Toni Ruotanen named Head of Havas Market for Southeast Asia at Havas Media Network

Havas Media Network has appointed Toni Ruotanen as Head of Havas Market for Southeast Asia, effective immediately. Based in Bangkok, Ruotanen will report to Pankaj Nayak, CEO of Havas Media Network Singapore and President SEA – Havas Media, and will be responsible for accelerating the growth and evolution of Havas Market’s commerce and performance offerings across the region.

Havas Market, Havas Media Network’s full-service commerce and performance marketing offering is designed to help brands navigate the rapidly shifting retail landscape. With capabilities spanning eCommerce strategy, marketplace optimisation, content and media, CRM, and digital shelf management, Havas Market delivers end-to-end commerce solutions powered by the agency’s proprietary Converged.AI approach — blending media, data, and technology to drive meaningful outcomes.

Ruotanen brings over three decades of global experience across IT, digital advertising, ecommerce, and commercial strategy, with leadership roles spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. In his new role, he will focus on scaling performance-led commerce solutions and ensuring they are locally tailored for Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving digital economy.

Pankaj Nayak, CEO of Havas Media Network Singapore and President SEA – Havas Media, said: “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.”

Ruotanen’s appointment reinforces Havas Market’s ambition to be the commerce partner of choice for brands seeking agile, data-led solutions tailored to the Southeast Asian market.