SINGAPORE – Havas Media Network has announced the appointment of Toni Ruotanen as Head of Havas Market for Southeast Asia, effective immediately. Based in Bangkok, Ruotanen will report directly to Pankaj Nayak, CEO of Havas Media Network Singapore and President, SEA – Havas Media. He will spearhead the growth and transformation of Havas Market’s commerce and performance capabilities across the region.
Havas Market is Havas Media Network’s comprehensive commerce and performance marketing division, created to support brands in navigating today’s dynamic and fast-changing retail environment. Offering a robust suite of services including eCommerce strategy, marketplace optimization, content and media, CRM, and digital shelf management – Havas Market delivers full-funnel commerce solutions powered by its proprietary Converged.AI approach, which integrates media, data, and technology to deliver meaningful business outcomes.
Ruotanen brings more than 30 years of global experience across IT, digital advertising, eCommerce, and commercial strategy. His professional journey spans leadership roles in Asia, Europe, and North America. In his new role, he will focus on scaling performance-driven commerce strategies and ensuring they are tailored to meet the unique demands of Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.
Pankaj Nayak, CEO of Havas Media Network Singapore and President SEA – Havas Media, shared, “Southeast Asia is witnessing an unprecedented ecommerce boom, fuelled by rising digital adoption, mobile-first shopping behaviours, and a new generation of digital-native consumers. As ecommerce becomes a core growth driver for brands, having the right leadership in place is critical. “
“Toni’s deep expertise across commerce, tech, and digital transformation makes him the ideal partner to lead this next phase for Havas Market. With him on board, we’re well positioned to deliver smarter, more effective commerce solutions that drive tangible results for clients across the region.”
“I’m excited to join Havas Media Network at such a pivotal moment of growth for commerce in Southeast Asia,” said Ruotanen. “Havas Market is uniquely positioned to deliver end-to-end commerce solutions that are agile, data-led, and deeply rooted in local relevance. I look forward to collaborating with our teams and clients to unlock new growth opportunities across the region.”
