Tag: Appointment

Singapore – Microsoft Asia has appointed Vivian Chua as the new leader of its consumer devices and creativity retail sales division, where she will lead efforts to drive growth and enhance consumer experiences in the age of AI.

Starting December 2, 2024, Chua will lead the consumer sales, category, and channel partner marketing teams across the Asia region, including Greater China, India, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on driving growth for Windows, Surface, and Microsoft 365.

Alongside Microsoft’s retail partners and the broader partner ecosystem, Chua and her team will work to deliver exceptional consumer experiences that drive the shift to AI platforms, as well as accelerate cloud and subscription adoption.

Chua brings 30 years of experience in the technology industry, including more than two decades in leadership roles at HP across Asia Pacific and Japan. She has deep expertise in regional and country management, go-to-Market transformation, and category management.

Chua’s appointment follows the announcement of Su Yin Yam’s retirement after five years as Microsoft Asia’s leader of the consumer sales organisation for devices and creativity retail. During her tenure, Yam transformed Microsoft’s consumer business models across Asia, delivering seamless customer experiences. Most notably, she led the introduction of the AI-powered Copilot+ PC, the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs to date.

Philippines – ING Hubs Philippines has recently announced the appointment of Lana Macapagal as its new head of communications, brand and marketing communications, ushering in a fresh chapter for the organisation as it strengthens its brand presence in the Philippines. 

With over 14 years of experience in branding and marketing communications, Macapagal aims to steer the organisation’s branding and communication strategies, aligning them with global objectives while harnessing local opportunities.

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Macapagal discussed her new role and unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening ING’s position as a premier global capability hub and a top of employer of choice in the Philippines.

Banking on stories to boost visibility

Before joining ING, Macapagal was the PR lead for Asia-Pacific at Rakuten Viber, where she significantly influenced the company’s public relations and communication strategies throughout the region. Over her more than five years at Rakuten Viber, Macapagal also took on business development responsibilities, forging strategic partnerships with some of the most prominent and respected companies in Asia-Pacific. Prior to her tenure in the tech industry, she launched nationwide campaigns and promotions for retail brands, which she credits with honing her marketing communication skills.

For Macapagal, effective storytelling is a powerful tool in shaping a brand’s reputation. Her goal is to craft messages that deeply resonate with audiences and stakeholders, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact. 

“By making sure our stories are authentic, compelling, and newsworthy, I aim to strengthen ING’s visibility and ensure our story reaches the right people in the most impactful way,” she expressed. 

In her new role at ING, Macapagal’s top priorities include developing a unified brand strategy, driving innovative marketing initiatives, and crafting compelling narratives to strengthen ING’s stakeholder connections.

“By thoroughly understanding our audience, crafting a clear brand message, and ensuring consistent communications across all platforms, we can build a cohesive and powerful brand identity,” she shared. 

Macapagal emphasised the importance of aligning the local brand strategy with ING’s global business strategy, ‘Growing the Difference.’ Through a deeper understanding of target audiences and a focus on consistent messaging across platforms, she aims to cultivate a cohesive and powerful brand identity.

She added, “In the past years, ING has already made the difference globally. How do we leverage this and continue grow the difference locally? This is one of the exciting challenges I am happy to take! “

Turning exits into opportunities

In 2022, ING announced its decision to exit the retail banking market in the Philippines, focusing solely on its wholesale banking business and global shared services operations in the country.

According to Macapagal, she views ING’s exit from retail banking not as a challenge but as an opportunity to re-establish the brand’s identity in the local market.

“ING Hubs Philippines started with only 27 employees in 2013 and is now at over 6,000 employees by the end of 2024. While shifting away from the very first digital retail banking in the Philippines may bring in some challenges, we’re in a strong position to succeed. Our strategic focus on shared services and wholesale banking positions us for more long-term success in the Philippines,” she stated. 

Furthermore, Macapagal sees this as an opportunity to shift public perception, positioning ING not just as a bank but as a global capability hub and a top employer in the shared services industry, highlighting its strengths and values.

“While there are many well-established players in the industry, ING Hubs Philippines is rapidly catching up. ING Hubs PH has a unique value proposition for our people that sets us apart, along with a corporate culture that differentiates us from the competition,” she explained.

The company is experiencing significant year-on-year growth, both in terms of headcount and the complexity of its services. Over the past 11 years, the company has evolved from offering a few banking services to providing over 280 diverse services, ranging from wholesale banking to tech engineering, data analytics, regulatory services, and more.

“As a shared services organisation, ING Hubs Philippines is a valuable partner in enabling ING Bank’s strategy to grow the difference for customers worldwide. We want to do more business, with more customers, in more ways, with customer value and sustainability at the centre,” she said. 

“Whether it’s developing an app to be used by customers worldwide or running operations on the foreign exchange markets, our work is transforming banking as we know it, touching the lives of millions and contributing to a safer financial system and society at large. It’s a great story to tell, and I am honoured and humbled to be part of shaping how we share it with the world,” Macapagal added. 

She shared that they are now rolling out a comprehensive campaign that highlights ING’s competencies, people, culture, and value proposition for Filipino talent. Macapagal proudly shares that apart from the remarkable growth of ING Hubs PH, the company has the best work culture and people offer.

Banking on change to power the future

Macapagal believes the financial services landscape in the Philippines is rapidly evolving, driven by digital transformation. Key advancements include fintech, mobile banking, online payments, cloud computing, and data analytics, alongside the rise of virtual and hybrid work environments, all of which are reshaping how financial services are delivered.

She highlighted that these advancements present key opportunities for ING. Their strength in wholesale banking allows them to support large-scale businesses with tailored, tech-driven solutions. Additionally, as a global shared services hub in the Philippines, ING is also expanding its digital capabilities to create efficient processes, innovative services, and impactful work that contributes sustainably to society.

“By staying at the forefront of these industry shifts, ING can continue to build on its legacy and drive growth in this dynamic market,” Macapagal stated. “Trends are fleeting, and public attention will always shift to the newer, brighter, and shinier things that are fun for several minutes, until the next thing comes along. Few things are everlasting: purpose and intentions.”

Looking ahead, Macapagal shared that ING’s growth ambitions over the next three to five years are not only to be a top employer of choice but also to become a world-class talent magnet. To achieve this, ING plans to attract diverse talent from all career stages and backgrounds through a deliberate, international strategy.

She emphasised that ING will always prioritise purpose-driven branding that reflects their Orange Culture values and behaviours, ensuring it remains authentic, responsible, and honest.

“We want to attract people who feel connected to our brand and our culture and can contribute meaningfully to our purpose. Empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business is the brand purpose and will always be our guiding principle in everything that we do,” Macapagal concluded. 

India – Havas Creative India has been appointed as the creative agency for Eastman Auto & Power Ltd., a well-known name in solar energy, energy storage, and power electronics, to spearhead strategic brand campaigns aimed at enhancing visibility and driving growth in the Indian market.

The appointment follows a competitive multi-agency pitch, with Eastman Auto & Power selecting Havas Creative India as its creative partner to drive brand growth and boost visibility. This collaboration highlights Eastman’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Indian market, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation.

As part of the mandate, Havas Creative India will manage Eastman’s brand communication strategy from its Gurugram office, crafting impactful narratives that showcase Eastman’s commitment to sustainability, technological leadership, and its pioneering efforts in last-mile e-mobility solutions, including e-rickshaw batteries.

The agency will also manage the media strategy for Eastman Auto & Power Ltd., employing a comprehensive, data-driven approach to expand brand reach and engagement in key markets. By leveraging data insights, Havas Media will optimise media planning and execution to drive measurable impact and boost brand visibility.

Sudham Ravinutala, chief marketing officer at Eastman Auto & Power Ltd., said, “In a series of impressive presentations, Havas emerged as the clear choice due to their bold, insightful, and value-driven approach. They looked beyond conventional creative strategies, deeply connecting with our brand’s core values and vision. With Havas, we have found a partner who not only understands our direction but is uniquely equipped to bring our journey to life in a way that resonates with our audience.”

Kundan Joshee, managing director at Havas Creative India, said, “The Last Mile e-mobility and solar rooftop solutions space holds immense potential and presents a very exciting opportunity to us. Our partnership will be aimed at delivering differentiated, meaningful work that resonates and aligns perfectly with the ambitions of a rapidly transforming, dynamic India. We look forward to creating platform-agnostic, relevant stories for Eastman Auto and Power that not just drive engagement but also make a tangible impact, helping us build a forward-thinking future, moving the needle on both brand and business.”

This strategic partnership aims to position Eastman as a leader in the global energy sector, with a focus on solar solutions, marking a key milestone in its commitment to innovation and lasting impact on India’s energy landscape.

Singapore – amp, the global sonic branding agency within the Landor group, has appointed Reiner Erlings as managing director for APAC and the Middle East, a strategic move to expand the agency’s footprint and drive innovative sonic branding solutions across these high-growth markets. 

Erlings’ leadership and expertise will empower amp to leverage the rapid digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific market, where demand for impactful and memorable brand experiences is on the rise.

With over 18 years of experience in the Middle East, Erlings is a recognized expert in sonic branding and composition. Known for crafting memorable sonic identities, his work spans sectors from airlines and government to banking and entertainment. His deep knowledge of regional music trends and sonic strategy brings a unique perspective that connects with local audiences while meeting global standards.

Erlings brings with him over 18 years of experience in the Middle East. He is renowned for his expertise in sonic branding and composition. As a specialist in creating memorable sonic identities, his contributions to brand identity are recognized across sectors, from national airlines to government, to banks and entertainment. His deep understanding of regional music trends and sonic strategy offers a unique perspective that resonates with local audiences while aligning with global standards.

“We are thrilled to have Reiner onboard as we continue our sonic efforts together in the APAC and the Middle East. Reiner’s deep experience and visionary approach to sonic branding are unparalleled, especially in markets where culture and tradition are integral to brand identity,” said Michele Arnese, founder and global CEO of amp. 

“His understanding of regional nuances, combined with our global sonic expertise, will deliver transformative brand experiences for our clients in the Middle East and APAC,” Arnese added. 

Meanwhile, Lulu Raghavan, president of APAC at Landor, commented, “As it gets more and more difficult to stand out in any category, brands will increasingly turn to multisensorial branding as a key differentiator to build strong brand identities. I’m very excited that our clients in APAC can now access world class sonic branding solutions through the expertise of Reiner and his talented team at amp.”

Indonesia – Gupshup has appointed Trisnia Anchali Kardia as its new country head for Indonesia, marking a strategic move to expand its footprint in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets for conversational AI and business messaging.

Backed by a strong track record in business messaging, e-commerce, and technology adoption, Anchali will lead efforts to expand Gupshup’s enterprise business in Indonesia, aiming to establish the company as a market leader in conversational AI engagement.

Prior to Gupshup, Anchali served as country head at Graas, driving 120% revenue growth and significantly expanding the client base. 

Anchali began her career at Telkomsel, leading the launch of its digital and location-based advertising business. Her career then took her to Zomato Indonesia, where she headed sales. 

She later joined Line as chief commercial officer, overseeing marketing, product initiatives, and business development for its enterprise messaging product, solidifying her reputation as a messaging ecosystem expert.

Commenting on her appointment, Anchali said, “The Indonesian market is at a fascinating intersection of rapid digital growth and evolving consumer behaviours, where conversational engagement and commerce have become central to business success. With Gupshup’s cutting-edge conversational cloud, AI agents, and personalisation capabilities and a proven track record of enabling over 45,000 customers, we have an incredible opportunity to help Indonesian businesses scale and transform their customer engagement strategies.” 

“I’m thrilled to lead Gupshup’s next phase of growth in Indonesia and work alongside businesses as they harness the full potential of conversational commerce to drive their digital transformation journey,” she added. 

Indonesia’s growing tech landscape is a key market for Gupshup, with clients like Gojek, SuperIndo, and Tokopedia. The company is ensuring that they are well-positioned to help businesses transform customer engagement through messaging.

Beerud Sheth, co-founder and CEO of Gupshup, said, “With Anchali at the helm, we are excited to help more Indonesian businesses leverage conversational messaging to drive growth and innovation. Her extensive experience in business messaging, driving adoption of innovative offerings, and strong connections within Indonesia’s tech ecosystem make her an invaluable asset as we expand our presence in the region.”.

Indonesia – Ogilvy Indonesia has appointed Lisa Putri, a seasoned digital leader with a decade of experience in content and social media strategy, as its new head of content.

In her new role, Putri will lead a dynamic team of over 30 content strategists, designers, and writers, with a mission to craft and implement high-impact content strategies at scale, enhancing the creative output for Ogilvy Indonesia’s diverse client portfolio.

With a decade of experience across platform, marketing, and agency roles, Putri brings a unique perspective, having developed strategic roadmaps and standout content for diverse brands in Indonesia.

Putri has also worked with a wide range of brands across sectors like technology, FMCG, e-commerce, and banking, including global names such as OCBC Indonesia, Savoria, Mitsubishi Fuso, Signify Philips, and KAO.

Commenting on her new role, Putri said, “With an impressive array of clients and a strong body of work, Ogilvy’s content portfolio really impressed me over the last few years. So naturally, I am thrilled to lead Ogilvy’s content service into its next phase of evolution—an era of impactful and personalised experiences.”

“By harnessing the power of creativity and technology, we will deliver experiences that resonate deeply and drive meaningful impact for our clients,” Putri added. 

Ogilvy’s Content Team excels in creating engaging digital strategies, trend-jacking, and integrating KOLs, using consumer insights to forge meaningful audience connections. Its collaborative approach with platforms and creative partners allows Ogilvy to deliver standout content across its diverse client base.

Kapil Arora, chief operating officer at Ogilvy Indonesia, shared, “At Ogilvy Indonesia, we believe an exceptional new phase of growth is opening up for our clients—one at the intersections of culture, context, commerce, and community. And we can help them unlock it with the power of creativity and technology.”

“Lisa’s proven expertise and her shared belief of making creativity our clients’ unfair advantage in the market make her the ideal person to spearhead our content offering in this new world order. Watch this space for many more big things to come, from her and the team,” Arora continued. 

Meanwhile, Sieg Penaverde, group CEO of Ogilvy Indonesia, commented, “I am thrilled to have Lisa join our leadership team. Her experience and expertise around a social-first approach to business are critical for brand and business growth. It is key for content to be infused with strategic creativity for it to matter, be memorable, and ultimately allow it to travel.”

“Lisa’s leadership is invaluable in mapping a strategic path for the brands we manage to have a content approach that is impactful and not only participates in culture but ignites it,” Penaverde added. 

Singapore – Creative studio Heckler Singapore has promoted Xinhui Zheng as head of production to boost its production team.

Zheng was previously the senior VFX producer at the company. She joined the company in 2019 as one of the first employees of Heckler Singapore.

Bringing more than a decade of experience, Zheng helped the company in leading VFX projects. She was at the helm of producing 2D and 3D animation for a global skincare brand, solidifying her position as a trusted partner.

Zheng has produced campaigns for Forsman & Bodenfors Singapore, BBH Singapore, Digitas, Prodigious, Media Arts Lab, Ogilvy WW, and Studio Birthplace. This includes campaigns for brands such as Riot Games, Nike, Samsung, Apple, Fanta, Greenpeace, Jeshi and SK-II.

“Xin’s promotion to head of production is a no-brainer. Our producers really trust and look up to her and she is someone I can always rely on to step up and dig deep when needed. With Heckler Singapore all grown up now (we turned five this year!), I’m grateful to have Xin at the helm overseeing the department. In her new role, Xin will work closely with myself and the artists to manage workflow, plan resources and streamline production,” Charu Menon, managing director at Heckler Singapore, said.

“She has always fostered great client relationships because she goes above and beyond to deliver top-notch, quality work. In some agencies, that has earned her the nickname ‘Amay-Xin!’” Menon added.

Zheng commented, “It’s a massive honour to take on this new role, especially when I think about the calibre of talent we have in Heckler SG. I guess I’m just going to have to put on my big boy pants and try not to mess it up!”

Australia – OpenX Technologies, Inc. has appointed Emma Gronow as its new buyer development director for the ANZ, bringing her extensive experience in digital, mobile, and TV to strengthen OpenX’s programmatic and data-driven solutions across the region. 

Gronow joins OpenX from Little Dot Studios and will collaborate closely with the company’s brand advertisers and agency partners to showcase OpenX’s programmatic and data-driven solutions, including its advanced TV by OpenX offering.

She will report directly to Clay Gill, who also recently joined OpenX from IPG.

Speaking on the appointment, Mitch Greenway, managing director for APAC at OpenX, said, “Emma’s expertise across CTV and digital experience is a welcome addition to the OpenX ANZ team. Her appointment reinforces our commitment to expanding TV by OpenX in the region, and we look forward to her support in strengthening partnerships and driving growth across ANZ.”

Auckland, New Zealand – Accenture Song, a tech-powered creative group, has appointed Storm Day as its New Zealand lead and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Monkeys Aotearoa ahead of its rebranding to Droga5 in December.

Since joining the company in 2022, Day has been leading The Monkeys Aotearoa’s marketing operations, contributing to the team’s growth.

With over two decades of experience in the marketing and consulting industry, Day has worked with brands such as Tourism New Zealand, ASB, New Zealand Story, Fonterra, Mazda, and Asahi.

Accenture Song recently appointed Bronwyn van der Merwe as Accenture Song lead for Australia and New Zealand and Matt Michael as CEO of Droga5.

Justin Mowday, country managing director at Accenture New Zealand, said, “Storm has been instrumental in expanding the team at The Monkeys Aotearoa and making Accenture Song’s global expertise relevant to the New Zealand market.”

“She is a formidable leader with unbeatable local knowledge and experience and is the best person to help steer us into the future as we continue to champion purpose-led growth for our clients in New Zealand,” Mowday added.

“I am extremely excited to be leading this very talented team and working with our clients to join up purpose and customer experience. We help Kiwi organisations put a meaningful purpose at the heart of their culture, operations and experiences to drive growth,” Day commented.

“Combined with the Droga5 name and our incredible creative leader, Damon Stapleton, we will continue to build and sustain Aotearoa’s most influential brands,” Day added.