Havas names Joji Jacob regional chief creative officer for SEA and North Asia

Global communications group Havas has named Joji Jacob as its new regional chief creative officer for Southeast Asia and North Asia. Jacob assumes the role while concurrently maintaining his position as creative partner and co-founder at BLKJ Havas Singapore.

In his new role, Jacob will assume comprehensive responsibility for steering the creative direction, ensuring seamless integration into client engagements across the region, said Havas in a statement. 

As the chair of Havas’ APAC and member of the global creative council, Jacob will also collaborate closely with council members to drive creative excellence across local offices and exploring innovative approaches to storytelling while keeping meaningful connections at the core.

Don't miss: Havas Immerse Malaysia rebrands, expands leadership team

With a career spanning over 20 years, Jacob has made significant contributions to renowned agencies in India and Singapore. Co-founding BLKJ in 2016 and joining the Havas family in 2021, BLKJ Havas has since built a client portfolio that includes brands such as Great Eastern, The Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Economic Development Board of Singapore, JLL, and more. 

Prior to BLKJ Havas, Jacob served as the group executive creative director at DDB for nine years. He has also held roles in BBDO, JWT and Ogilvy & Marther. 

"As a network, our united focus is consistently directed towards delivering clients a meaningful experience through exceptional work, achieved by investing in the best talent," said Rana Barua, group CEO, India, Southeast and North Asia.

"The region while culturally diverse shares the same purpose. Jacob, with his extensive experience and creative strength across the region, will enhance our overall creative output, and play a universal role in fostering positive momentum for all markets, building towards the goal of One Asia," he added. 

“I’ve spent 20 years as a creative, with the last ten years spent leading a creative business. So, I step into this role not just with experience but also with a beginner’s mindset," added Jacob.

"Barua and I have been discussing the many plans and ambitions and my job is to help create the conditions that enable our people make the best work of their lives for our clients. I find myself at the right place and at the right time. Havas is a place where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives, meaning it’s not set in its ways. We can respond to a rapidly changing marketplace with agility which I find exciting. And Barua's energy is infectious, that’s one bug I’m happy to catch,” he said. 

The news comes shortly after Havas Immerse Malaysia was renamed to Havas Malaysia, according to the agency in a release last month. 

The rebrand, according to Havas Malaysia, reflects the agency's commitment to adaptability, growth and its dedication to delivering exceptional services to clients.

In tandem, Havas Malaysia has strategically expanded its team to champion women leadership. Bowie Tiong was appointed as business director in addition to the change of name. She will report directly to CEO Nizwani Shahar. In her role as business director, Tiong will spearhead the development of business opportunities, cultivate client relationships and explore avenues for new revenue streams. 

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