Tag: Leadership

Singapore – Edelman has announced that Rakesh Thukral will succeed Warren Fernandez as CEO for the firm’s operations in Asia-Pacific (APAC). Fernandez will be stepping down from the role to pursue a new opportunity and will remain with the firm until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.  

Thukral has a long-standing career with Edelman. As the current APAC chief operating officer and managing director of India, he has championed growth through a relentless focus on the firm’s clients, people and diversification of specialties and offerings across its portfolio. 

Speaking on his new role, Thukra said.“We have a strong team across the region and great client relationships across sectors and markets. I look forward to working with our teams and clients to continue elevating our work, and ensuring our clients receive solutions that help them evolve and grow their businesses in these complex times.”  

Meanwhile Ed Williams, Edelman’s President for International, spoke on the recent development stating, “I am grateful for everything that Warren has done for the firm, and for his leadership both regionally and globally. He has broadened and sharpened the firm’s capabilities in APAC, and his decades of experience in the news and media sector has been hugely important to many of our clients. We sincerely wish him all the best with his next move. 

“The APAC region continues to present significant opportunity for Edelman and our clients, and therefore remains a key focus for us. Rakesh’s experience of partnering with global companies to enter the Indian market, and for Indian businesses to expand globally, will be invaluable to our clients across the whole region. He has a deep understanding of the business, political, and societal dynamics of the region, and I have confidence that under his leadership, our business will be well positioned”, continues Williams. 

Lastly, Fernandez says, “I am grateful for having been part of the Edelman team and to have worked with some of the industry’s most talented and committed colleagues. A new opportunity has arisen which is hard to say no to; it is a role that plays to my longstanding interests in public policy, and where I will have the opportunity to engage on some of the significant political and geopolitical issues of the day.” 

Thukral will report into Williams in his new role, and the appointment is effective immediately. 

Manila, Philippines – Grupo Agatep has officially announced the appointment of Norman Agatep as its new chairman and CEO, as well as Michelle Agatep-Bayhon as the firm’s managing director.

Prior to this appointment, Norman served as managing director and president of the agency. With over 30 years of experience in Corporate and Marketing Communication, Agatep brings extensive expertise in public relations, advertising, digital marketing, creative development, and strategic planning to lead the agency into a new era of growth and innovation. 

He also previously led Euro RSCG Manila and Havas Worldwide Manila as its managing director.

Speaking on his new role, Norman said, “I am honoured to step into this role at a time when branded communication is rapidly evolving and groundbreaking technology is shifting the way we connect with stakeholders. I look forward to driving our agency’s vision forward, fostering creativity, and delivering more meaningful impact for our client-partners.”

He also added, “My priority is to further the legacy of outstanding communication that has defined Grupo Agatep. We will continue to innovate and set new benchmarks, ensuring our work not only meets but exceeds the expanding needs of our clients in an industry that continues to redefine itself.”

Meanwhile, Michelle is a seasoned PR and communication professional with over two decades of experience, specialising in reputation management, corporate communication, and integrated marketing strategies. She began her career at the agency in 2001, laying the foundation for her expertise and dedication to the field. Before her appointment as managing director, she held the position of accounts and client servicing director of Grupo Agatep. 

Michelle’s appointment marks a significant step in the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance client relationships and drive strategic initiatives that elevate brand communication.

“I am excited to continue our legacy of excellence and to work closely with the team to craft campaigns that resonate deeply and create positive change,” she said.

Singapore – Global B2B marketing specialist Fifth Ring is expanding its senior leadership team with the creation of a new role as the company structures itself to focus on significant growth in the coming year. 

For this, Jennifer Maclennan, who has been an integral part of Fifth Ring for the last eight years, has been promoted to the newly formed role of group managing director.

In her tenure at Fifth Ring, she has held various senior positions, most recently as regional director for Europe, which has seen her perform a pivotal role in delivering key strategic initiatives, leading an ambitious recruitment process, expanding business operations, building strong client relations, and delivering exceptional results for the business.

Speaking on her new role, Jennifer said, “I am truly honoured to take on this exciting new role and continue my journey with Fifth Ring. Being part of this incredible team and contributing to a company I have so much passion for has been a highly rewarding experience.”

She added, “In my new role, I will continue to maintain and enhance positive client relationships, whilst taking on new operational challenges and ensuring Fifth Ring owns the space in global B2B marketing. Together with Ian, Steve and our Regional Directors, Debbie Ho in Asia and Todd Gregory in America, I look forward to growing the company and supporting our talented team to build on the strong foundation and positive momentum we have created.”

Fifth Ring, which has offices in Singapore and Houston, created the role to support its significant growth trajectory and to accelerate further expansion. In this new role, Jennifer will take overall responsibility for all operational activities and support sustained growth and continued expansion into new markets. 

With this move, Fifth Ring founder Ian Ord will focus on global revenue growth, international expansion, and acquisitions, and Steve Milne, group director of strategy, will take overall responsibility for brand projects and strategy for clients on a global basis.

Meanwhile, Ord commented, “We’ve enjoyed spectacular growth over the past few years, and as our business becomes more complex, we recognised the need to expand our senior team. Jennifer’s promotion will increase our leadership bandwidth, ensuring we can continue building on our success. We are excited about the trajectory of the business and the opportunities that affords us to attract new talent and further diversify our client portfolio. We are committed to international expansion, both organically and through further acquisitions.”

In addition to group managing director, Jennifer will also continue her Board role with Business Branding Network (BBN) helping to drive a more powerful, unified B2B agency partnership around the world.

Singapore – Regional entertainment hub KC Global Media Asia has announced a series of key promotions within its leadership team, designed to enhance strategic capabilities and drive revenue growth across the region. 

The promotions include Shirlene Wu as vice president and general manager for Taiwan & Greater China, Edith Goh as vice president of revenue and head of media and sponsorship sales, Bhuvnesh Kanwar as vice president of revenue and head of FAST (free ad-supported streaming television), and Bonnie Wiryani as vice president of revenue and head of content sales.

These announcements comes alongside the departure of Avani Bhanchawat, vice president and head of revenue, who has left the organisation after a seven-year tenure. All new leaders will be reporting directly to George Chien, co-founder, CEO and president of KC Global Media.

Shirlene will oversee the company’s strategic operations and content development, enhancing the organisation’s presence across the region. She has been an integral part of the KC Global Media team for eight years and during her tenure, she has made significant contributions including collaborating with tourism boards and government agencies on various projects as well as establishing a dedicated advertising sales team for Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Edith will be responsible for developing and executing innovative media and sponsorship initiatives while identifying and cultivating new revenue streams. Having been with KC Global Media for more than five years, she secured major sponsorship deals with key partners including One Championship for The Apprentice Asia – One Championship Edition, Tourism Authority Of Thailand and Tourism Malaysia, significantly contributing to the organisation’s growth and success.

Bhuvnesh will drive revenue growth in the streaming sector and oversee monetisation strategies across Indonesia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He will also work to establish advertising sales opportunities in Singapore, Indonesia, and the pan-regional market. During his six-year tenure at KC Global Media, Kanwar was instrumental in creating branded IPs like Ultimate Challenge and AXN All Stars for both streaming and traditional TV, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia. 

He has also established linear and on-demand partnerships with various telcos, OTT platforms and DTH providers, including Amazon Prime Video, Telkomsel, Pt Link Net, MNC Sky Vision and many more. Additionally, he was the key architect in launching KCM, KC Global Media’s first FAST Channel, in India.

Lastly, Bonnie will be responsible for driving content sales in Asia, and strengthening partnerships with key partners in Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia excluding Indonesia. Her focus will be on maximising opportunities in both traditional and emerging markets. Wiryani has been with KC Global Media for four years and has expanded the channels portfolio with key clients such as Tonton, Unifi TV in Malaysia, and MeWatch in Singapore. She has also led on-ground activations to enhance brand awareness and has launched the firm’s channels in new markets like Mongolia and the Maldives.

Speaking on the leadership promotions, Chien said, “We are committed to fostering talent and building a strong leadership team and are thrilled to recognise these talented leaders for their hard work and dedication. We are confident they will excel in their new roles and continue to drive the company’s growth ambitions in this dynamic media landscape.”

He added, “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Avani for her contributions and leadership during her time with us. Throughout her seven years with the company, she has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s revenue strategies and driving significant growth. We sincerely thank her for that and wish her continued success in her future pursuits.”

Philippines – Women in marketing and tech are reshaping the industry with fresh perspectives and innovative strategies. As leaders, they break barriers and champion diversity. Their influence fosters an inclusive culture, inspiring the next generation of female marketers to thrive and make their mark in a dynamic field.

With a mission to recognise the empowered women who are making waves in the marketing and technology fields, MARKETECH APAC, in collaboration with its sister publication UpTech Media, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated ‘Empowered Women Awards 2025.’

Centering on the tagline ‘Empowering Innovation, Elevating Women,’ the Empowered Women Awards 2025 highlights the inspiring journeys of women who have built successful careers and become catalysts for change. The awards go beyond recognition, serving as a testament to the strength and vision of women driving progress in the marketing and tech landscape. 

This awards ceremony builds on the success of previous iterations, such as the ‘Empowered Women Series’ and the virtual’ Empowered Women 2023: Marketing Conference & Awards,’ celebrating the extraordinary women transforming the marketing and technology sectors across Asia Pacific.

Scheduled to culminate in a prestigious in-person awards night on 26 September 2025 in Manila, this event promises to be a celebration of innovation, leadership, and the courageous spirit of women who are trailblazers in their fields. 

The Empowered Women Awards 2025 will showcase 46 categories, including individual recognition, marketing campaigns, tech innovations, special awards, and the grand prix. Each category will honour three (3) winners, awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold distinctions.

Judging criteria and eligibility will vary by category. Entries will open in November this year, with the judging process taking place in 14-25 July 2025.

Teddy Cambosa, regional editor at MARKETECH APAC, said, “We’re excited to finally launch our ‘Empowered Women Awards 2025’, as we believe that empowering women in the marketing and technology space is not only about closing gaps—it’s about recognising their immense contributions and unleashing their full potential. By celebrating their leadership, creativity, and innovation, we foster a more inclusive industry where diverse voices drive progress and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. When women are seen, heard, and valued, the future of these fields becomes limitless.”

To find out how to participate in this prestigious award series, click HERE to learn more about the Empowered Women Awards 2025.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joven Barcenas ([email protected]); for judging opportunities, please contact Ivy Alamo ([email protected]); and for nominations, please contact Denise Obispado ([email protected]). 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Hepmil Media Group in Malaysia has announced new additions to its local leadership team, which includes Stephanie Looi as its country general manager, and Nur Liyana Abdul Latip as business development director. It is worth noting that both are recently coming from Astro, with Stephanie recently as its head of digital solutions while Liyana was recently a digital sales manager.

In a LinkedIn post, Karl Mak, co-founder and CEO of Hepmil Media Group stated that after a few quiet years without significant investments or announcements, these senior hires mark a new chapter for HEPMIL Malaysia.

MARKETECH APAC recently caught up with Stephanie and Liyana to better understand their new roles, as well as hearing their insights on various trends and opportunities awaiting brands in terms of tapping into social media opportunities and strategies.

Understanding key responsibilities

In her capacity as country general manager, Stephanie has shared that her primary responsibility is to drive growth and expand their presence in the Malaysian market. This includes overseeing local operations, managing the creators’ network, building partnerships with brands and agencies, and ensuring their business objectives align with market trends.

“I will also focus on tailoring our content strategies to resonate with Malaysian audiences while scaling our platform’s reach and influence. We aim to continuously drive innovation. One of the products we aim to launch in the next quarter would be social commerce with livestream shopping,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Liyana stated that in her role as business development director for Hepmil Media in Malaysia, her key responsibility is to increase their clientele and identify new business opportunities by developing social content strategies across agencies and brands. 

“As our core businesses are MGAG and HCN, the task at hand is to ensure these 2 products of ours are on top of mind when the brands are planning their social campaigns. As we are growing our Hepmil Creators’ Network in Malaysia, my responsibility is also to oversee onboarding and build rapport with up-and-coming new creators to work with us and together create award-winning campaigns for our clients,” she explained.

On implementing strategies related to new leadership role

For Liyana, her focus in her role lies into making sure the content they make for clients is relevant and in the end, making sure it’s engaging for the target audience.

“Having products that speak well to the youngsters, the strategy is to ensure the content is relevant to our client as well. We want to create partnerships with creators and brands that creates engaging content that at the end of the day is memorable for the target audience. Additionally, with the social commerce strategy that we aim to start soon, it will give us the additional benefits and clients can explore beyond the biddable media too,” she said.

Meanwhile, Stephanie stressed that they plan to implement strategies that cater to both creators and brands, ensuring that we are an essential bridge between the two. Moreover, they aim to localise content and campaigns and integrate social commerce as part of this consumer journey. 

“When consumers come across engaging content from creators they trust, it generates authentic brand awareness and builds credibility. These creators act as influencers who can effectively communicate a brand’s value in a relatable way, sparking genuine interest and driving consumer intent. Through this journey, we will integrate social commerce capabilities,” she said.

Stephanie added, “We will be able to shorten the decision purchase from inspiration to transaction. Once a consumer discovers a product through creator content, they can immediately access shoppable links or embedded storefronts within the platform, allowing for a frictionless buying experience. We are also looking at enhancing this with live streaming shopping experience.

For her, this strategy not only boosts conversion rates but also enhances the overall customer experience, as the pathway from content to commerce feels natural and intuitive.

“Ultimately, the connection between discovery and purchase is strengthened, making it easier for consumers to move from interest to action, while brands gain a powerful channel to drive sales and foster long-term loyalty,” Stephanie noted.

Learnings to bring in new role

As both Stephanie and Liyana hail from Astro, both have shared their reflections on their past time at the company, and what skills they will bring to Hepmil Media Group moving forward.

“Astro gave us invaluable experience in understanding the local media landscape, content distribution, and audience behaviour. From that, I’ve learned the importance of localised content and how cultural nuances play a key role in audience engagement. Another takeaway is the power of integrated marketing, combining traditional and digital media strategies to amplify reach,” Stephanie said.

She also added, “We will bring this integrated approach to Hepmil, ensuring our offerings resonate with diverse audiences in Malaysia. Additionally, the experience of working in a rapidly evolving media environment at Astro will help us stay agile and adaptable, which is crucial in the social media space.”

Meanwhile, Liyana commented, “Astro gave me the opportunity to work in many different specialities i.e. production, content, operations and more! With many products under Astro, it allows clients to have integrated plans in their campaigns. We created content made for digital too and not just a mirroring from TV. Good thing about Astro, we are the experts for any type of demographics, we speak to everyone and clients can count on us on it.”

Addressing challenges, riding opportunities in the social media scene

For Stephanie, it is worth noting that with Malaysia, being a diverse, multiracial population, media companies need to continuously create localized content that resonates with its target audience. Moreover, they need to take into consideration cultural sensitivities that could potentially lead to backlash and brand reputation.

“Content saturation is a huge challenge too as we need to be able to stand out from the crowded media space. Another challenge would be the evolving regulation of digital content which requires us to stay vigilant,” she said.

Despite the challenges, she says that they do see significant potentials and opportunities, more specifically the rise of short-form video content, to creators, which is offering new avenues for engagement. 

“There is also strong interest in social commerce, where brands leverage social media as a direct sales channel and creators/KOLs to lead to conversion. This presents a unique opportunity to create localised and culturally relevant content, reaching a highly engaged audience,” she noted.

Liyana also seconded Stephanie’s thoughts, stating, “This ultra-short, binge-friendly micro dramas means we don’t have to commit so much of our time and it can easily consumed wherever we at. If you notice as well the casts used in the series are not celebrity level, which means it could be anyone or even our Hepmil Creators can be the face of the show, as long as the plot is attractive and can hook people to keep coming back for the next parts. Ideally, it will be fun if Hepmil Media can also produce our own vertical series through MGAG, who knows?”

Liyana also addressed the rise of social commerce where all clients wants to venture into and it works very well for SME businesses. 

“The seamless shopping experience which also leverages on influencer collaboration is definitely something Hepmil Media has been doing across regions and we hope to kickstart as soon as possible for Malaysia,” she said.

Meanwhile, Stephanie listed three key trends, including i) continued growth of short-form video content, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels; ii) huge demand on social commerce – more consumers turn to social media for product discovery and path to purchase are made easier, and iii) AI-driven content creation and personalisation will become more prevalent, allowing for highly targeted and efficient campaigns, at a more localised content level, personalities, behaviour and preferences.

Their recent appointments follow the recent appointment of new leadership in its Singapore office, with Mak stating that expect more appointments to follow.

Singapore – GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced a series of leadership changes to accelerate business growth and further the implementation of the company’s simplified operating model in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. 

The changes expand the remits of Mindshare, Wavemaker, and EssenceMediacom’s regional agency leaders to include responsibility for critical GroupM-wide functions and capabilities.

First off, in addition to her Mindshare leadership duties in APAC, Helen McRae will oversee GroupM’s growth and business development teams in the region. McRae will work closely with regional leadership and GroupM’s recently appointed global chief growth officer, Hamish Davies, to ensure teams responding to new business opportunities benefit from shared knowledge, best practices, tools, and processes in all markets and across all GroupM agencies. 

Meanwhile, Sindhuja Rai, Wavemaker’s regional lead for Asia-Pacific, will take on the additional responsibility for overseeing GroupM’s client leadership communities in the region. Rai will partner with GroupM and agency leaders throughout APAC, including CEOs Prasanth Kumar (South Asia), Rupert McPetrie (China), Michael Beecroft (North Asia), Himanshu Shekhar (Southeast Asia), Aimee Buchanan (Australia/New Zealand), and Arshan Saha (Singapore), to implement GroupM-wide best practices for client service and experience across all accounts and in all markets. 

Lastly, EssenceMediacom’s chief operating officer for APAC, Josh Gallagher, is promoted to client president for the agency in the region. In this new role, Gallagher will oversee GroupM’s client strategy capability and talent communities in the region, applying best practices and implementing cutting edge strategic planning tools and technologies across all agencies and APAC markets. He will also manage EssenceMediacom’s portfolio of clients across APAC, succeeding Rupert McPetrie who was appointed into a new role as CEO for GroupM in China in February.

Speaking about the leadership changes, Brian Lesser, global CEO at GroupM said “GroupM’s depth of talent in Asia Pacific is well known, both in the region and around the world. In Helen, Sindhuja, and Josh, we have some of the most outstanding leaders in the industry working to make sure GroupM keeps raising the bar for client service and marketing innovation. I’m excited to see the positive impact I know they will have on the way we leverage our collective intelligence and technology to deliver value for our clients and give our teams every opportunity to collaborate, grow, and win together.” 

Singapore – PubMatic has announced the appointment of Laura Greally as marketing director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. In this role, Greally will lead the development and execution of marketing strategies to increase awareness, consideration, and adoption of PubMatic’s innovative solutions across publishers, broadcasters, media buyers, and commerce partners.

With nearly two decades of experience in B2B marketing and deep expertise in the digital advertising and publishing industries, Greally brings a wealth of knowledge to PubMatic. 

She has previously held senior leadership positions at Thunderdome Marketing, CNN International, IAB Southeast Asia + India, and BBC Worldwide, where she played pivotal roles in driving programmatic advertising adoption, enhancing market penetration, and fostering industry collaborations across the APAC region.

At PubMatic, Greally will oversee the execution of regional marketing campaigns across digital, paid media, and account-based marketing strategies to drive product adoption and brand visibility. She will also lead PubMatic’s participation in high-impact industry events and product launches across the APAC region. 

Additionally, she will be responsible for managing the marketing teams in both Northern and Southern APAC, working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. 

Greally will report to Emily Yri, vice president of international marketing at PubMatic.

Speaking on her new role, Greally said, “I’m thrilled to join PubMatic at such an exciting time for the APAC digital advertising market. With the dynamic evolution of programmatic advertising and increasing opportunities across media formats, I look forward to driving impactful marketing campaigns that further establish PubMatic as a leader in this space.”

Meanwhile, Yri commented, “We are delighted to welcome Laura to the team. Her comprehensive experience in strategic marketing and extensive knowledge of the digital advertising ecosystem will be instrumental in driving PubMatic’s continued growth and innovation across the APAC region.”

Singapore – Albert Shu is stepping down from his leadership role at Weber Shandwick after two decades, the firm has confirmed to MARKETECH APAC when reached out to.

“Albert has served over 20 years with the Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific team. He has led his teams with dedication, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence. We thank Albert for his contributions and wish him all the best,” an agency spokesperson said.

Albert was most recently the president of Hong Kong and Singapore for the marketing communications firm, a role he held for more than three years since January 2021.

He has spent most his leadership career as the managing director of Weber Shandwick Hong Kong for sixteen years from 2004 to 2021. During his tenure, he was instrumental to the firm’s long-term business success in the local market, driven by the stability and diversity of its client and staff portfolio, brought together by a culture of collegiality.

During his Hong Kong leadership experience, the firm offers dedicated practices across six key sectors – including consumer marketing, corporate and crisis communications, financial services, healthcare, public affairs and technology–and can offer a multi-disciplinary approach to clients with a diverse range of business challenges and stakeholders.

Prior to his Weber Shandwick stint, he also served as the head of marketing and communications for Deloitte Consulting in Asia Pacific Africa from 1998 to 2003, as well as a manager to the Burson-Marsteller firm, which is now BCW–and will also be absorbed with Hill+Knowlton to form Burson.

Singapore – Rob Gilby is stepping down from his role as chief executive officer for Asia-Pacific at dentsu, the agency has confirmed to MARKETECH APAC when reached out to. According to dentsu, Rob stepped down to pursue ‘new ventures’.

“Rob Gilby has stepped down from his position as CEO, APAC, dentsu to pursue new opportunities. Rob has provided significant leadership across our markets, brands and practices in the region and as a member of the group executive management team as we transition to One dentsu,” the agency stated.

Dentsu also highlighted that during his tenure, Rob has fortified the leadership team, enhanced core capabilities and aligned with the new Group strategy to offer integrated, client-centric growth solutions from across dentsu’s practices. 

For the time being, APAC will be headed with the help of its leaders in the cluster markets through its Group Strategy Unit.

“As we search for a new APAC CEO, our leaders in the established cluster markets, powered by a strong regional clients, business and function team will work through the Group Strategy Unit, under the leadership of Yoshiki Ishihara, Global Chief Strategy Officer, with the full support of Global President & CEO, Hiro Igarashi, ensuring a continued client-centric approach and progress of the One dentsu performance and growth agenda. We thank Rob for his dedication and commitment to our organisation and wish him success in his future endeavours,” the agency added.

Rob joined dentsu in 2022 following his stint from Nielsen as its president for APAC for almost a year. Prior to that, Rob also held senior leadership roles for The Walt Disney Company and Turner. Outside of that, he also held advisory roles for the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).

Moreover, Rob is also the founder and CEO of consumer and media tech consultancy Blue Hat Ventures, as well as a founding partner of venture capital firm Reaction.