Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – PHD Malaysia has appointed David Soo as its newest managing director. Through the new role, Soo will be tasked to enhance the agency’s network partnership, drive integration across PHD capabilities and elevate business growth and its clients’ accounts.
He replaces Kiron Kesav, who moved to OMG Malaysia as the chief strategy officer earlier this year. Soo will be reporting to Eileen Ooi, CEO at OMG Malaysia, and will officially assume his new role on 4 July 2022.
An industry veteran, Soo is an all-rounder in the marketing and communication space having worked across creative, digital and media agencies. With more than 25 years of experience, David’s client portfolio spans a myriad of industries and brands, including Petronas, BMW Malaysia, Vinda, F&N, AIA, and AmBank.
He was previously the managing director of Invictus Blue Group. During his stint at the agency, he brought together multi-disciplinary people to develop breakthrough strategies and bespoke solutions that deliver tangible results and drive growth for clients’ businesses.
He was also with Saatchi & Saatchi Arachnid previously as managing director and general manager and Publicis One as chief integration officer.
Speaking on Soo’s appointment, Ooi said, “David is a dynamic business leader with a wealth of experience in the Malaysia market. His strength in creating innovative solutions by integrating talents from different disciplines will enhance PHD’s collaborative culture. David’s strategic business sense combined with his client-centric mindset makes him the perfect fit to lead the agency. I have full confidence that David is the right person to take PHD Malaysia to further new heights.”
Meanwhile, James Hawkins, CEO at PHD APAC, commented, “We couldn’t have asked for a more experienced and innovative thinker to lead PHD Malaysia. David’s multi-disciplinary experience, coupled with his business acumen and knowledge of local market dynamics, is instrumental in fostering a collaborative team as well as adding value to our clients’ business by providing effective business solutions that are insightful and impactful.”