MAM
Havas Media’s Mobext reaches Singapore and Malaysia
MUMBAI: Havas Media has launched its mobile marketing agency Mobext in Singapore and Malaysia with Michael de Souza as general manager of the newly launched agency.
Mobext Singapore and Malaysia will leverage the strengths of sister agency MPG and Havas Digital siblings Media Contacts and Ecselis and their portfolio of clients like Resorts World Sentosa, DBS Bank, NTUC Fairprice, Abbott, to expand their business in the market.
Mobext is currently present in 19 markets globally and offers a truly end-to-end, mobile marketing agency service to clients. In Singapore the agency will offer messaging services like SMS and download; mobile internet services like WAP consulting and development, mobile display, mobile search. It will also provide proximity based services including LBS and mapping. Besides, it will offer integration through reporting and analytics by Havas Digital‘s campaign management platform.
de Souza is a digital strategist with broad agency, ad network, media planning and content development experience. He joins the agency from global advertising network Buzzcity Pte Ltd, where he served as VP for Media. During his 12 year career, he has managed cross-channel campaigns and developed content for brands including Coca-Cola, Nestl?©, EAGames, Disney, Nike and MTN.
Havas Media Asia Pacific CEO Vishnu Mohan said, “Singapore and Malaysia are strategically important markets for Havas Media and very advanced when it comes to mobile penetration and usage. We think that the time is just right for the launch of Mobext in the two markets. Our vision is to be the only pure-play mobile marketing agency network with truly regional scale across the entire Asia-Pacific, with strong mobile leaders in every major Asian market. This will allow us to work with the largest advertisers across the region for region-wide mobile marketing agency campaigns.”
Mobext head of mobile APAC Arthur Policarpio said: “We invest in people, and with Michael, we have a leader with years of experience in mobile who can provide our clients with expert advice in this field. We are likewise the largest mobile agency network in the world, with offices in 19 markets, allowing us to leverage significant international experience in mobile best practice.”
The launch of Mobext in Singapore follows the launch of the agency brand in Asia Pacific starting from India in the second quarter of 2011. Earlier in 2012 in February the media group acquired a majority stake in Snapworx Mobile Inc in the Philippines, following which the agency was rebranded as Mobext.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
