Tag: Appointment

Shanghai, China – Global prestige beauty retail brand Sephora has officially named Xia Ding as its new managing director of Greater China to lead its next phase of growth and success. 

In her new role, Xia Ding will be based in Shanghai and will report directly to Alia Gogi, president of Asia for Sephora. 

She will lead Sephora’s business in Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, spanning around 350 stores with two e-commerce websites and a robust ecosystem of digital platforms and apps. 

Xia Ding brings with her an extensive background in leadership. Prior to joining Sephora, she spent five years serving as the vice president and general manager of e-commerce for Asia Pacific and Latin America at Nike. 

During her two decades of tenure at HanesBrands Inc., Xia Ding was heavily involved in corporate strategy and led its expansion into China. In 2015, she was appointed the vice president of retail service at Nielsen in China and subsequently joined JD.com as the president of JD Fashion, where she was responsible for driving the fashion business covering apparel, shoes, sportswear, bags, and jewellery. 

Commenting on the appointment, Gogi said, “Xia Ding is a quintessential leader with a wealth of experience in running businesses, digital transformations, and strategic business development. I am confident that her skills set, knowledge of brick & mortar retail, expertise in digital and e-commerce, as well as her proven track record in building and sustaining profitable businesses will take Sephora Greater China into its next phase of growth and success.” 

Meanwhile, Xia Ding shared, “I am thrilled to join Sephora at a time when the prestige beauty market in China is on the cusp of its next phase of growth. Sephora’s allure lies in its powerful curation capabilities, strong culture anchored in purpose and DE&I, and an incredible ability to offer beauty enthusiasts an ever-evolving retail experience.” 

Singapore – AIA Singapore has appointed Socialyse as its social media agency of record. Through the mandate, Socialyse will be responsible for content production, social media strategy, and administration focused on boosting consumer engagement for AIA Singapore. The appointment will take effect in April 2024. 

The appointment follows the premiere of the five-minute thematic film “Confessions Of A Liar.” This film is a part of the launch of AIA Ultimate Critical Cover, the newest critical illness plan from AIA Singapore (AIA UCC). The film explores the intricacies of familial ties over a range of life stages, including a serious illness. This is presented through the protagonist’s lighthearted exchanges with his mother, who is middle-aged. 

Kenny Yap, managing director of Socialyse, Havas Play and Havas Red, expressed, “We are thrilled to provide AIA Singapore with our integrated services together via Socialyse, Havas Play and Arena Media. We know the power of integration and continue to see this unique offering help clients achieve their brand, communication and commercial objectives. With our shared commitment to delivering meaningful impact, we look forward to supporting AIA Singapore to deepen their engagement with customers and the community through more purposeful storytelling.” 

Meanwhile, Allison Chew, head of PR, brand, and marketing at AIA Singapore, said, “We look forward to working alongside Socialyse, tapping into their robust social media offering and seamless integrated services to further engage our customers and the community with more compelling content that resonates with their evolving needs. Together with Arena Media, we are confident in the network’s ability to drive synergies and effectiveness.”

Taiwan – OMD Taiwan, a subsidiary of the Omnicom Media Group, has named Jason Chen as its new general manager to support business growth. 

In his new role as general manager, Chen will focus on the continuous development and growth of OMD’s client partnerships, commercial operations, product, talent, and culture. 

Chen emphasised his commitment to using his extensive experience to address the challenges and opportunities brought about by the rapid development of marketing technology. The agency network will leverage Chen’s invaluable wealth of experience and insights in combining media, data, and marketing technology to create win-win marketing campaigns for brands and consumers. 

He will lead the team in utilising global resources, technology, and data insights tools to enhance OMD’s competitiveness and talent development and deepen the agile thinking within the agency brand. Chen’s main aim is to assist brands in creating better consumer experiences, continuously strengthen the leading position of client brands, and drive business growth, making OMD the most trusted business partner for clients.

Chen previously spent nearly a decade at OMG and OMD in Taiwan, leading its digital transformation for clients. Now, with over 18 years of experience in digital and media, Chen returns to the OMG network with extensive expertise in marketing, data-driven marketing technology, media integration, and client service. 

Prior to his appointment at OMD Taiwan, he worked at GroupM and has also worked at d.vibe Digital, dentsu Solution Center, and tech start-up Ainotam, making significant industry contributions in the areas of media, data, and marketing technology. 

Overall, his remarkable leadership earned him several accolades and numerous successful pitch wins, resulting in internationally acclaimed case studies for various brands. 

Charlotte Lee, CEO at OMD Asia Pacific, said, “Jason’s demonstrated expertise in client management, business operations, and digital strategy presents a significant advantage for OMD in Taiwan, especially as we capitalise on emerging opportunities to explore new possibilities for our clients. His recruitment aligns with our ambition to accelerate growth through digital leadership, business transformation, and a connected culture.” 

Also speaking on the appointment, Kelly Huang, CEO of Omnicom Media Group Taiwan, shared, “Jason’s leadership in digital transformation at OMG and OMD makes him one of the most influential figures in our industry. In recent years, OMD has been actively transforming and expanding, keeping pace with the rapid changes in the market. In this rapidly changing market environment, talent, data, and client servicing have always been core values of our group. Faced with the current changes in the environment, we need an agile-thinking team. We are very pleased that Jason has returned and accepted this new challenge. We believe that under his leadership, OMD will once again reach new heights and create new milestones.” 

Australia – OpenX, a global omnichannel supply-side platform, has promoted Mitchell Greenway to managing director, APAC. In his new job, Greenway will oversee OpenX’s operations in Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. 

Greenway will directly report to John Gentry, CEO of OpenX Technologies. 

In his new position, Greenway will be in charge of growing OpenX’s footprint in the area. Using his CTV experience in the position, he will also concentrate on enhancing OpenX’s CTV footprint in the market. Greenway will also be a part of OpenX’s CTV steering group. 

Greenway was the first person hired by OpenX in the Australia/New Zealand area in 2019. He led the charge in forming the local team throughout his term, which improved publisher access to demand in the area. After that, Greenway spent two years developing OpenX’s CTV supply network and go-to-market plan in North America. He refined his technological skills and streaming leadership throughout this time.

Greenway has worked in digital media and programmatic advertising for 13 years, mostly on the supply side or directly with publishers. Greenway worked in executive roles before joining OpenX, such as managing the programmatic and audience team at Bauer Media and heading the relationship team at Yahoo. 

Greenway takes over the role following the retirement of his predecessor, Andrew Tu, who has over 30 years of experience in digital and programmatic advertising. 

Speaking about his appointment, Greenway expressed, “I’m excited to not only be returning home to Sydney with my family but to be working once again with colleagues and clients in the region, with an enhanced global focus on our CTV footprint and capabilities. The thing that I am most looking forward to, however, is having the opportunity to lead all of the unique regions within APAC — each market has its own needs, and therefore opportunities, from a cultural, content, and overall programmatic standpoint.” 

Meanwhile, Gentry said, “I’m excited to see Mitch expand his role and leverage his extensive programmatic and CTV knowledge to build on the strong foundation in the APAC region that Andrew and his team built. Mitch’s ability to connect at local levels across the region makes him the ideal leader to continue to build on our legacy in APAC, and I’m looking forward to him powering growth through his deep understanding of the evolving CTV landscape.“ 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Public relations and integrated communications agency Citrine has announced the return of its founder, Ivlynn Yap Cheng Theng, to take on the role of group executive chairman, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. 

The strategic appointment marks a new chapter for the agency, fueled by Ivlynn’s visionary leadership and a shared commitment to propelling Citrine to greater heights. Her return to Citrine signifies a renewed focus on fostering a culture of commitment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Ivylynn brings with her over 30 years of experience as a seasoned industry professional. She is renowned for her sharp strategic thinking, practical approach, and unwavering commitment to client success. 

Her extensive experience and proven track record within the communications industry will be instrumental in shaping the agency’s future trajectory by offering a broader scope of integrated communication services while cementing the agency’s renowned expertise in crisis communication and reputation management. 

The agency acknowledges the importance of effective environmental, social, and governance (ESG) communication strategies. Under Ivlynn’s leadership, Citrine is committed to providing communication support and advisory services to companies as they navigate and promote their ESG initiatives, leveraging Ivlynn’s crisis communication expertise and governance experience. 

Prior to her homecoming, Ivylynn served as the head of the corporate communication department at Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) from April 2021 to March 2024. 

Her 3-year tenure at PIDM instilled in her a deep understanding and appreciation of compliance, risk assessment, and good corporate governance principles and practices. Combining this with her ongoing pursuit of a Master of Science in Economic Crime Management at HELP University positions her well to support clients with their ESG communication strategies. 

“We observe that ESG standards and regulations are increasingly becoming a permanent fixture in how organisations run and operate their businesses. In most cases, companies are noted to lack robust strategic communications plans and crisis preparedness strategies that align with their ESG practices. At Citrine, we offer tailored communication and advisory services to empower companies to uphold transparency and cultivate authentic sustainability practices. Our goal is to ensure that companies effectively navigate the complexities of ESG while fostering genuine connections with their stakeholders,” Ivylynn explained. 

On empowering talent and igniting innovation, Ivylynn emphasised the significance of collaboration in achieving Citrine’s ambitious goals. She envisions fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives are valued and creative ideas are nurtured. 

As she takes on the leadership role in the agency, Citrine will actively invest in its team’s professional development, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern communications landscape. 

Citrine has carved a prominent niche in the communication landscape, and its extensive network of affiliate agencies, strategically positioned across seven locations—Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, India, and the UAE—enables it to provide comprehensive communication solutions on a global scale.

Commenting on her appointment, Ivylynn said, “I’m incredibly honoured to rejoin Citrine at this pivotal moment. The agency has a remarkable foundation built on a commitment to providing practical solutions and meeting client expectations. I’m energised to collaborate with our talented team to propel Citrine to even greater heights. Together, we will leverage the power of strategic communication to empower our clients to thrive in an ever-evolving communications landscape.” 

She added, “Citrine has always embraced a global mindset. Our network of affiliate agencies allows us to offer our clients a truly international perspective. Looking ahead, we plan to strategically expand our network, reaching new markets and forging stronger partnerships across the globe.” 

Singapore – The media and marketing solutions subsidiary of Interpublic Group , IPG Mediabrands, has announced that Kristine Biti has been appointed as the head of KINESSO in Asia-Pacific. Biti will be based in Singapore at the KINESSO Regional Headquarters, reporting to Leigh Terry, the CEO of IPG Mediabrands Asia-Pacific. On Thursday, April 11th, her appointment will become effective.

The announcement comes after Matt Ware was promoted to CEO for Japan at IPG Mediabrands. 

Biti takes over as APAC Head of KINESSO, IPG Mediabrands’ tech-driven performance agency, and leads a team of over 1000 digital experts across 11 markets. They work in digital media, marketing automation, advanced analytics, commerce, and AI. 

Biti has 15 years of expertise in advertising, marketing, and technology in Asia Pacific, and she specialises in driving regional expansion, strategic collaborations, and organisational transformation within the industry. Her previous work includes as APAC head of operations, client, and growth at Media.Monks.

Commenting about Biti’s appointment, Leigh Terry, CEO IPG Mediabrands APAC, said, “Kris has a great reputation for driving operational excellence and commercial transformation. Her deep-seated knowledge of marketing technology paired with an unrivalled passion and tenacity for the forward progress of this industry, make her the perfect hire to lead our digital performance specialists across the Asia-Pacific region. We are very excited to have her on board.” 

Meanwhile, Biti stated, “I am joining KINESSO at a time of exponential technological advancements, ever shifting consumer behaviour and heightened privacy scrutiny. More than ever, brands are seeking expertise and agility as they navigate the complexities of data, analytics, and their technology stack. The combination of KINESSO’s innovative solutions, top-tier services, and exceptional talent is the winning combination to propel our clients forward.”

She added, “It is an honour to have the opportunity to work with Leigh, his seasoned leadership team and legendary KINESSO crew across the world. I am looking forward to taking the APAC business to new heights.”

Jakarta, Indonesia – Dentsu Indonesia has announced the appointment of Anwesh Bose as chief growth officer, effective immediately.

In his new role, Bose will spearhead growth initiatives and foster collaboration across units to identify market opportunities that will propel dentsu Indonesia and its clients to achieve the next phase of growth.

Bose brings over a wealth of experience as an advertising veteran, with a proven track record of growing brands in Indonesia and India. His extensive background includes serving as president director at Havas Group Indonesia, senior vice president at DDB India, and chief growth officer – media at dentsu media India.

He has also held leadership positions at ad-tech companies, such as Supermom Business and Whisper Media. Prior to rejoining dentsu, Bose also served as president director at The Academy Consulting.

Talking about his own appointment, Bose said, “It is an honor for me to return to dentsu, where we are committed to driving growth and innovation for marketers in Indonesia. I’m in awe of the talents and capabilities across Creative, Media, CXM that dentsu has, as well as the impressive achievements that the dentsu team have brought. I eagerly anticipate unlocking new possibilities with our expertise in data, commerce, content, and influencer marketing.”

Meanwhile, Elvira Jakub, CEO of dentsu Indonesia, commented, “We have made steady progress thus far, and by strategically appointing a senior leader with extensive experience like Anwesh, we are charting our path forward to continue helping marketers unlock new opportunities and navigate the evolving marketing landscape. Anwesh will also be instrumental in leading dentsu Indonesia’s growth through transformation and integration of our emerging service lines. I’m brimming with excitement and optimism for the incredible phase that lies ahead.”

Notably, this appointment comes after Elvira Jakub’s appointment as dentsu Indonesia’s new CEO.

Australia – BMF has announced the appointment of Simone Takasaki in the newly created role of head of creative services and integrated production. 

Takasaki is formerly with Google APAC as the head of production and brand studio, spending three-and-a-half years leading its production offering for its brand studio and nine years at Wieden+Kennedy Portland and Tokyo as a production and operation lead at the creative agency.

In her newly created role, Takasaki will work across BMF and its portfolio of clients to drive efficiency and effectiveness throughout the production process and help the business continue to deliver world-class work. 

Additionally, she will also help bolster the creative agency’s innovation offering, alongside Google APAC’s former head of creative and now BMF’s chief innovation officer, Tara McKenty.

Stephen McArdle, CEO of BMF, shared, “Simone is somewhat of a production unicorn. She has progressive tech and digital production skills as well as extensive experience leading production at a world-class creative agency. Simone’s skillset, ambition, and credibility make her the perfect person to enhance the holistic agency process and further drive our innovation offering alongside our chief innovation officer, Tara McKenty.”

Speaking on her appointment, Takasaki also said, “BMF has an incredibly strong reputation for its creativity, culture, and craft. After four years working in big tech, I couldn’t be more excited to be joining an agency with such a strong reputation in not just its creativity but its effectiveness.” 

Philippines – Oyie Pingol has announced that she has been appointed by the Jollibee Group of Companies as their new global media head. In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Pingol stated that she will spearhead the evolution and implementation of media planning strategies within the Jollibee Group, encompassing diverse global markets and regions.

Specifically, her mandate encompasses crafting future-ready media frameworks, policies, guidelines, and controls to meticulously orchestrate media campaigns and ensure their success.

“In this capacity, I am entrusted with the strategic development of media recommendations that not only elevate our competitive edge but also remain agile and responsive to dynamic market landscapes. By staying attuned to shifting consumer behaviours and industry trends, I will lead the charge in devising forward-thinking strategies that propel the Jollibee Group and shape the future of media in the QSR industry,” Pingol told MARKETECH APAC. 

For this role, Pingol will be prioritising foundational skills whilst advancing their digital capabilities through audience targeting and personalization through data analytics, ensuring the creation of high-quality and relevant content with seamless integration across diverse channels. 

She will also be focusing on the exploration of innovative technologies like AI, testing and learning new technologies to maximise the use of their measurement and analytics tools, maintaining agility and adaptability to swiftly respond to market dynamics.

“By focusing on these strategic pillars, we aim to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns that deeply resonate with our audience, drive engagement, and ultimately propel our brand’s success in an ever-evolving media landscape,” Pingol stated.

Prior to her appointment, Pingol worked with GroupM’s Wavemaker for over four years, wherein she cultivated a proactive and innovative growth mindset, constantly seeking out new opportunities, and embracing calculated risks to drive growth and success.

“This entrepreneurial approach, coupled with my experience in media planning, positions me well to contribute effectively to the dynamic environment of Jollibee Group. Additionally, their emphasis on digital transformation has equipped me with a strong foundation in navigating and leveraging digital media platforms and strategies,” shared Pingol.

When asked about what’s to come in terms of challenges and opportunities for the fast-food industry this year, Pingol mentioned that they will be facing a multitude of marketing challenges and opportunities in the current landscape.

One significant challenge is navigating the shifting consumer preferences and behaviours brought about by the pandemic. Consumers’ palates have expanded as they discovered new food options and neighbourhood food shops during lockdowns and restrictions, leading to increased demand for variety and quality in fast-food offerings. However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for QSRs to leverage this trend by introducing new menu items, collaborating with local eateries, and emphasising freshness and quality in their offerings.

Moreover, the power of word-of-mouth marketing has never been stronger, with social media amplifying consumer voices that can either make or break brands. Authenticity, transparency, and responsiveness to feedback are crucial for brands to cultivate positive relationships with their audience and mitigate potential reputational risks.

Additionally, reaching and engaging Gen Z, known for its digital savviness and high expectations, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for fast-food brands to innovate in their marketing strategies and offerings.

Last but not least, with the growing awareness of nutrition and sustainability, fast-food brands must adapt their offerings to cater to these preferences while still maintaining convenience and taste.

Talking about what’s next for the fast-food industry, as well as Jollibee’s plans along these changes, Pingol concluded, “In addition to above, by staying agile, responsive to consumer needs, and leveraging its diverse portfolio of brands, the Jollibee Group is posed to further expand and improve in line with the evolving landscape of the QSR and casual dining industry.”

Singapore – Interpublic group agency Golin welcomes Ian Willoughby as director within the agency’s healthcare practice, Golin Health in Singapore.

Located in Singapore, Willoughby will work across Golin branded agencies, and will be responsible for building the healthcare offering.

With healthcare communications expertise over 25 years, Willoughby has worked within major pharmaceutical companies, communications and medical education businesses in Singapore, the UK and Australia.

He was previously a general manager at McCann Health in Singapore, possessing an experience across a wide range of specialist, general practice and consumer health areas that led the development of award-winning and highly effective campaigns.

Willoughby’s industry experience has also seen him serve as chairman of the Healthcare Communications Council in Australia, helping to provide leadership in effective healthcare advertising and communications.

Speaking on his appointment, Willoughby said, “I’m very happy to be part of the Golin team, adding to their experience across APAC, and globally. Creating impactful, purposeful programmes around health and wellness is vitally important to enhance community understanding and create change, ultimately improving health outcomes. This is what we will be helping all our clients to achieve.”

Meanwhile, Darren Burns, president of Golin APAC, commented, “We are so glad to have Ian at the helm of Golin Health in Singapore. He brings a unique insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by healthcare brands, catalysing new thinking into how we propel positive change for our clients”.