Ruban takes on CEO role at Etika Group of Companies

Santharuban T. Sundaram who is currently CEO of Advend Group of Companies, a subsidiary of the Etika Group of Companies, has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Etika Group of Comanies effective April 1, 2022.

Ruban takes over from Khalid Alvi who had a sterling run for more than three years across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

A marketing, media and brand veteran for more than 15 years, he also won the CMO of the Year award in 2018 when he was VP of Marketing at Etika Group of Companies. A proven business development leader, Ruban subsequently took on leadership roles as Senior Vice President for Marketing & Alternate Business at Etika.

Known for his bold and innovative ideas, he always broke new ground in the marketing landscape. Notably, with the launch of Wonda which has created brand share history in the Malaysian coffee market.

His earlier stints were at Celcom, New Straits Times, and he began his career as a Junior Executive handling trade publicity at ntv7 almost 20 years ago.

Ruban told MARKETING Malaysia, “I have always treasured all my past experiences and mentors, and am grateful to be given this opportunity to drive one of the most progressive group of companies in the region.”

Professor Harmandar Singh, President of the Malaysian CMO Awards, adds, “Ruban is a rare breed of marketing and leadership professional. I am confident that his new role at Etika will augur well for the company and its stable of brands, his colleagues and business partners.”