Wavemaker Thailand names Rathakorn Surbsuk new managing director

Wavemaker Thailand has named Rathakorn Surbsuk as managing director. Surbsuk will focus on growing the agency as well as working closely with the Wavemaker teams to continue delivering and expanding best-in-class services in media, content and technology to a wide variety of strong international and local brands.

Surbsuk, is a 20-year GroupM veteran who has spent the last nine years as chief investment officer for GroupM Thailand. Giving strong relationships with key suppliers, Surbsuk will ensure that brands working with Wavemaker will continue to outperform the market. Previously, he served as Head of Exchange and Trading for Mindshare Thailand from 2007 to 2009.

Rose Huskey, Wavemaker’s CEO – Southeast Asia, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rathakorn to Wavemaker. Rathakorn’s deep experience in strategic planning and, strong relationships with media owners and clients will provide an advantage to Wavemaker in ensuring that investments are maximised and optimised.”

“Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Christina for the successful formation of Wavemaker in 2018 and continued operations in 2019. We congratulate her on the new role in GroupM.”

Christina Vacharanetr, managing director of Wavemaker Thailand since the MEC-Maxus merger in 2018, will be appointed as Managing Director – Corporate Development., She will be reporting directly to GroupM Thailand CEOs Niklas Stalberg and Siwat Chawareewong.

In her new role, Vacharanetr will lead key strategic growth projects for the group. Her immediate focus will be to review and improve GroupM’s out-of-home offering – ensuring it remains the best option for brands in Thailand as out-of-home combines with digital media. Additionally, Vacharanetr will be responsible for expanding GroupM’s client base.

Niklas Stalberg, CEO of GroupM Thailand, added: “Christina’s has during her 20 years with the Group worked for four different agencies and that experience is a great asset for our clients as she moves into the new GroupM role.”