Ruder Finn acquires Malaysian digital marketing agency Pandan Social

Integrated communications consultancy Ruder Finn has acquired Pandan Social, a digital marketing agency based in Malaysia. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Ruder Finn’s commitment to strengthen its leadership position in the digital marketing landscape, it said in a statement.

“We are excited to become part of the dynamic and rapidly expanding Ruder Finn team,” said Daniel Woodroof, co-founder of Pandan Social. He went on to add that the partnership will empower Pandan Social to amplify its expertise and deliver even more impactful digital marketing solutions to its clients.

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“Together, we are poised to set new industry standards in digital marketing,” added Brandon Lee, the other co-founder of Pandan Social.

Founded in 2018, Pandan Social has a team of more than fourteen digital experts including strategists, creatives, and analysts, who specialise in connecting brands with their online communities and brand advocates.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Pandan Social team into the Ruder Finn Group. Pandan Social’s expertise in crafting analytics-based strategies will be valuable to our digital marketing practice,” said Kathy Bloomgarden, the CEO of Ruder Finn. “This acquisition underscores our commitment to delivering innovative digital marketing solutions that meet our clients' evolving needs,” she said.

According to Ruder Finn, the Pandan Social team will be seamlessly integrated with Ruder Finn’s digital arm, RFI Asia, combining the strengths of both firms. Pandan will continue to provide its suite of comprehensive digital services, including social media management, web production, graphics, video production, and influencer marketing, tailored to digital-savvy consumers.

Elan Shou, the global chief growth officer and managing director of Ruder Finn Asia, added, “Our aim is not just to adopt the latest trends but to be the trendsetters in the digital marketing space. By harnessing the creative energies and expertise of both our teams, we are set to redefine the standards of digital marketing and communications, offering unprecedented value to our clients and setting a new benchmark for our competitors.”

With the acquisition, Ruder Finn Asia now has 26 offices across the region.

Earlier this year in February, Ruder Finn and its digital marketing subsidiary Ruder Finn Interactive (RFI) partnered up to launch a new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practice to help accelerate business growth for organisations in APAC.

This move is a response to the growing demand for DEI communication after a recent survey conducted by Korn Ferry in the APAC region brought to light that although 80% of organisations have ramped up their efforts to improve DEI, 43% of the respondents still consider meeting consumer demands on DEI a significant challenge.

The Ruder Finn Diversity Communications Practice is in alignment with the company's recognition of the importance of DEI as well as in response to the broader societal shifts towards more inclusive practices, according to Elan Shou, CEO of Ruder Finn Asia-Pacific. 

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