Tag: agency

India – After more than two decades in India, Cheil India has transitioned into the Cheil SWA Group, reflecting a strategic evolution into an end-to-end marketing solutions provider. The transformation includes a new group structure and leadership appointments.

Founded in 2003 as Samsung’s dedicated agency, Cheil has evolved into a full-service marketing group with a broader client portfolio. Its transformation into the Cheil SWA Group follows years of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, positioning it at the intersection of creativity, technology, and business strategy.

The restructured group comprises seven specialised units—Samsung Business, Cheil X, Experience Commerce, CYLNDR, NewRx, Digital Media & Influencer Marketing, and Cheil GDC—each offering expertise across areas such as creative marketing, digital transformation, performance marketing, content production, retail design, influencer engagement, and technology solutions. This integrated model is aimed at addressing the increasingly complex needs of modern businesses.

With this shift, Cheil SWA Group is also positioning itself as a destination for top industry talent. The realignment breaks down silos between marketing disciplines, offering clients a more streamlined and coordinated approach.

Carlos LimSeob Chung, president and CEO of Cheil SWA, will lead the newly restructured Cheil SWA Group. Jitender Dabas, recently appointed CEO of Cheil X, will oversee the group’s agency operations. Meanwhile, Mandeep Sharma steps in as COO of Cheil India, with a mandate to strengthen customer experience and build out CRM capabilities across the marketing value chain.

“Our transformation into the Cheil SWA Group marks a significant milestone in our journey. Each company within our group is driven by a commitment to innovation and excellence, allowing us to offer comprehensive solutions to our clients. We are excited about the future and confident that our expanded capabilities will enable us to achieve even greater success,” Chung explained.

He added, “Today’s marketing landscape demands integrated thinking and specialised execution. Our transformation into Cheil SWA Group is a natural evolution of our capabilities, allowing us to offer clients seamless access to world-class expertise across every touchpoint of the consumer journey.”

Indonesia – As part of its expansion in Southeast Asia, Havas has formed a strategic alliance with Indonesia-based independent agency Moonfolks, uniting Havas’ media expertise with Moonfolks’ integrated and digital marketing capabilities. 

Operating as ‘Havas Moonfolks,’ the partnership will offer a range of services, including traditional and digital advertising, social media, programmatic buying, performance marketing, creative development, and brand strategy. The collaboration aims to streamline media and creative efforts, enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of brand campaigns.

The alliance also reflects Havas’ broader strategy of integrating talent, capabilities, and platforms to streamline media and creative services. The partnership aims to enhance brand solutions by leveraging data, media, and creativity.

Additionally, the collaboration will introduce Havas’ proprietary tools and services, including Havas Market (eCommerce), Havas Play (Content & Activation), and CSA (Data & Tech), to the Indonesian market.

Effective January 6, 2025, Havas’ media team has integrated with Moonfolks, officially launching operations under the Havas Moonfolks brand.

Moonfolks will continue to operate as an independent creative and integrated agency under the leadership of its founder, CEO, and president director, Anish Daryani. Through this partnership, media and creative services will be integrated under the Havas Moonfolks umbrella.

Daryani will also assume the role of president director for Havas Moonfolks, bringing his industry expertise and market experience to drive growth and innovation. He will be supported by Stefanus Christofer (Steven) as general manager, working alongside Pankaj Nayak, the newly appointed president of SEA at Havas Media.

Under the guidance of Rana Barua, group CEO for India, SEA, and North Asia, Daryani and his team will have the resources and support needed to drive strategic decisions, align with regional objectives, and strengthen market growth.

Speaking about the alliance, Barua said, “Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing markets, making it a strategic priority for us. This strategic alliance with Moonfolks marks a significant milestone in our growth journey and strengthens our position to lead with our Converged strategy, amplifying our ability to deliver impactful solutions for brands in local, regional, and global markets.”

Meanwhile, Daryani explained, “The industry has created significant complexity by separating creative and media functions into different agencies. I’ve witnessed firsthand how disconnected these teams can be, even when working on the same client or within the same holding company.” 

He added, “By uniting creative and media, we are leading the charge in challenging the traditional approach, bringing integrated agency teams together to solve business challenges for our clients. This collaboration provides a proven model that combines creative content, effective distribution, and a higher ROAS for brands. Through this alliance, we have completed our integrated model, allowing us to accelerate commerce for our clients in a way that truly drives results.”

Sydney, Australia – Advertising agency DDB Sydney has just announced the appointment of Rupert Price as its new chief strategy officer.

As the new chief strategy officer at DDB Sydney, Price will lead the planning department in its sharp focus on effectiveness delivered through the power of emotionally charged creativity across clients such as Westpac, Volkswagen Group and McDonald’s.

With a 25-year career background in agencies across London and New Zealand, Price has spent the last 12 years as DDB Group Aotearoa’s chief strategy officer and will now continue his momentum in Sydney.

In his time at DDB Group Aotearoa, Price has been instrumental in the agency’s success, with numerous accolades and achievements ranging from Cannes Gold Lions to a coveted D&AD Black Pencil. In addition, he has steered the agency to four NZ Effies Agency of the Year titles, as well as winning many effectiveness awards at both regional and global shows.

During his career, Price has also worked with Interbrand as director of strategy, head of planning at Ogilvy NZ and Ogilvy London and was board planning director at Saatchi & Saatchi London.

Speaking on his appointment, Price said, “It was a tough decision to leave the agency I’ve called home for the last 12 years but the opportunity to work with the Sydney team to continue their trajectory was too good to pass up.”

Meanwhile, Sheryl Marjoram, CEO at DDB Group Sydney, commented, “I couldn’t be happier to have Rupert joining the team. We’ve long been admirers of his impact and momentum across the Tasman and it’s always a special moment to be able to recruit much loved and respected DDB’ers within the network. His passion, commitment and results speak for themselves and I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next for DDB Sydney.”

Singapore – WATATAWA, a WE Communications company, has just recently announced the appointment of Stephen Robertson as managing director, effective immediately.

In his new role, Robertson will now oversee WATATAWA’s day-to-day operations and management of the business, while strengthening the agency’s footprint in Singapore and across Asia-Pacific.

He will be reporting to Nitin Mantri, regional executive managing director at WE Communications APAC.

Robertson succeeds Simon Pangrazio, who has decided to step down after 14 years and has been supporting the leadership transition. He will be leaving the firm on July 5. 

“Stephen is a leading strategist, client counsellor, and trusted voice in the industry,” said Mantri. “This succession has been long planned, and under Stephen’s leadership the agency will only continue to evolve, with WATATAWA’s clients in the very best hands.

”Speaking on his own appointment, Robertson said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead WATATAWA and maintain the high bar that Simon has set. It has been a privilege to work closely together over the decade and to develop a business and consulting model that is as relevant to our clients as ever and encourages and engages our people.”

Meanwhile, Kass Sells, CEO, international at WE Communications, commented, “This transition is a passing-of-the-torch moment to the next -generation of leadership and an example of how WE invests in and develops our leaders from within. A long-time business partner to Simon, Stephen is a seasoned communications professional who knows the market, our people and our clients, with a strong vision for the future of WATATAWA.”

Singapore – Global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners has announced the promotion of Joshua Wang to associate vice president, brand & market intelligence for Asia Pacific.

The promotion, which expands FINN’s regional bench and capabilities across offices, helps position the group for long-term growth in APAC and expands on its client service capabilities.

In his new role, Wang is responsible for leveraging research, data analysis and strategic insight to drive revenue growth, bolster thought leadership initiatives, and foster innovation for FINN and its clients.

Speaking on his promotion, Wang said, “In today’s landscape, clients are navigating tremendous shifts. They rely on us to serve as trusted advisors, delving into their challenges and providing strategic counsel. At the foundational level, the value and brilliance of effective brand strategy is in enabling them to achieve a consistent and recognizable identity, one that enables them to stand out from the crowd.”

Meanwhile, Naeema Ismail, managing partner at FINN Partners Singapore, commented, “Joshua lives and breathes client strategy and intelligence for brands and excels at directing programs that require evaluation from multiple angles. Using research to develop strategies that contribute to clients’ bottom lines, while expanding our offerings and supporting the growth of our advisory and consulting program, we’re further able to enhance our work with data-driven insights that drive business impact.”

Singapore – AI-powered adtech company Smartly has recently announced the appointment of Bertilla Teo as CEO for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Her appointment underscores Smartly’s goal of helping advertisers succeed in a complex digital ecosystem with increasing fragmentation of channels, changing privacy regulations, and the need for efficient budget allocation across diverse markets.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in advertising, Teo boasts a proven track record of success in APAC. Prior to this role, she served as CEO of Publicis Groupe, China, where she focused on client acquisition and implementing the “Power of One” model, gaining numerous accolades for her performance within the industry.

Speaking on her appointment, Teo said, “I’m thrilled to lead Smartly’s APAC growth journey at this pivotal time. The region presents a unique landscape with varying levels of tech adoption and active digital users in highly fragmented environments.”

“Smartly’s AI-powered solutions are perfectly positioned to empower brands to navigate these complexities and achieve brand performance and growth. Together with our partners, we will unlock the full potential of growth for our customers,” she added.
 
Meanwhile, Laura Desmond, CEO at Smartly, commented, “Over the past year Bertilla has played a key role in establishing Smartly as a formidable adtech company and partner in the region. Having a robust business in APAC truly distinguishes global adtech companies, and given our recent momentum, Bertilla is the right leader to take Smartly, our partners and our clients to the next level.”

Singapore – Interpublic group agency Golin has announced the appointment of Rafidah Rashid to the newly created role of group managing director across its Singapore operations.

In her new role, Rashid will be working across Golin’s agency brands, providing centralised leadership and strategic direction.

Prior to her appointment, Rashid has a proven track record of success at Interpublic Group brands, as she commenced her public relations career in the corporate and financial sector before instigating her path at DeVries Global Singapore, which she has led since 2017.

Most recently, Rashid was also appointed co-lead of the agencies’ Asia Pacific Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council.

Speaking on her appointment, Rashid said, “As a leader, my mission is to champion industry-first innovations for brands, while empowering our people to reach their full potential. I am excited to lead our talented teams to fulfilling career growth, fostering client success and even greater industry excellence.”

Meanwhile, Darren Burns, president at Golin Asia Pacific, commented, “I’m so happy to appoint Fidah to this role,” said Burns. “Her unmatched energy for innovation, ability to build a vibrant culture, and her unique blend of experience, make her perfect for this role. Under her leadership, we are evolving a new era that builds off our sustained success in Singapore.”

Singapore – Independent full-service agency Leverate Group is proud to announce the appointment of Monica Hynds as its managing director for Singapore.

In her new role, Hynds will focus on strengthening and growing the full range of Leverate Group’s services, including all-round media services, creative brand communication, and martech.

Prior to joining Leverate Group Singapore, Hynds took on the role of general manager at DDB Group Singapore and, before that, regional director APAC of Hogarth Worldwide. She was also previously at BBDO Singapore as managing director and held the position of head of agency at Spark 44 for Jaguar Land Rover APAC between 2017 and 2020.

A seasoned brand and business professional, Hynds worked with several leading global agency networks such as We Are Social, Ogilvy & Mather, and J. Walter Thompson. With over 20 years of industry experience, she is well-equipped to guide Leverate Group on its journey toward becoming an industry leader that serves clients with global expertise, executed locally.

Speaking on her own appointment, Hynds said, “Singapore is a strategic hub for Leverate group, our clients, and our partners. We are here for one reason only: To fuel and elevate our clients’ business growth with our holistic capabilities under one house. I look forward to speaking to all our clients very soon!”

Meanwhile, Marlina Lim, CEO of Leverate Group, commented, “We believe in Monica’s leadership and her ability to not just build brands for our clients, but also transform their businesses. I am excited to extend Leverate’s excellent and game-changing work across the region with Monica.”

Australia – Full-service integrated agency Think HQ, alongside its multicultural communications arm, CultureVerse, has announced its new strategic positioning as ‘The Positive Change Agency’, which cements the agency’s core purpose.

Along with the positioning, Think HQ has unveiled a refreshed brand and visual identity designed and implemented by Think HQ’s in-house creative, design, production, and technology teams.

Talking about the refresh, Jen Sharpe, managing director and founder of Think HQ, said, “This refresh tells our story and shows our dedication to actively listening and involving the community in all of our work. It also means we are not defined by one particular service offering. We have spent years building up our in-house integrated capabilities, so rather than the market thinking of us as a creative, PR, events, multicultural, language services, First Nations, technology, or production agency, we have defined ourselves by what brings it all together – positive social change.”

“This is a significant step change for the agency as we enter our next phase—it perfectly captures Think HQ and CultureVerse and reflects our dynamic, diverse, and authentic people who are the driving force of everything we do. We know that while competitors will flirt with the idea of ‘purpose’ or social impact, no one else in the market comes close to who we are and what we do,” she added.
 
Meanwhile, Andy Lima, chief creative officer at Think HQ, added, “The refreshed Think HQ and CultureVerse brands reflect our unwavering vision of delivering communications that support the change needed to create a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable future for everybody. The brief was simple yet challenging to realise: We required ease of application by the whole group while representing our diverse service offerings.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Independent media and communications consultancy network GO Group just got bigger with the latest addition of Australian strategic communications firm Banksia.

This collaboration with Banksia marks a pivotal moment as the GO Group marks its foray into the Asia Pacific and Australasia regions, solidifying its position as one of the largest networks of independent agencies in the world.

The inclusion of Banksia into the group cements the network’s commitment to foster collaboration and cross-pollination of skill sets within the global communications industry, from public relations, crisis communications, and public affairs to total branding, even within the digital sector.

Furthermore, the addition of Banksia heralds a pivotal moment for the GO Group as it sets its sights on expanding even further, particularly into Europe and North America. The network plans to appoint more partner and affiliated agencies in these continents to enhance its global presence and offer comprehensive PR solutions to clients worldwide.

Talking about this development, Peter de Kretser, chairman of the GO Group, said, “This collaboration signifies an exciting synergy between our agencies that will propel the group towards even greater success. I am especially proud to be working together with Steve, not only because we’ve known each other for many years, but the value that he and his team of highly competent associates bring to the GO Group is truly second to none. Their combined extensive experience, particularly in public affairs, adds a strategic component to the GO Group.”

Meanwhile, Steve Michelson, founder and director of Banksia, commented, “We are buoyed by the opportunity to join the GO Group and are humbled by Chairman Peter de Krester’s interest in our specialised services. Until now, our team has focused on driving strategic results for Australian businesses and organisations determined to deliver a positive social impact across key industries. Joining the GO Group connects us to a network of specialist agencies and opens the door to international partnerships for the benefit of the Group’s existing and prospective clients.”