Havas Media Group has announced the launch of fully-owned operations in Malaysia, with Omnicom Media Group’s Andreas Vogiatzakis joining as chief executive.

Vogiatzakis has been tasked with building a new team, launching specialist agency brands Mobext, Socialyse, Affiperf and Ecselis, and delivering the group’s new Havas Village proposition in Malaysia.

Executives already in place include general manager Christine Chang and head of digital Roopal Julka.

Vishnu Mohan, CEO of Havas Media Group in Asia Pacific, said he was excited to roll out the operations under the leadership of “media visionary and an inspirational leader” Vogiatzakis, who has also held senior roles at Mindshare and Starcom MediaVest Group.

He added: “We are delighted to launch our fully owned operations in Malaysia under the leadership of a well-recognised media heavyweight Andreas Vogiatzakis.

“Malaysia is a strategically important market for Havas Group in Southeast Asia and is key to our ambition of strengthening our already robust operations in the region. Andreas’ appointment is part of our strategy to put the best talent in the market.”

Vogiatzakis commented: “Havas is a forward-looking group with an innovative and sophisticated approach to media. I was particularly impressed with the resources they have put around developing collaboration and integration in each of their offices.

“In South East Asia, Havas Media has evolved as one of the most interesting media agencies both in terms of their offering and performance. The entrepreneur in me was itching to take on challenges and I have found the right fit in Havas Media. I am looking forward to my new innings with the group.”