Invictus Blue forges partnership with Havas Worldwide, appoints new Chairman

Havas Group, one of the world’s largest global communications groups has entered into a partnership agreement with leading communications agency in Malaysia, Invictus Blue

Following the partnership, Invictus Blue also announced the appointment of its new chairman, Tan Sri Norza Zakaria in a move that will further bolster the company as a formidable player in the local communications industry.

“The partnership with Havas Group and the appointment of Tan Sri Norza marks a new era for Invictus Blue,” said Invictus Blue CEO Gerald Miranda, generally regarded as one of the foremost media pioneers in Malaysia.

We are delighted to be affiliated with Havas, which is one of the most forward looking agency groups in the world today. And having Tan Sri Norza as Chairman will enhance this synergy,” Miranda added.

Further, Miranda said, “Havas being part of Vivendi, a global leader in culture, entertainment, media and communications, is a major differentiator in the marketplace. This means we think about culture, not just communications. Brands rightly have a role to play in culture as well as how they entertain, inform and make positive changes to the world.”

Meanwhile, Alberto Canteli, CEO/Chairman Havas Group, Nordics CEE & Middle East, SEA & North Asia said Invictus Blue’s experience in media and non-media services across social content is in line with our Havas’ ‘village’ concept.

“The decision to enter into this affiliation agreement was made after a review of Invictus Blue’s impeccable track record in Malaysia. The company deeply understands local cultures and nuances and has a global outlook,” Canteli said. “In Invictus, Havas has found a formidable local partner to tap into the immense growth potential in the region,”.

Tan Sri Norza is currently Executive Chairman and President of public-listed Citaglobal Berhad (formerly known as WZ Satu Berhad) and Tiza Global Sdn Bhd.

The Australian trained chartered accountant also sits on the board of Air Asia Aviation Group Limited. Previously, he had sat on Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd, Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd, TH Plantations Bhd and Tropicana Corporation Bhd, among others.

Gerald added that Tan Sri Norza, as President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has his pulse on the sporting environment in Malaysia and will help leverage sports in the communications arena which is a huge trend worldwide.

Commenting on the appointment, he said that he is honoured to be able to come on board a company with an impressive track record in the industry.

“Communications today has become very complex. Clients expect agencies to be able to deploy cutting-edge tools and processes across borders and Invictus delivers on these criteria”, Tan Sri Norza said.

He added that in today’s globalised world, linkages are important and he was hopeful in leveraging his corporate experience to provide fresh perspectives into Invictus Blue’s operations as well as enhance the company’s value proposition by boosting business synergy.

Having begun as one of Asia’s first global media companies in 1994, Invictus Blue today has a portfolio that includes some of the most established brands in Malaysia, across diverse sectors. The agency has a strong reputation with a proven track record.

In May this year, Invictus Blue won 15 awards at the Malaysian Digital Association’s (MDA) Awards, including the coveted “Grand Prix” and “Digital Impact of the Year”.

The win underlines Invictus Blue as one of the most highly-regarded communications companies in the country. The company has won over 60 awards over the past three years.