This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 5, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: After six months of the post of chief executive officer (CEO) being vacant in Star Media Group Bhd, the company has appointed Andreas Vogiatzakis (pic) as group CEO with effect from Aug 13.

Greek national Vogiatzakis, 53, was previously the CEO of Havas Media Group, Malaysia, a position he had held from August 2016 until June 2019.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be called to serve one of the most influential media groups in Malaysia with deep heritage and strength.

“As The Star Group sails in the era where consumers are in control and relevant content is of unparalleled importance, I hope to contribute further into the group transformation and strengthen it further for the future,” said the new chieftain in a statement yesterday.

According to Star Media Vogiatzakis began his career at advertising agency DMB&B in New York, the US and then he joined JWT in Athens, Greece before heading to Asia.

In 1997, Vogiatzakis launched and ran MediaVest Japan, later merging it with Starcom, with a short stint in between as Wieden & Kennedy’s media director for Nike, Uniqlo and Ben & Jerry’s, Star Media added.

In 2003, Vogiatzakis moved to Taiwan as the CEO of the MindShare Group and in October 2016, he relocated to Malaysia to lead Omnicom Media Group.

“Andreas has also served as president, treasurer or council member on several industry associations and committees and as a judge on numerous award juries as well as a member on various industry and university advisory boards,” said Star Media.

Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai retired from his position as group managing director and CEO on Jan 1, and the seat was left vacant since then.

Shares in Star Media closed half a sen or 0.78% up at 64.5 sen yesterday, giving it a market capitalisation to RM475.93 million. Over the past 12 months, the stock has declined 37% from RM1.03.