Manila, Philippines – Global communications network dentsu, has announced the appointment of two key business leaders for its operations in the Philippines.
Quad de la Paz joins dentsu Philippines as head of Digital, while Koji Akabane has been promoted and joins the group’s Philippines operations as head of its Media Service line.
De La Paz is a seasoned digital marketing practitioner with over 17 years of industry experience. Quad has been tasked to drive the agency’s digital growth across both the Media and Creative Service lines. Quad’s previous experience includes website development as well as project management with AsiaOnline, and digital services directorship roles in Dentsu Indio and MRM Worldwide. He has also held a digital media director position at Starcom Mediavest as well as taking the helm as regional performance operations director at Adglow.
Meanwhile, Akabane brings with him 14 years of marketing and communication experience across the Asia Pacific region, with expertise in integrated digital marketing, commerce strategy, data solutions, and tech innovations. Akabane joined dentsu in 2017 and has been driving the digital business for the network in a regional capacity. Prior to joining the network, Akabane spent 10 years with WPP’s GroupM in Japan and Indonesia, where he led the regional client management team on accounts with Japanese-born brands across a wide industry spectrum, ranging from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), fashion, retail, luxury to automotive, among others.
In his new role, Akabane will be tasked to lead dentsu’s integrated agency network dentsu X, and look after key Japanese client accounts in dentsu Philippines. He will also be responsible for driving business growth and digital transformation of the Media Service line, working closely with the Media leads, and ensure the line’s alignment with regional as well as global teams.
Commenting on De La Paz’s appointment, JC Catibog, CEO at dentsu Philippines, said, “Quad’s professional expertise has always been focused in the digital space, spanning different segments, such as production, customer relationship management (CRM), digital strategy, digital media, search as well as performance marketing. Quad’s approach to digital is dynamic, agile, and data-driven, but collaboration and synergy across all methods, disciplines, and channels have been the constant thread.”
“He is strongly inclined in the usage of data and tools and believes it is a key component for success. There is no one better Quad to take on this role. I have confidence he will do a stellar job in transitioning traditional ways of working, into one that is tandem with the digital era,” added Catibog.
Meanwhile, on Akabane’s appointment, Catibog commented, “We are delighted to have Koji-san join the team. He has a wealth of experience across not only the network but also the region. Koji-san’s sophisticated digital expertise supports our digital ambitions. Without a doubt, I am certain he will take our business from strength to strength.”
The appointments will commence with immediate effect.
