SINGAPORE – Havas Group Singapore has promoted Russell Lai, most recently General Manager, to the role of Managing Director for its media operations, with immediate effect. In his new position, Lai will continue to report to Jacqui Lim, Group CEO, Havas Singapore and be responsible for leading integrated media solutions, strategic client management and new business for Havas and Arena Media.
The promotion is in line with Lai’s consistent leadership that has contributed to Havas Media Singapore’s overall stability and growth with a focus on building meaningful brands leveraging the network’s proprietary media planning approach Mx (Meaningful experiences).
Commenting on the elevation, Jacqui Lim, said, “Client leadership in a turbulent environment, as we are witnessing in 2020, is critical to our business and Russell has done an excellent job in helping our clients navigate the unknown and prepare for a stronger rebound. His ability to provide strategic counsel, ramp up our new business efforts combined with his tenacity and diligence has been a great asset to the agency. Additionally, his focus in initiating and building thought leadership assets has helped our clients stay meaningful in uncertain times. I am thrilled with his promotion which is a testament to our Group’s commitment to nurture talent.”
Lai joined Havas in 2015 as Executive Director and was promoted to General Manager in 2018. His media planning and client management experience spans 19 years across a wide range of verticals like FMCG, Govt, Telecommunications and Financial Services.
He has been instrumental in a slew of new business wins, with M1, UNIQLO and Hermes being the most recent ones and also successfully retained and extended relationships with longstanding clients such as FairPrice Group and Changi Airport Group amongst others.
“This recognition adds a new chapter in my Havas journey which has been immensely fulfilling. Working with an incredibly talented team has certainly been my key motivation and I look forward to propelling Havas Media Group to stay true to its repertoire of creating meaningful brands by leveraging creativity, media and entertainment,” added Lai.
