Sujith Rao joins Publicis Groupe SEA in MD role

Publicis Groupe Southeast Asia has appointed Sujith Rao (pictured) as managing director of Publicis Commerce to accelerate the groupe’s commerce offering in the region and further unlock client growth.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Rao will work with Publicis Groupe’s network of agencies and practice areas across the region. He will orchestrate a deeper connection between the groupe’s commerce strategy and solutions with its creative, media, performance, and production capabilities, delivering data-driven end-to-end consumer journeys that are optimised towards sales and business growth for the agency's clients.

Rao will report to Ian Loon, who recently expanded his duties as chief transformation officer for Publicis Groupe, Southeast Asia. Speaking on the appointment, Loon said, “We are delighted to have Rao captain and grow our highly ambitious Publicis Commerce journey. His credentials as a solutions architect, problem solver, and people connector will enable the Groupe’s ongoing transformation agenda while delivering innovative commerce solutions that marry brand building and conversion for our clients across the region.”

Prior to joining Publicis Commerce, Rao held roles at Travelguru.com, Cbazarr.com, and IPG Mediabrands, and was most recently the managing director at Reprise Digital. He brings a wealth of experience across data and analytics.

“I am excited and honoured by the opportunity to work across multiple markets, brands, and capabilities, driving the evolution of Publicis Groupe’s commerce offering in Southeast Asia. Our global investments, locally relevant solutions, and the groupe’s Power of One ethos are the perfect framework for crafting bespoke digital commerce innovations, and I am ready to get started on this journey with our clients,” said Rao.

Meanwhile, Loon who took on the role in September this year, will work closely with both the Publicis Groupe Southeast Asia market CEOs and the product and solutions leadership across Publicis Groupe to define the key pillars of transformation for the region and land transformational capability in every market.

On a global leadership front, Publicis also appointed Jane Lin-Baden as CEO Publicis Groupe for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Meanwhile, Loris Nold, CEO Publicis Groupe APAC/MEA, has been appointed to the newly created role of CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). 

According to Publicis Groupe, Lin-Baden will be adding oversight of South Asia, Australia/ New Zealand and Southeast Asia to her responsibilities, reporting directly to chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe Arthur Sadoun. She will work in close partnership with the local leaders in their respective regions, who will report directly to her, to further strengthen the groupe’s country-led model, and leverage its capabilities in data, creativity, media and technology, at the service of its clients. 

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