Tag: Appointment

Singapore – International communications agency Milk & Honey PR has announced the appointment of Richard Bagnall as its new group non-executive director (NED) to provide strategic advisory services to the agency’s operations in Singapore, the UK, the US, and Germany.

Bagnall, previously Chair of AMEC, recently concluded his tenure as co-CEO of CARMA, a position he held since October 2018. Additionally, he has served as a Cabinet Office advisor, contributing to the evaluation council for over 11 years.

As a seasoned global expert in media intelligence, data analytics, and communications evaluation, Bagnall will provide strategic guidance across offices in Singapore, the UK, the US, and Germany. His focus will be on enhancing evaluation and data analytics practices while leveraging his extensive experience in scaling organisations worldwide.

This ongoing upleveling of the company’s offer comes hot on the heels of the formation of NU, a new technology and AI division led by Sanjiv Winayak; the imPACT sustainability division led by Kirsty Howe; and a newly created broadcast offer headed by Lewis Oakley.

In his new role, Bagnall will report directly to the founder and group CEO, Kirsty Leighton. He will also serve as a board advisor alongside Claire Lematta, who has been with the business since April 2023. 

Commenting on the appointment, Leighton said, “Richard brings the perfect blend of agency leadership, data analytics and measurement expertise, and passion for client service excellence. He will play a pivotal role in the continued growth of our purpose and sustainability offering, and more importantly, in the demonstration of return on investment,” said Leighton. 

Also speaking on his new role, Bagnall shared, “Milk & Honey has stood out to me as a brilliant business for a long time. The agency’s multi-award-winning team, approach to doing good business, and fact that it is majority employee-owned make it so incredibly differentiated. ESG communications have never been more important, and in the next 12 months we expect increased scrutiny, particularly as new regulations will pose challenges when it comes to greenwashing. However, there will also be new opportunities to ensure the integrity of the stories being told. I can’t wait to get stuck in this exciting new role and be part of Milk & Honey’s ongoing success.”

Shanghai, China – McCann Worldgroup China has announced the appointment of Carter Chow as its new CEO for Greater China. 

A highly regarded leader with over 20 years of experience, Chow is rejoining McCann Worldgroup for his second stint. He previously served as the managing director of McCann Worldgroup’s Shanghai office before advancing to the role of chief marketing officer for McCann Worldgroup Greater China.

Chow returns to McCann Worldgroup after an eight-year absence, during which he held several prominent positions: China CEO of J. Walter Thompson, China CEO and Greater China CEO for Wunderman Thompson, and most recently, president of VML.

The McCann Worldgroup network in Greater China includes McCann, MRM, and CRAFT. Chow’s appointment as CEO for Greater China marks a pivotal moment of growth for the network, underscoring its dedication to fostering creativity and innovation within the Chinese market.

Ghassan Harfouche, president of McCann Worldgroup APMENA, commented, “I am delighted that Carter is returning to us to take up the reins of our Greater China operations. Carter brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the Chinese market, along with a proven track record of success. This makes him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in one of the most dynamic and important regions globally.”

Also speaking on his appointment, Carter said, “I’m so pleased to be re-joining such an iconic advertising and marketing brand that’s been so close to my heart. The Chinese market presents immense opportunities, and I am committed to leveraging the strengths of the McCann Worldgroup network and to fostering innovation to enhance our capabilities and offer best-in-class services to our clients.” 

Singapore – Edelman Singapore has appointed Daniel Ko as its new executive creative director to spearhead the firm’s creative team and offerings in Singapore. 

In this role, Ko will bring his breadth of specialist experience to deliver Edelman’s brand of earned creative value for a diverse portfolio of clients. He will join the firm’s Singapore leadership team led by CEO Julia Wei and will be part of Edelman’s regional creative community led by APAC chief creative officer Tim Green. 

With over two decades of experience, Ko has gained acclaim for his innovative campaigns for Income, Google, POSB, DBS, Heineken, Tiger Beer, GIC, and HPB. His work has been recognised on local, regional, and global platforms. Additionally, he has contributed to elevating Singapore’s marketing industry standards by serving as a judge at prestigious local award shows, including The Gongs, Hall of Fame, and Crowbars.

Ko joins Edelman Singapore from Accenture Song, where he served as creative director for two years. Leading the tech-powered creative group, he spearheaded transformative campaigns that addressed business challenges through integrated solutions in advertising, branding, digital, PR & activation, marketing strategy, and innovation.

His previous roles include group creative director at 72 and Sunny, creative director at The Secret Little Agency, and creative group head at Iris Worldwide. He has also held key creative positions at renowned agencies, including BBH, DDB, and Publicis. 

Speaking on the appointment, Green said, “Ko’s impressive creative career involves a unique blend of storytelling, story-doing, branding, and business transformation—all skills critical in an era of ‘Trust in Crisis’, when attention alone isn’t enough to mobilise audiences. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard Edelman as we forge ahead to unlock the power of earned creativity to change the world.”

Also commenting on his new role, Ko shared, “I am thrilled to join Edelman Singapore to contribute to its continued innovation and growth. Edelman has consistently pushed the boundaries of creative excellence and set new standards for earned creativity. I look forward to joining this talented community to craft compelling, transformative, and effective programmes that help our clients win with their audiences.”

Edelman Singapore is home to over 120 consultants and serves as one of four global hubs for the network. This year, the firm recorded its strongest showing at The Cannes Lions Awards 2024, winning a Titanium Lion, four Gold Lions, six Silver Lions and five Bronze Lions for nine separate client campaigns from EMEA, North America and APAC. 

Malaysia – AirAsia Group has appointed Allenie Caccam as its new head of business growth to bolster its market presence and growth trajectory. With a robust background in marketing leadership, Caccam brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her new role.

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Caccam discussed her vision, responsibilities, and plans for driving business growth at AirAsia Group.

Leveraging marketing leadership experience

In her new role, Caccam shared that her team will be responsible for supporting the establishment of business operations and the go-to-market strategy for new markets, targeting specific geographies for AirAsia Group. This involves project management from the initial sale phase through to the inaugural launch, working closely with cross-functional departments such as ground operations, network, route revenue, regulatory, communications, and marketing.

Additionally, her team is also tasked with identifying growth opportunities in terms of channel and customer. 

“We are actively looking into new channels to support underserved markets for AirAsia and interline solutions to increase our reach and feed our Asia and Pacific network, where AirAsia is strong,” she explained. 

Caccam believes that her extensive experience in marketing at AirAsia Philippines has equipped her with a strategic perspective vital for her new role.

“My marketing experience has trained me to strategically look into the different angles of the business and align our strategies with customer insights to determine maximum demand and revenue potential,” she said. 

She also noted the crucial importance of the ability to commercialise a product in her role, ensuring the service is brought to market comprehensively through market research, distribution, promotion, customer support, and operation. For Caccam, this remains a vital skill in identifying growth opportunities and achieving successful implementation in the highly competitive airline industry.

Now, as she leads the go-to-market strategy for new market development, Caccam underscores her clear priorities for AirAsia Group.

“AirAsia’s tagline has always been ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’ and our strength has always been our broad network of over 130 destinations. Serving the underserved underpins our operations. Our focus is to not only fly the most popular routes but also bring in more passengers to our network from markets we are not yet serving or even where no other airline is serving, all the while making sure that it helps build the trade, economy, and tourism of both markets, which is a win-win for everyone,” she emphasised. 

Adapting to the evolving travel landscape 

Caccam foresees the evolving landscape of travel and tourism significantly impacting AirAsia’s growth strategy. She believes that travel will continue to be an integral part of people’s lifestyles, and as more channels emerge to offer customised travel experiences, the industry will become increasingly competitive.

“AirAsia will continue to harp on our strengths: our service, our network, our customer data built up over 20 years, and our affordable fares. We plan to use these huge assets to serve more underserved routes to connect Asia to the world,” Caccam said. 

For Caccam, online channels are reaching maturity, particularly in Asian markets where digital is a top priority. Customers are rapidly transitioning to the generation of digital natives, and online media is no longer considered “new.”

“It is now a game of great raw content and relatability rather than glossy and hard-selling advertisements. In line with this, AirAsia will continue to produce relatable content through our social media channels and our own internal and external ambassadors and use these avenues to remarket our service,” she added. 

“AirAsia’s tagline has always been, ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’ and with this role, I will be able to contribute more to making this vision a reality,” Caccam concluded.

Singapore – PHD Singapore has promoted Sumiati Hashim to managing director, where she will continue to establish strategic goals for growth and transformation, attract top talent, and mentor the future leaders of the agency.

As the new managing director, Hashim will oversee both national and international operations from Singapore, the Asia Pacific headquarters for PHD, and its parent company, Omnicom Media Group (OMG).

Prior to her promotion, Hashim served as PHD Singapore’s general manager, where her nurturing leadership led to significant achievements. Under her tenure, the agency secured new business wins with IKEA, Razer, and Viu and forged enduring partnerships with clients such as Singapore Airlines and HSBC. 

Since she took charge in 2022, PHD Singapore has also seen an expansion in talent strength and internal mobility, driving the agency through a remarkable transformation journey. The agency’s capabilities also gained wide recognition, as evidenced by the numerous awards and trophies it received.

Hashim’s promotion serves as a testament to her sharp business acumen and her success in building strong client relationships and a thriving team environment. 

For Chloe Neo, CEO of OMG Singapore, Hashim’s sharp business acumen and collaborative spirit add value to OMG’s ‘Agency as a Platform’ model, which combines various talent, technology, and capabilities across the group to drive a more integrated and seamless offering for clients. 

Neo said, “PHD has always focused on attracting the best thinkers in the business, encouraging them to fully realise their potential in a progressive and connected environment that celebrates smart thinking and clever planning to help brands grow. Sumiati leads and lives that defining ethic; she is a respected people leader and has demonstrated the ability to operationalize strategies towards optimal business impact. She understands what makes PHD unique as a brand while leveraging OMG’s capabilities and scale to enable clients’ business ambitions.” 

Meanwhile, having been with OMG Singapore for 12 years, including 10 years with PHD, Hashim described her promotion as a deeply gratifying milestone, marking the culmination of years dedicated to driving strategic growth, nurturing talent, and cultivating invaluable client relationships.

“I am thrilled to lead PHD Singapore into its next phase of innovation and success. Embracing a growth mindset across all aspects of our operations is key for us moving forward. My focus remains on growth, whether it is expanding our client base, scaling services for existing clients, or developing talent,” she shared.

Aligned with PHD’s new brand tagline, “Intelligence. Connected,” Hashim’s leadership vision further emphasises leveraging advanced analytics and AI to optimise campaign performance and achieve superior business outcomes for clients.

“Integral to this strategy is our unwavering dedication to nurturing talent as well as fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within our teams. We will combine human expertise, data, and technology to help our clients achieve greatness,” she added.

Singapore – AI-powered omnichannel conversation suite provider SleekFlow has announced the appointment of Gao Lei as chief technology officer, effective immediately.

With over 20 years of tech leadership at Silicon Valley and tech entrepreneurial experience in AI and Big Data, Lei brings a wealth of expertise in building and scaling engineering teams, developing and operating highly scalable and available infrastructure, and creating innovative products that drive business growth.

Prior to joining SleekFlow, Gao Lei served as the CTO at LinkedIn China, where he was responsible for building and scaling the engineering team to support the company’s rapid growth.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing several award-winning products that have transformed how businesses engage with their customers.

Gao also holds a PhD in Data Replication/Distributed Systems from The University of Texas at Austin and has been recognized as a thought leader in the technology industry, having been featured in numerous industry publications and conferences.

Speaking on his appointment, Lei said, “I am excited to join the SleekFlow team and contribute to the company’s continued success. SleekFlow has a strong reputation for delivering innovative customer engagement solutions. I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance the platform further and drive even greater value for our platform users.”

Meanwhile, Henson Tsai, founder and CEO of SleekFlow, commented, “We are looking forward to welcoming Gao Lei to the SleekFlow team. His record of successes in delivering transformative technology solutions makes him the ideal candidate to lead our future plans. We are confident that his leadership and vision will further strengthen SleekFlow’s position as a leading player in the customer engagement space.”

India – Dentsu Creative India has named Abhijat Bharadwaj as chief creative officer (CCO) of Dentsu Creative Isobar in a strategic move to strengthen the company’s creative vision. 

Bharadwaj will report to Amit Wadhwa, CEO of Dentsu Creative India, and Sahil Shah, president of Dentsu Creative Isobar, and will collaborate closely with the executive team to advance the agency’s creative strategy. He will concentrate on significantly enhancing Dentsu Creative Isobar’s creative prowess and unique talent pool, which have been developed over the years through collaboration with many renowned Indian and international companies. 

Bharadwaj has over 17 years of expertise in advertising, having directed campaigns for companies including Mercedes-Benz, Godrej, AM/NS, Star Sports, and Swiggy. His campaigns include “Netflix for All,” Bhuvan Bam’s Pizza Hut campaign, and the Indian Super League’s “Yeh Diwali Football Wali” campaign.

Bharadwaj was the creator behind the “Teen Ka Dream” Adidas World Cup advertisement. His career has included crucial positions at leading agencies such as Leo Burnett, McCann, and Creativeland Asia. He also led Star Sports’ premium sports vertical, where he played a key role in promoting football, tennis, and Formula One in India. Abhijat, known for his unwavering pursuit of creative brilliance, mixes strategic thought with boundless excitement in his current position.

Dentsu Creative Isobar’s dedication to developing remarkable brand experiences rooted in creativity in the modern, multi-platform, digital-first world is further demonstrated by the appointment of Bharadwaj. His direction will be crucial in establishing new standards for creativity, encouraging an innovative culture, and developing a vibrant group of up-and-coming creatives. 

Sahil Shah said, “Abhijat’s entry unlocks a new level of growth for us. In today’s day and age, brands need a creative agency that solves problems, regardless of platforms or mediums, because that’s how non-linear and multi-platform the consumer is. And in this new era, I believe we have a phenomenal talent pool, with strong creative capabilities and the right culture to be in the pole position. With Abhijat leading our creative from the top, I am certain we are now a team to beat.” 

Speaking about the appointment, Amit Wadhwa said, “Abhijat is not just an exceptional creative talent but a visionary leader for this new age. His passion for excellence in both work and team building will set new industry standards. Alongside our formidable team of creative leaders, we are confident that Abhijat will propel us to new heights of success and recognition.” 

Lastly, Bharadwaj said, “Joining an iconic global brand like dentsu is truly exciting. My goal is to unlock new opportunities for Dentsu Creative Isobar in India and build a best-in-class team that delivers creative solutions and exceptional value for our clients.”

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 – Global communications agency Weber Shandwick has appointed Farah Zuber as new vice president and head of communications for Asia-Pacific (APAC), bolstering its regional leadership team.

Zuber brings 14 years of experience in marketing and communications, specialising in designing and activating comprehensive strategies across earned, owned, and paid channels. She has spearheaded multi-market campaigns for companies in APAC, the United States, and the Middle East.

Throughout her career, Zuber has specialised in corporate communications and reputation building across sectors such as technology, finance, and governance. She has collaborated with industry players like Ogilvy Public Relations, ARC Worldwide, and Edelman. Notably, she was the inaugural market leader for SPAG (SPAG FINN Partners) and a key member of the leadership team at Redhill.

Zuber’s strategic appointment underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its position in the industry and driving continuous growth across the region. 

In her new role, Zuber will report to Tyler Kim, APAC CEO, and will lead the firm’s strategic integrated communications initiatives across key markets, focusing on a wide range of stakeholders, including external and internal audiences.

Kim said, “Farah’s extensive regional experience in reputation management and her deep understanding of the business landscape are instrumental in driving our next growth phase. Her appointment demonstrates our commitment to delivering greater value to our employees, clients, and partners in the region. We are thrilled to have her with us.” 

Commenting on her appointment, Zuber also shared, “It is exciting and an honour to be part of Weber Shandwick, an agency renowned for delivering value-driven, earned-first work for decades. Additionally, the agency’s culture, which deeply embraces diversity and well-being, is truly refreshing. I strongly believe these two elements—the commitment to the work and to people—are what make a brand successful and meaningful. I look forward to contributing to the agency’s growth moving forward.”

Singapore – Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd., a full-service communications consulting agency and PR firm in Asia, has announced the appointment of Vikram Kharvi as its new chief executive officer (CEO). 

With over 27 years of strategic communications and marketing expertise, Kharvi is set to lead Bloomingdale PR into a new era of growth and innovation. He will leverage his extensive expertise to drive strategic initiatives, focusing on growth, operational excellence, talent development, and expansion into untapped geographies. 

Kharvi has held senior roles at prominent firms including Adfactors PR, Tata Housing, Sampark PR, ANSSI Wellness, and Indian Express. His extensive experience in public relations, corporate communications, and both traditional and digital marketing underscores his ability to lead Bloomingdale PR with confidence and visionary leadership.

With Kharvi’s appointment as CEO, Diana Fernandes, Bloomingdale PR’s founder, will assume the role of Group CEO, based in Singapore.

Commenting on the appointment, Fernandes shared, “We are pleased to welcome Vikram to our leadership team. His extensive experience and innovative approach to communications will be pivotal in driving Bloomingdale PR to new heights. Vikram’s leadership will enhance our capabilities and unlock new opportunities for expansion and creativity. With Vikram at the helm, we are poised to elevate our operations and further solidify our position as a key player in the industry.”

Also speaking on his new role, Kharvi said, “I am honoured to join Bloomingdale PR. Having known Diana for over a decade, I have always been inspired by her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. This role is more than a professional milestone; it’s an opportunity to work with a dynamic team that shares my passion for excellence. Together, we will elevate Bloomingdale PR to new heights, transforming it into a powerhouse of strategic communication and brand excellence. I am excited to embark on this journey and drive impactful change across industries and borders.”

Bloomingdale PR operates offices in Singapore, India, and Dubai. In Southeast Asia, the firm manages PR campaigns for notable clients including Crunchyroll and Bel Group (known for brands like The Laughing Cow, Kiri, and Babybel), as well as global brands such as Kaspersky and Brother Industries. 

Recently, Bloomingdale PR has also collaborated successfully with organisations like the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) and the Art of Living Foundation on impactful PR campaigns in Singapore.