Havas Malaysia bolsters leadership with senior hires

Havas Malaysia has unveiled a series of senior appointments as the agency looks to deepen expertise and further integrate its "Village" model across creative, CX, and health.

New additions include Ie-Tsen Cheng (third from right), who joins as business director. Cheng brings experience across telco, food services, automotive, and FMCG categories, and will lead client management and business growth for Havas Creative, partnering closely with the leadership team to support client relationships and agency momentum.

Cheng has worked at numerous agencies in his career, including Publicis, Naga DDB Malaysia, LOKi, Dentsu, IPG Mediabrands and Leo Burnett amongst many others. 

Don't miss: Havas Malaysia names new general manager 

In tandem, Keith Ho (far left) has been appointed senior planning director, working alongside Ananda Swinburne, planning director, to strengthen the agency’s strategic planning capability, with an emphasis on insight-led thinking and creative effectiveness. Prior to joining Havas, Ho was strategy lead at NP Digital APAC. 

His other roles include regional strategy lead at ADA and senior planner at BBDO Worldwide, 

Meanwhile, Allen Liew (far right) has been promoted to creative technologist, Havas CX, recognising his long-standing contributions and his role in advancing the agency’s technology, innovation, and experience-led offerings. Liew’s appointment reinforces Havas’ integrated model, combining creativity, technology, and experience design to deliver meaningful brand experiences. He previously held the role of creative group head. 

Speaking on the changes, Nizwani Shahar, CEO of Havas Malaysia, said: "Growth at Havas Malaysia is driven by our people. By recognising internal talent and bringing in new leadership capabilities, we’re reinforcing a culture that values collaboration, strategic thinking, and long-term partnerships. This leadership team is well positioned to guide the agency forward as we continue to evolve alongside our clients."

Earlier in January this year, the agency elevated business director Bowie Tiong to the role of general manager. Tiong brings over a decade of agency experience, including seven years at Ogilvy, where she progresses from account manager to account director, as well as stints at Naga DDB Tribal and BRC Group. 

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