Founded in 2019 by Nadia Bartel, Michelle Ring and Laura Broque, HENNE has built a strong following for its minimalist wardrobe essentials and premium fashion aesthetic, becoming one of Australia’s fastest-growing contemporary fashion brands.

The appointments mark a new chapter in HENNE’s growth strategy as the Melbourne-founded brand looks to strengthen customer acquisition across Australia and New Zealand ahead of future international expansion.

Under the partnership, Jaywing will oversee paid media strategy, execution, and optimisation across Meta, Google, TikTok, and Pinterest, while also managing reporting, analytics, creative strategy, and production support to improve campaign performance and marketing effectiveness.

Meanwhile, The Social CliQ will lead HENNE’s social media strategy across Meta and TikTok, delivering full-funnel campaigns spanning influencer marketing, user-generated content (UGC), and conversion-focused creative.

The appointments follow a competitive pitch process, where HENNE evaluated agencies based on strategic thinking, creative capability, performance marketing expertise, measurement and team fit.

As part of its remit, Jaywing will also deploy its proprietary FeedOps platform to optimise HENNE’s product data across paid media channels, helping improve campaign performance while preparing the brand for emerging AI-powered and agentic commerce environments.

Ash Terry, eCommerce Director at Jaywing, said the partnership comes at an important stage of HENNE’s growth journey.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with HENNE at such a pivotal stage of its journey. What stands out is the brand’s commercial maturity and its clear focus on sustainable new customer acquisition,” said Terry. 

“That long-term mindset creates the conditions for truly effective performance marketing, where data, creative and media work in lockstep. With the addition of FeedOps and our advanced measurement approach, we can unlock new levels of efficiency and scale for HENNE,” added Terry. 

Talia Datt, Founder and Managing Director of The Social CliQ, added that HENNE’s strong brand identity creates opportunities to build deeper engagement across social platforms.

“HENNE is a brand with an incredibly strong aesthetic and cultural resonance, which gives us a powerful platform to build from. We’re excited to be working alongside Jaywing and the HENNE team on this great Australian brand,” said Datt. 

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The appointments come as organisations across the region move beyond AI experimentation and seek practical applications that can deliver measurable business outcomes.

Thipsena will oversee Google Cloud’s go-to-market strategy, customer and partner engagement, and business operations in Thailand. 

Reporting to Mark Micallef, Managing Director for Southeast Asia, he will work closely with organisations across the country to help them leverage Google’s AI portfolio as they transition into what the company describes as the “Agentic Era”.

He joins Google Cloud from Thailand-based AI and data analytics company STelligence, where he served as executive director and chief technology officer. 

During his tenure, he led projects helping organisations deploy AI and data-driven technologies to solve business challenges, including the AI deployment for Thailand’s TH2OECD National Project.

Prior to STelligence, Thipsena held senior leadership positions at Microsoft Thailand, including deputy managing director of the Cloud Solution Unit and chief information security officer, where he guided enterprises through cloud adoption, cybersecurity initiatives and generative AI exploration.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Indonesia, Google Cloud has named veteran technology executive Karim Siregar as Country Director. 

He will lead local operations and market strategy while working with organisations ranging from digital-native startups to established enterprises to accelerate AI transformation.

Siregar most recently served as chief information officer at PT BFI Finance Indonesia. 

He was also the founding president director of PT Bank Jago and CEO of Dkatalis Digital Labs, where he helped establish one of Indonesia’s earliest ecosystem-embedded digital banking models.

His three-decade career also includes leadership roles at Bank BTPN, Bank Danamon and Bank Mega, with experience spanning financial inclusion, transactional infrastructure and enterprise modernisation.

Mark Micallef said both markets represent significant opportunities for Google Cloud’s regional ambitions.

“Thailand is a critical growth engine for Southeast Asia’s digital economy, and our US$1 billion investment in Thailand and new cloud region in Bangkok reflects our absolute commitment to serving the country and our customers here,” he said.

He added that Thipsena’s technical expertise and experience supporting enterprise transformation made him well-positioned to deepen ecosystem collaborations in Thailand.

In Indonesia, Micallef noted that organisations are increasingly seeking scalable AI deployments capable of delivering immediate value.

“As organisations look to move past the initial phase of AI experimentation, the mandate has shifted entirely to scalable, real-world deployment that drives immediate value for their end-users,” he said.

“Karim’s exceptional track record of building, governing, and scaling digital-first institutions in Indonesia makes him the perfect leader for this next chapter.”

For his part, Thipsena said successful digital transformation depends on balancing innovation with trust.

“Thailand has the momentum to shape the region’s digital future, and Google Cloud is committed to being an open, collaborative partner in that journey,” he said.

Similarly, Siregar emphasised that technology adoption must remain grounded in solving real customer problems.

“Technology only matters when it simplifies lives and creates practical, measurable value for real users,” he said. “I am thrilled to partner side-by-side with our Indonesian customers and local ecosystem to accelerate a secure, responsible digital future that benefits the broader economy.”

The appointments underscore Google Cloud’s growing investment in Southeast Asia, where demand for AI-powered solutions continues to accelerate across sectors ranging from banking and retail to telecommunications and startups.

The company said its AI capabilities, anchored by Gemini Enterprise, are helping organisations reimagine operations, boost workforce productivity and unlock new avenues of growth as they prepare for an increasingly agent-driven future.

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In his new role, Nair will lead and expand ConsulT, which serves as the strategic front end of Tilt’s integrated offering. 

The division provides consulting across growth strategy, brand strategy, portfolio and architecture, as well as brand identity systems, helping businesses sharpen their positioning, unlock new growth opportunities and build stronger brands.

The appointment reflects Tilt’s continued investment in strategic consulting as brands increasingly seek integrated partners that can combine long-term business thinking with creative execution.

Joseph (Joe) George, Chairman and CEO of Tilt Brand Solutions, said, “Tilt has been a brand-first communication agency since the very start of its journey, eight years ago; and so this offering is a natural extension of our strengths and interests.”

“As businesses face increasing complexity, ConsulT will endeavour to help brands connect strategy, culture, innovation, and growth with greater clarity and conviction. Sandeep has just the right mix of experience, expertise, and personality to lead this,” added George.

Added Gulshan Singh, Chief Strategy Office at Tilt Brand Solutions, “ConsulT will operate at the intersection of business strategy, consumer insight, innovation, and brand building to drive growth for businesses. We also believe it can play a critical role internally, in making our communication frameworks more robust, contemporary, and specialised. I look forward to working closely with Sandeep on this.” 

Nair brings more than 16 years of experience across India, the UK and the Asia-Pacific region. He has held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, Tata Consumer Products and Swiggy, where he worked on brand strategy, go-to-market planning, product launches, innovation and brand transformation.

Most recently, he was Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Brand Strategy Consultancy David & Who, advising venture-backed startups and listed companies on growth and brand development.

Beyond his corporate experience, Nair has built a strong following within the marketing industry through his newsletter, which reaches more than 10,000 marketers, founders and CMOs. He is also the author of The Story Map, a forthcoming book on business storytelling set to be published by Penguin in August 2026.

Commenting on his appointment, Nair shared, “What excites me about ConsulT is its premise: that the right brand system can play a disproportionate role in shaping the pace, trajectory, and longevity of business success.”

“AI is already changing how brand and marketing work gets done, making the human layer therefore, even more important: sharper diagnosis, clearer decision frameworks, stronger judgment, and more accountable strategic recommendations. Our ambition at ConsulT  is to help clients turn business goals into clear brand choices and connect those choices to growth,” added Sadeep. 

Through Nair’s appointment, Tilt Brand Solutions aims to strengthen ConsulT’s ability to support businesses ranging from early-stage startups building their first brands to established companies looking to refresh their market relevance and accelerate growth.

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The appointment will see the regional communications agency support Klook Singapore in sharpening its position as a trusted source of travel insights and experiences across Asia Pacific, while deepening engagement with younger travellers.

Mutant was selected for its audience conversion-led approach, as well as its ability to connect with Gen Z audiences and enhance brand discoverability as travel planning increasingly moves beyond traditional search engines.

The partnership comes as consumers turn to a growing mix of AI tools, social platforms, creators and online communities to research and book their trips, fundamentally changing how travel brands compete for attention.

Against this backdrop, Klook Singapore is leaning into high-impact storytelling and locally relevant insights to help travellers navigate increasingly fragmented decision-making journeys.

Under the remit, Mutant will support the experiences platform in elevating destination storytelling, amplifying travel insights, and identifying emerging travel trends, with a particular focus on next-generation travellers and experience-led travel.

“We’re excited to partner with Klook Singapore at a moment where travel discovery is being fundamentally reshaped,” said Lina Marican, Regional Managing Director at Mutant.

“Instead of relying on a handful of websites or search engines when planning a trip, consumers are now turning to AI platforms, social channels, creators, and communities to discover destinations, experiences, and recommendations,” she said.

“In this new search landscape, visibility for brands requires being surfaced, trusted, and recommended wherever travel planning is happening. Klook is uniquely positioned to lead that conversation, and we look forward to helping strengthen its authority, discoverability, and influence in Singapore.”

Founded as an experiences platform designed to digitalise travel activities and attractions, Klook has grown into one of Asia Pacific’s leading travel marketplaces. 

The latest appointment signals the company’s continued investment in communications strategies that reflect changing consumer behaviours and the rise of AI-powered discovery.

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Covering media strategy, planning, and trading, the appointments of OMD WA, MediaHub, and Initiative position the agencies to support government communications and reinforce Omnicom Oceania’s growing role in the state’s public sector.

Together, the three agencies will form part of the WA Government’s media roster, reflecting the group’s expertise in delivering integrated media solutions backed by data, technology and measurable outcomes.

The appointments also expand Omnicom Oceania’s government portfolio in Western Australia, highlighting the group’s continued investment in public sector communications and its ability to support large-scale campaigns across multiple agencies.

Kristiaan Kroon, CEO of Omnicom Media Australia, said the appointments recognise the strength of the group’s talent and capabilities in the state.

“This is a fantastic result for our agencies and a strong vote of confidence in the breadth and  depth of talent we have across Omnicom Oceania and Omnicom Media in WA. With the addition of MediaHub and OMD WA to the WA Government roster, alongside Initiative, we are further scaling our already significant presence in the state,” explained Kroon. 

Alongside creative agency 303 and independent partner Longreach, Kroon added that the appointments are expected to support a more connected approach across the state.

“This is about a more joined-up, whole-of-government approach, bringing together experienced talent, data and technology to deliver clearer, more accountable outcomes for  Western Australians. It will be a step-change in how we partner with the WA government to drive real impact across services, communications and community engagement,” shared Kroon. 

The latest appointments further reinforce Omnicom Oceania’s position as a trusted partner for government communications while expanding opportunities for collaboration across its media agencies in Western Australia.

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The appointment highlights the growing confidence brands are placing in independent agencies that offer agile thinking, local market understanding and culturally relevant storytelling. 

This also reflects a broader shift in the financial services sector, where marketers are increasingly looking beyond traditional agency networks for creative partners.

Moving forward, Chariot will work alongside CIMB’s brand team to develop creative campaigns that better reflect how people across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region experience wealth, progress and everyday life.

For Chariot, the win represents a major milestone since the agency was established in 2021, with the firm stating that its entrepreneurial approach and focus on authentic, locally grounded storytelling helped differentiate it during the pitch process.

Adrian Cheah, Managing Director at Chariot, described the appointment as a defining moment for the agency.

“This is a defining moment for Chariot and a testament to what independent agencies can achieve when a client values agility over legacy corporate structures. CIMB is an institution that moves at the speed of ASEAN’s ambitions. Because we are independent, we share that exact same entrepreneurial DNA,” explained Cheah. 

“We understand the grit it takes to build something from the ground up in these markets. We aren’t looking to deliver safe, predictable banking ads; we are here to do the most audacious work of our careers by capturing how people in this region actually interact with wealth and progress,” added Cheah. 

The appointment further strengthens Chariot’s position in Malaysia’s creative industry while signalling growing opportunities for independent agencies to compete for major brand mandates traditionally dominated by global agency networks.

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The pair succeeds Kosuke Kataoka, who is returning to Hakuhodo Japan after 16 years in India to take on new global responsibilities.

Banerjee, also known as Banjo, brings more than three decades of experience spanning India and the Middle East. 

Having spent years within the Hakuhodo network, he has helped shape the group’s strategy, human-centric design capabilities, and award-winning work across its India operations.

His appointment underscores Hakuhodo India’s commitment to its Sei-katsu-sha philosophy, which places people’s everyday lives and behaviours at the centre of marketing and innovation.

Meanwhile, Takahashi brings extensive expertise in corporate strategy and cross-border business integration gained throughout his career in Japan. 

He has been recognised for advancing innovative approaches that help brands strengthen customer connections and drive growth.

Together, the new leaders will focus on accelerating the agency’s momentum by combining strategic thinking, creativity, technology, and global expertise.

Under Kataoka’s leadership, Hakuhodo India expanded its footprint, strengthened its integrated-services offering, and bolstered its reputation for delivering creative and data-driven marketing solutions.

“Over the past years, we have strengthened our portfolio, our teams, and our client relationships in India,” said Kataoka. “With Jayanto and Naoto leading the business together, I am confident that Hakuhodo India will continue to grow, innovate, and deliver even greater value to our clients.”

Banerjee said India remains one of the world’s most dynamic markets and highlighted plans to deepen the agency’s integrated capabilities.

“Along with Naoto-san, our goal is to sharpen our integrated-services model, deepen our strategic and creative capabilities, and position Hakuhodo India as the preferred partner for growth-driven brands,” he said.

Takahashi added that blending Hakuhodo’s global perspective with local expertise would be key to the agency’s future.

“Blending Hakuhodo’s global insights with India’s local expertise, we will deliver smarter, more connected solutions for our clients,” he said. “Above all, we are committed to driving client business success, while reinforcing our foundational principles: the ‘Sei-katsu-sha Centric Mindset’ and ‘Partner Approach’.”

Founded in India in 2000, Hakuhodo India Group today comprises more than 1,700 employees across 10 group companies and 11 offices, offering services spanning creative, digital, experiential, content, consulting, and AI-powered marketing solutions.

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Under the partnership, Ogilvy PR will lead Movember’s media presence in Australia, delivering strategic communications initiatives designed to deepen awareness of men’s health issues and boost participation in the organisation’s annual fundraising campaign. 

Founded in Australia in 2003 by two friends and just 30 original “Mo Bros,” Movember has grown into a global movement dedicated to improving men’s health outcomes. 

Since its inception, the charity has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide, supporting initiatives focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.

James Curtis, Head of Consumer PR and Influence at Ogilvy, said the partnership carried personal significance.

“Movember holds a deeply personal significance for me. As a Mo Bro of 13 years, it is a cause I have championed for a long time and one that sits close to my heart,” Curtis said.

“The organisation’s ability to tackle serious men’s health issues in a way that is genuinely unique and culturally resonant is something I have always admired. The opportunity to now contribute to that work, alongside such a talented agency team and client, is one we hold with real pride.”

He added that Ogilvy aims to bring “earned creative and culture-first thinking” to further amplify Movember’s impact.

“I can also say with confidence that 13 years of colleagues putting up with my questionable moustache has finally paid off,” he joked.

Louise Fennelly, PR Manager for Australia and New Zealand at Movember, said Ogilvy stood out for its strategic capabilities and understanding of the men’s health landscape.

“Ogilvy PR was selected for its earned creative credentials, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of the men’s health landscape,” Fennelly said.

“The agency demonstrated a strong ability to develop ideas that generate genuine media and cultural traction, while also showing a genuine passion for our cause and a clear connection to Movember’s mission.”

She added that the appointment marks an important step in Movember’s efforts to grow awareness, increase participation, and inspire more people to support the movement.

“Ogilvy PR’s earned creative thinking, depth of strategic capability, and strong influencer relationships, combined with a genuine commitment to improving men’s health, make the agency the right partner to amplify our mission,” Fennelly said.

“We look forward to working with them to connect with new audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and build on the incredible momentum Movember has generated globally.”

With 2026 shaping up to be a pivotal year for the charity, Movember said it remains focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact through programmes and research that address some of the most pressing health challenges facing men today.

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The appointments see Sushant Vithaldas join as Head of Creator Marketing for India, based in Mumbai, while Vimlarithan (Rithan) Vijaya takes on the role of Creator Marketing Leader for Southeast Asia, based in Malaysia.

The hires come shortly after Edelman named Kenny Gold as its first Global Chief Creator Officer, signalling the firm’s continued investment in creator marketing as a key component of its integrated communications offering.

In their new roles, Vithaldas and Vijaya will work across social, paid, performance and earned media disciplines to develop creator-led campaigns designed to drive cultural relevance and business impact for clients across Asia Pacific.

The expansion reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour, with audiences increasingly turning to creators as trusted sources of information and influence. 

According to Edelman, growing client demand across APAC has accelerated the need for creator strategies tailored to local cultures and communities.

“At the core of our creator offering is the idea of the ‘Trusted Creator’. In an era where audiences increasingly turn to people and communities they trust, Edelman is uniquely positioned to help brands navigate and deliver in this environment,” said Kenny Gold, Global Chief Creator Officer at Edelman.

“With Sushant and Rithan, we’re adding deep market expertise that strengthens our ability to promote and protect our clients through engaging, earned-led storytelling—partnering with the most impactful voices across these markets,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Thukral, CEO of Asia Pacific at Edelman, said creators have become an essential part of how brands build influence and engagement across the region.

“Today, no organisation – whether B2B or B2C – can effectively connect with its audiences without creator partnerships in the mix,” Thukral said. “These appointments reflect how we are evolving our business to help clients meet that reality.”

Vithaldas brings more than 20 years of experience spanning marketing, digital, content and brand communications. Prior to joining Edelman, he led revenue growth and strategic brand partnerships at Collective Artists Network and previously held leadership roles at Schbang, Landmark Group, Dell and Apple in India.

“The creator economy is creating new opportunities for brands to engage audiences through culture, community and storytelling,” said Vithaldas. “Edelman’s strength at the intersection of earned, integrated communications and trust makes it uniquely positioned to help clients build impactful creator-led programmes.”

Meanwhile, Vijaya joins from Monks, where he led creator strategy for regional and global campaigns involving brands such as Vaseline and Google. He also previously worked at Astro and Rocketfuel Entertainment, helping to build creator ecosystems across Southeast Asia.

“In Southeast Asia, where audiences are incredibly diverse, success depends on understanding what people genuinely value and trust,” Vijaya said. “There is a strong opportunity to build creator programmes that are not just visible, but credible, meaningful and enduring.”

The appointments underscore Edelman’s broader push to strengthen its creator marketing proposition globally as brands increasingly seek trusted voices to drive engagement and influence consumer decisions.

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In her new role, Tan will oversee Pizza Hut Singapore’s marketing and food innovation agenda, bringing together brand building, customer engagement, and product development under a unified strategy.

Her appointment comes as the pizza chain celebrates its 45th year in Singapore and continues to build on its refreshed “Feed Good Times” brand platform.

Tan brings more than 18 years of experience spanning multinational corporations and entrepreneurship. 

Throughout her career, she has worked with brands including Pfizer, Philips, and Samsung while also founding and leading her own marketing consultancy.

Known for blending consumer insights with digital expertise and performance-driven strategies, she has helped businesses translate commercial ambitions into measurable outcomes.

“Ailsa stood out for her ability to blend strategic thinking with strong commercial instincts, and for her clear focus on delivering work that resonates with customers and drives business impact,” said Juliana Lim, General Manager of Pizza Hut Singapore.

“Her depth in digital, customer journey optimisation, and business transformation will be instrumental as we deepen our customer-first approach and continue building sustainable growth.”

Commenting on her appointment, Tan said she is excited to bring a builder’s mindset to the brand as it evolves alongside changing consumer expectations.

“I’ve always been energised by building; whether it’s teams, brands or new ways of connecting with customers,” she said.

“I’m excited to bring that builder’s mindset to Pizza Hut, and to work with the team to create experiences that feel more personal, more relevant and unmistakably Pizza Hut.”

Founded in Singapore in 1981 with its first outlet at Jalan Jelita, Pizza Hut Singapore has grown into the country’s largest pizza chain, operating 58 outlets islandwide across dine-in, delivery, and takeaway channels.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the company said it remains focused on creating memorable dining experiences while staying true to its longstanding role in bringing people together over food.

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