Havas Media Singapore appoints new MD and GM, digital SEA

Havas Media Network Singapore has appointed Jean Lee (pictured center) as managing director and Zoheb Gafoor (pictured left) as general manager, digital, Southeast Asia, in moves aimed at strengthening market leadership, deepening client partnerships, and accelerating digital transformation across the region.

At Havas Media Singapore, Lee will oversee the strategic and operational direction of the agency. With more than two decades of experience at dentsu X, Carat and OMD, she has led integrated teams and built trusted client relationships with brands including IKEA, StarHub, Standard Chartered, Resorts World Sentosa, Uniqlo and Asia Pacific Breweries. She will work closely with Havas Play, CSA and Havas Market to deliver connected solutions under the Converged.AI vision.

Meanwhile, Gafoor, with over 14 years of experience across performance, data, and operations in APAC, will lead the network’s digital transformation mandate in Southeast Asia. Drawing on his regional experience at Hearts & Science APAC, he will enhance automation, performance excellence and technology partnerships to deliver intelligent, outcome-driven digital solutions for clients.

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Both will report to Pankaj Nayak (pictured right), CEO of Havas Media Network Singapore and president, Southeast Asia.

“Lee's leadership, strategic acumen, and relationship-first approach make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. Her experience in guiding clients through transformation and building high-performing teams will be critical as we strengthen and scale our Singapore operations to unlock new growth for the agency," said Nayak. 

Commenting on her appointment, Lee said she looks forward to leading the Singapore team “into its next phase of growth and delivering work that is both meaningful and measurable.”

In addition, the CEO said that Gafoor's Singapore and expanded regional remit is central to the agency's ambition of driving digital innovation across Southeast Asia. "His expertise in performance, data, and operations will elevate how we create meaningful media experiences and measurable business outcomes for clients, while advancing our Converged.AI strategy at speed and scale,” said Nayak.

Gafoor added: “With Converged.AI, we have a powerful platform to rethink how brands connect with people. I am excited to partner with teams across the region to build solutions that drive real business impact today and remain future proof for tomorrow.”

Their appointments come as Havas strengthens leadership across the network with a series of moves across the region.

Last month, Havas Ortega named Raymond “Rai” Dizon as general manager– head of business growth and experience, reinforcing its leadership team as the agency sharpens its integrated “village” model rooted in creativity, data, and experience. In his new role, Dizon will lead business growth and client experience initiatives, focusing on harnessing digital capabilities, technology platforms, and integrated solutions across the Havas Village.

In Australia, Havas Media appointed Kate O’Ryan-Roeder as chief executive officer following an extensive search to succeed outgoing CEO Virginia Hyland, who departed in July after five years with the agency. O’Ryan-Roeder joins from Mindshare, where she spent a decade in senior leadership roles, most recently as managing director of its Sydney operations and previously as chief client officer.

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