cheng’s career spans an array of prominent networks and agencies, including Publicis, Naga DDB Malaysia, LOKi, Dentsu, IPG Mediabrands and Leo Burnett. Her appointment signals Havas Malaysia’s intent to pair seasoned client stewardship with its collaborative “Village” structure, which integrates disciplines under one cohesive offering.

In tandem, Keith Ho has been named senior planning director, working alongside planning director Ananda Swinburne to sharpen the agency’s strategic planning capability. Ho will focus on insight-led thinking and creative effectiveness, reinforcing the agency’s belief that strong strategy underpins impactful creative output.

Prior to joining Havas Malaysia, Ho served as strategy lead at NP Digital APAC. His earlier roles include regional strategy lead at ADA and senior planner at BBDO Worldwide. His regional perspective and digital-first expertise are expected to enhance the agency’s ability to deliver measurable business outcomes for clients navigating increasingly complex markets.

Meanwhile, Allen Liew has been promoted to creative technologist within Havas CX, in recognition of his long-standing contributions and leadership in advancing the agency’s technology and experience-led offerings. Previously creative group head, Liew has played a pivotal role in integrating creativity with emerging technologies, strengthening the agency’s CX proposition. His new role underscores the importance of uniting creativity, technology and experience design to deliver meaningful brand interactions.

The leadership reshuffle follows another significant move earlier this year, when business director Bowie Tiong was elevated to general manager. Tiong brings more than a decade of agency experience, including seven years at Ogilvy, where she progressed from account manager to account director, alongside stints at Naga DDB Tribal and BRC Group.

Commenting on the changes, Nizwani Shahar, CEO of Havas Malaysia, said growth at the agency is driven by its people. By recognising internal talent while introducing new leadership capabilities, she noted, the agency is reinforcing a culture rooted in collaboration, strategic thinking and long-term partnerships. She added that the strengthened leadership team is well positioned to guide Havas Malaysia forward as it continues to evolve alongside its clients.

Collectively, the appointments mark a decisive step in consolidating Havas Malaysia’s integrated model, aligning creative, strategic and technological expertise to deliver cohesive brand experiences in an increasingly convergent communications landscape.