Canva names new SEA head of marketing

Canva has appointed Laura Kantor as its head of marketing for Southeast Asia, a role in which she will oversee the brand’s marketing efforts across Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Kantor succeeds Ruoshan Tao, who has moved to the US to lead marketing for Canva across Latin America. She will report to Yani Hornilla Donato, Southeast Asia regional lead, and Zach Kitschke, chief marketing officer at Canva.

In her new role, Kantor will focus on strengthening local teams, sharpening market priorities, and ensuring Canva’s presence in the region feels “truly local, relevant and exciting” in each market, Kantor told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

Don't miss: Kenvue appoints former KFC Asia CMO as VP and marketing chief for APAC 

She will also lead upcoming brand campaigns and initiatives, with 2026 shaping up to be “a huge year for Canva in the region,” she added.

Prior to joining Canva, Kantor founded and ran a consultancy helping purpose driven startups grow faster and smarter. She was also chief marketing officer at abillion and had a notable six-year stint at foodpanda taking on roles such as director of marketing, growth and sustainability, head of marketing and sustainability and more. 

“Southeast Asia is such a vibrant region defined by creativity, momentum, and diversity, and presents a powerful opportunity to build Canva as a truly local brand in every market. As head of marketing for Southeast Asia, I’m excited to work alongside our teams to drive brave, culturally relevant marketing that empowers people to ideate, create, and design with confidence,” Kantor said.

She described the people and culture at Canva as a highlight of her new role. “The teams have already done fantastic work, and I’ve already learnt so much in a very short space of time. I’m most excited about building on that momentum, growing Canva’s presence across the region, and delivering bold, locally relevant marketing that really stands out,” she added.

Earlier in August 2025, Canva unveiled its first large-scale brand campaign in Indonesia titled “Gampang di Canva” (“Easy on Canva”), aimed at boosting the growth and visibility of the country’s MSMEs.

The campaign drew inspiration from the vibrant ecosystem of around 60 million MSMEs across Indonesia - from family-run shops and street vendors to digital startups - reflecting their high ambitions despite limited resources and tight schedules. At its core, "Gampang di Canva" celebrated how accessible, professional-quality design has become a vital tool for these businesses to stand out in a competitive market.

Related articles:   
Canva, GIGIL turn Kween Yasmin into internet's 'all-purpose endorser' in viral SMB push  
Canva's Affinity goes pro for free, offering creatives a new alternative   
Canva unleashes fantasy shorts to put imagination to work