Singapore – After eight years with Starcom MediaVest Group Malaysia, Yap Chee Weng, resigns as CEO to pursue personal interests outside the industry.
Replacing him is Ranganathan Somanathan, currently Vice President, Insights & Analytics, South and Southeast Asia.
A seven-year SMG veteran, Ranga will be based in Kuala Lumpur, reporting directly to Jeffrey Seah, CEO, Southeast Asia. Malaysian management responsibilities are currently being handed over during this transition period. Ranga will officially assume his new role in due course.
Along with SMG’s efforts in harnessing the potential strength of liquid talents with multinational experience in Asia, Ranga’s appointment also proves the group’s continued investment in the region.
“No stranger to the Malaysian market, Ranga is an extremely thoughtful and effective leader, someone who is imbued with the ability to galvanize the ground with tact and diplomacy,” said Seah in a statement. “Having worked across diverse markets such like Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan, I’m confident Ranga will be able to leverage on his solidly impressive wealth of experience and offer effective leadership to helm a business and inspire talent,” he concluded.
