ASIA PACIFIC – Mindshare, the global media agency network part of GroupM and WPP has appointed Himanshu Shekhar as CEO ASEAN.
Recognizing the increasing need for marketers to tap into the growing consumption potential in the ASEAN region, especially Myanmar and Cambodia, Mindshare has consolidated resources to provide customized marketing communication solutions for them in the ASEAN region.
By appointing Himanshu Shekhar as CEO, ASEAN, Mindshare aims to provide greater momentum and focus to scaling up services, and will work closely with marketers to unlock higher growth for them.
A seasoned Mindshare talent, Shekhar has lead the Mindshare team in Indonesia since 2012 and has energized the market with focus on new media and partnerships.
Gowthaman Ragothaman, COO of Mindshare Asia Pacific commented on the ASEAN opportunity:
“The ASEAN landscape is unique with a rich diversity of culture, however there remains the underlying similarity in challenges faced by marketers today. As an economic region, it is poised to embark on greater economic integration in 2015, and by leveraging our partnerships with Newton Circus, Out There Media and Geometry Global, we can provide solutions to engage with the emerging class consumers with real scale, and help our client’s grow their brands.”
Mindshare has continuously built its capabilities over the last few years, specifically targeting this region through the partnerships with industry leading startups in Big Data, Mobile Marketing and Content Marketing, and the Emerging Class Consumer activation unit to deliver customized solutions.
Ashutosh Srivastava, Chairman & CEO for Asia Pacific, and Global Growth Markets, Mindshare Worldwide, commented;
“While Mindshare is already the largest agency in every major country in ASEAN, the potential to expand is still vast, especially with Myanmar and Cambodia remaining untapped. The widespread adoption of mobile and the creation of our emerging class consumer marketing unit, in collaboration with Geometry Global, has opened up highly effective new channels for mass customized communication. These allow marketers to reach people living in rural and semi urban areas on scale, and unlock a much bigger growth opportunity for brand.”
In his new role, Shekhar will continue to be based in Jakarta as CEO Indonesia but will also lead, transfer best practice and bring new services to all ASEAN offices: Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines in addition to launching Mindshare’s operations in new markets of Myanmar and Cambodia.
Commenting on his appointment, Shekhar, said:
“It’s a privilege to be part of Mindshare leadership team and the opportunity to influence a never before world. ASEAN is going to be key driver of global growth in next decade and I an excited to work with our clients and participate in this journey.”
Shekhar’s role is effective immediately.
