Tag: Appoinment

India – Edelman has promoted Bhavna Jagtiani, formerly chief operating officer of India, to chief executive officer for its India operations. Additionally, Kunal Arora, previously managing director for India digital and APAC studio lead, has been elevated to head of digital, APAC, expanding his regional responsibilities.

Over her 22-year tenure at Edelman, Jagtiani has grown with the firm, starting as an account executive and advancing to lead integrated teams across India and briefly in Hong Kong.

As COO of India, she enhanced operational efficiencies, fostered a strong organisational culture, and expanded client mandates both locally and regionally.

Now, as India CEO, Jagtiani will oversee business strategy, drive market growth, strengthen client relationships, and further enhance the firm’s capabilities to deliver award-winning, impactful solutions.

Meanwhile, as MD of digital in India for the past 10 years, Arora has developed global client offerings in digital crisis management, social media, and digital reputation. He has also led the APAC expansion of Edelman Studio, strengthening the firm’s global production capabilities with local expertise and AI-driven solutions.

As head of digital for APAC, Arora will collaborate with leaders across the network to scale the firm’s digital operations. His responsibilities include overseeing APAC Studio, enhancing team capabilities, and integrating digital solutions across all client offerings.

Jagtiani and Arora will continue to report to Rakesh Thukral, Edelman’s APAC CEO, with their appointments taking effect immediately.

Speaking on the appointments, Thukral said, “Bhavna is an undisputed culture champion, having fostered a strong workplace community of collaboration and empowerment. Her leadership in India has been instrumental in driving consistent growth for the market. And Kunal has ensured we continue to integrate the best capabilities and innovation into our offerings, ensuring the firm is equipped to help our clients excel in a constantly changing landscape.”

He continued, “Having worked side-by-side with Bhavna and Kunal, I can personally say their commitment and ability to nurture client relationships and talent make them deserving of their new roles, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together next, in their new capacities. Our digital business in Asia and our India business have the potential to grow, and I have no doubt that Kunal and Bhavna are the right leaders to partner with our teams and clients to achieve this.” 

Makati City, Philippines – Global insurance and asset management provider Generali Life Assurance Philippines, Inc. (Generali Philippines) announced the appointment of Hak Hong Soo as the new president and chief executive officer of the company.

Soo will succeed Reynaldo Centeno after the latter announced his retirement on December 31, 2022. 

Soo has extensive technical and managerial expertise in product proposition and pricing, actuarial health portfolio and financial management, health business value chains, network and customer relations, and partnerships across the Asia region.

Before his appointment as the CEO of Generali Philippines, he was the regional head of health and an executive member of the International-Asia Regional Office. In his former position,Soo led the International-Asia Business Unit in strengthening the regional health business and accelerating the firm’s business transformation agenda. 

Jaime Anchustegui Melgarejo, CEO at Generali International, commented, “We are glad to confirm Dr. Soo’s appointment and his ability to lead our growth plans in the Philippines. The Asia region is an important engine of profitable growth for our Group, and we remain committed to investing in our people to drive this.”

Meanwhile, Rob Leonardi, international Asia regional officer at Generali, commented,”His extensive experience working across Asia will play a key role in leading his new team and driving our growth plans in the country. I am confident that under his leadership, Generali Philippines will continue to develop sustainably,” he added. 

In his appointment, Soo shared, “I am truly excited about this appointment by Generali Group. Generali has entrusted me to continue growing Generali Philippines and servicing our valued customers in the country. As their Lifetime Partner, I am confident that “We” at Generali Philippines will continue to provide sustainable propositions, value-added services, and a caring experience.”

Sydney, Australia – Independent creative agency, The Core Agency has appointed Rebecca Turner to the newly created role of managing partner as well as taking a financial interest in the business as it scales for future growth. As managing partner, she will be responsible for driving agency growth and managing all commercial elements of the business, in addition to overseeing client service, people and operations.

Turner worked at the independent Sydney creative agency for almost ten years, most recently as business director and now joins founding partners Christian Finucane and Jon Skinner with an ownership stake.

Turner said, “Business ownership has long been a goal of mine. Having spent the better part of a decade at The Core Agency, it’s a dream come true to be invited to go into partnership with two of my long-time friends and mentors.” 

“The Core Agency has given me such a broad and rewarding career, I’m excited to be able to offer those learnings to others and continue to build an incredible business for our clients. As a female leader, I’m particularly passionate about furthering gender equality and using this new role to champion diversity and inclusion in everything we do,” Turner added.

The Core Agency was started 14 years ago and has built a reputation for delivering big brand thinking with service levels only owner-operator agencies can deliver. Its clients include IGA Supermarkets, QBE Insurance, Elders Insurance, PwC, Just Better Care, Quest Apartment Hotels and Doctors on Demand.

Christian Finucane, founder at The Core Agency, shared that with two creative founders, The Core Agency has always been a creative-led business. However, they recognise the important role people like Bec play in making great ideas happen. 

“We’ve been looking for the right third partner who can represent this vital pillar of the business, complement the skills we have, and bring a new perspective to our ever-evolving industry. Bec was the clear choice across all points. It has been fantastic to see her grow in the business while she has helped the agency grow,” Finucane said. 

Finucane further said, “She has an incredible ability to determine big-picture thinking while also minding the important details for our clients. She is a champion of the agency culture and always has time for the next wave of talent coming through the business.”

Meanwhile, Jon Skinner, founder at The Core Agency, commented, “This significant appointment is key to our growth plans as we scale and help more brands overachieve. Clients all tell us the same thing – they’re after big brand experience combined with the level of service that only owner-operated agencies can offer. This is exactly what our business model, driven by our new leadership team, can now take to the next level.

Skinner continued, “Australia is fueled by ambitious mid-tier brands that are restless for growth. We want to show them they have a natural home with The Core Agency, where they’ll receive the number one treatment without compromising on big brand thinking. Every great brand needs a core idea and core team, so our next chapter will deliver that for more clients who share our ambition to punch above.”