Tag: Appointment

India – Dentsu South Asia has strengthened its leadership team as part of its integrated growth strategy, appointing Amit Wadhwa as CEO of Dentsu Creative & Media Brands for South Asia and Anita Kotwani as chief client officer for South Asia.

In his expanded remit, Wadhwa will oversee Dentsu’s creative and media practices across South Asia, driving closer collaboration among the network’s three creative agencies—Dentsu Creative Webchutney, Dentsu Creative Isobar, and Dentsu Creative PR—and its five media brands: Carat, dentsu X, iProspect, Posterscope, and Sokrati.

Wadhwa’s key focus will be to dismantle silos and foster a unified operating model that aligns creative and media as a cohesive, integrated force.

“This level of integration hasn’t been done in a long time, giving us the opportunity to shape a new way forward. Success isn’t about a single idea or individual – it happens when the right people collaborate, take ownership, and act with intent. That mindset is what’s driving the next phase of growth at dentsu South Asia,” Wadhwa stated.

“For years, Media and Creative have been distinct powerhouses, each delivering impact in their own way. But the future demands integration, not silos. We are bringing them together – not just for efficiency, but to create a more connected, agile, and strategic approach to solving challenges. 2024 laid the foundation for dentsu; 2025 is about momentum – bigger ideas, faster execution, and smarter impact. With some of the brightest minds in the industry, I’m excited for what’s next,” he further emphasised.

Meanwhile, Kotwani will lead client-centric strategies aimed at deepening partnerships and aligning solutions with rapidly evolving business needs. As chief client officer for Dentsu South Asia, she will drive transformative growth by embedding client-first thinking into every strategic decision.

She will oversee integrated client teams across creative, media, and CXM while also expanding the network’s footprint in high-growth areas such as business transformation (BX), retail, and commerce. Her focus will be on delivering tailored, high-impact solutions by leveraging network-wide expertise, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships.

Kotwani commented, “Clients power everything we do. This role is about creating high-impact partnerships by understanding their challenges and delivering solutions that generate measurable business growth. My focus is on accelerating their success through integrated capabilities, tailored strategies, and seamless execution. We are leveraging dentsu’s full ecosystem to create market-leading solutions that enable brands to scale, adapt, and lead with confidence.”

She added, “With extensive experience in building enduring client relationships and shaping large-scale media and marketing initiatives, I am committed to delivering long-term value. We are bringing together expertise, innovation, and deep market insights to help businesses unlock new opportunities, strengthen brand positioning, and create exponential impact. This is about setting new benchmarks for growth and ensuring our clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.”

This strategic leadership realignment reinforces Dentsu’s commitment to delivering seamless, insight-led solutions under a unified vision. Both Wadhwa and Kotwani will report jointly to Harsha Razdan, CEO for South Asia, and Prerna Mehrotra, CCO and CEO of Media for APAC.

Razdan said, “Marketing today is more complex than ever, but complexity shouldn’t slow businesses down. At dentsu, we’re making it simpler, smarter, and more human. Our ‘One dentsu’ model brings together media, creative, technology, and customer experience to solve real business challenges. Impact comes from both integration and transformation.”

“Amit will drive powerful ideas that break silos and unlock new possibilities, while Anita will deepen client partnerships to ensure our strategies create measurable growth. Together, they will lead people-centered transformations, helping brands navigate change with clarity, confidence, and results. This is ‘Innovating to Impact’ in action – marketing built for the future, today,” he added.

Hong Kong – Hearts & Science, the Omnicom Media Group (OMG) agency, has appointed Doris Kuok as managing partner to spearhead its expansion and lead operations in Hong Kong.

Effective immediately, Kuok will assume responsibility for overseeing the agency’s operations, strategic direction, financial performance, and client relationships. In her new role, she will drive the development of innovative tools and solutions to help renowned brands forge meaningful consumer connections.

Kuok brings over 20 years of experience across the beauty, FMCG, finance, luxury, and travel sectors. Most recently, she was Managing Partner at OMG Hong Kong, where she strengthened client partnerships and fostered collaboration to drive innovative media strategies and strong performance.

Under her leadership, OMG Hong Kong garnered multiple regional and local industry accolades. Kuok was also instrumental in securing Hearts & Science’s significant wins, including Warner Bros. Discovery in APAC and the recent AS Watson media mandate in Hong Kong.

Commenting on her appointment, Kuok said, “Hearts & Science is committed to delivering data-driven strategies to help our clients reach consumers in moments that matter. My goal is to foster a culture of bold creativity, strategic excellence, and deep collaboration, drawing on the vast experience and resources of OMG to deliver media solutions that help brands strengthen emotional connections with consumers and drive loyalty.”

In her new role, Kuok will report directly to Derek Yip, chief operating officer at OMG Hong Kong.

Yip commented, “The expansion of Hearts & Science into Hong Kong represents a pivotal moment for OMG, as we establish a third agency offering. A dynamic individual with strong business acumen is required to lay the groundwork for Hearts & Science’s success in the market, and we have found that leader in Doris.”

He continues, “An ambitious collaborator, Doris moves at pace and inspires others by leading by example. Doris’s experience, coupled with OMG’s Agency as a Platform proposition, will chart a new phase of growth for Hearts & Science in Hong Kong, driving impactful results for our clients and our business.”

Kuok’s appointment comes after the agency’s recent win of AS Watson’s media mandate in Hong Kong, marking a continued expansion in the APAC region.

It also follows the momentum Hearts & Science has gained in APAC since its launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2019. In Q1 2025, the agency appointed Rochelle Chhaya as its first APAC CEO to lead a growing portfolio that includes global brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Versuni, along with regional players such as Warner Bros. Discovery and DBS Bank.

Singapore – Samsung Electronics Singapore has named Lynn Chong its new head of marketing. She will spearhead the company’s marketing and communication efforts in Singapore, amplifying its mobile and consumer electronics divisions.

In her new role, Chong will be responsible for Samsung’s integrated marketing communications, media, social, digital, communications, and brand partnerships.

Before the appointment, Chong was head of brand marketing for Samsung Electronics Singapore’s mobile experience division for four years. During her stint, she led the marketing efforts for Samsung’s Galaxy portfolio.

Chong has spearheaded initiatives to establish the market presence of the brand’s foldables and AI offerings. She has worked on campaigns such as Samsung’s ‘AI Do’ with Singtel.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communication, she has held leadership roles at NTUC FairPrice, OCBC, JWT, and Ogilvy.

“We are excited to have Lynn step into an expanded role to lead integrated marketing efforts in Singapore. As an established marketer and team lead, she has led several transformative campaigns to bring to life our innovative mobile offerings. Her new appointment serves as evidence of our commitment to both the professional growth of our talent and the strategic imperative to cultivate enhanced consumer relationships within the Singaporean market,” Jeffrey Hahn, president at Samsung Electronics Singapore, commented.

“I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to take on an expanded role within the team. Consumers in Singapore know exactly what they are looking out for when they interact with a brand, and it is important that we remain relevant to our consumers in a fast-evolving marketplace. We are eager to engage our consumers meaningfully through innovative and impactful campaigns,” Chong said.

India – Cheil South West Asia (SWA) has appointed Jitender Dabas, widely known as Jeetu, as the new CEO of Cheil X. In addition to this leadership role, he will also take on the responsibilities of group chief strategy officer (CSO) for Cheil SWA.

Cheil X functions as an independent, full-service agency within the Cheil India SWA group, handling a diverse portfolio of accounts beyond Samsung. In his new role, Dabas will oversee Cheil X’s operations in Delhi and Mumbai while also managing the broader network of agencies within the Cheil SWA group.

His responsibilities will include driving creative, strategic, and digital marketing initiatives, along with influencer marketing, technology solutions, content production, retail design, and performance-driven strategies. Additionally, he will provide strategic direction across all Cheil SWA agencies.

Carlos Limseob Chung, managing director of Cheil India and president of Cheil SWA, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Jitender Dabas to the Cheil SWA Group and family. His reputation as a professional and leader precedes him, and his appointment marks a significant milestone as Cheil X enters its next phase of growth and transformation.”

“With our scaling up of our capabilities in digital marketing through Experience Commerce, content production through CYLNDR, retail design & branding through newRx, and digital media and influencer marketing, there couldn’t have been anyone better than Jeetu to drive this intersection of creativity, strategy, and technology into a new future-focused agency,” he added.

Dabas joins Cheil X from McCann Worldgroup, where he served as COO, CSO for India, and head of effectiveness for APAC. An IIT Delhi alumnus, he is a renowned strategic leader in global advertising with a career spanning WPP and IPG. A recipient of the WPP Atticus Award, Dabas has earned over 100 advertising awards and served on prestigious juries, including Cannes Lions and Effies.

Speaking about his appointment, Dabas said, “I am really excited about leading Cheil X at this pivotal moment in its journey in India. As an industry, we are all acutely aware of the change that is upon us. The old models are giving way, and newer models haven’t yet crystallised. And the truth is that disruptive creativity and big brand strategy, only when deployed across the persuasion funnel, will lead to truly impactful outcomes.”

“Cheil is a global leader when it comes to solutions at the intersection of creativity and technology, and I am excited about partnering businesses and brands in India with all the new-age capabilities that Cheil is building in India. I’m looking forward to creating something future-facing: an agency that doesn’t just keep up with change but leads it,” he added.

India – Grey India has appointed multi-award-winning creative leader Harsh Kapadia as its chief creative officer, signalling a bold move to strengthen its creative leadership and drive innovation in the Indian market.

Mumbai-born and globally acclaimed, Harsh Kapadia joins Grey India from MRM New York (part of McCann Worldgroup), where he has served as chief creative officer since 2021. His appointment marks a return to the WPP network, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at VML and JWT.

Over the years, Kapadia has held senior creative positions at VML and JWT across New York, London, Melbourne, and Mumbai, working with leading brands such as Kleenex, Smirnoff, Rolex, and Nestlé. His ‘Drink Up’ campaign at VML earned recognition from Michelle Obama, and he played a key role in securing the agency’s first Pride of Cannes Lions. 

A multi-award-winning creative, his work has been recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clios, and Spikes Asia. He has also served as a jury member for top industry accolades, including Cannes Lions and D&AD Impact.

Kapadia’s return to India is particularly significant given his deep understanding of the local market and his exposure to global best practices. With experience spanning four continents, he has a proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns for global clients such as Google, Reckitt, Motorola, Lego, New Balance, and Diageo.

In his new role at Grey, Kapadia will be based in India and report to Grey’s global chief creative officer, Gabriel Schmitt. He will also collaborate closely with Anusha Shetty, CEO of Grey India, who brings over 25 years of marketing and advertising experience.

“I’m thrilled to continue my global journey while returning to WPP and lead Grey India at such a transformative moment. Partnering with Anusha and the exceptional team at Grey, I’m eager to harness the philosophy of Cultural MacGyverism—blending rich local insights with cutting-edge marketing—to create work that drives real business impact,” Kapadia said. 

Together, Kapadia and Shetty will lead Grey India’s next phase of growth across its Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore studios, focusing on delivering famously effective creative solutions that connect with local audiences and make a global impact.

“India presents a tremendous opportunity, both culturally and economically. We need to be at the forefront of marketing and communications, creating exceptional work for the remarkable brands we represent there,” Schmitt said. 

He continued, “Harsh’s experience in New York, London, Melbourne and India, coupled with his deep understanding of the local culture, makes him the ideal leader to drive lasting value for our clients. With Harsh and Anusha at the helm, our clients will gain a significant creative advantage and unparalleled client partnerships. Can’t wait to see the ideas flowing.”

“Harsh’s return to India is an extraordinary win for Grey. He is a well-known creative force with deep experience across brands and strongly believes in the application of technology to ideas and ideas to technology; we couldn’t have asked for a stronger addition to leadership,” Shetty added. 

Kapadia’s appointment highlights Grey’s dedication to elevating its creative excellence in the vital Indian market, leveraging his unique fusion of local insights and global expertise.

Sarah Trombetta, CEO of Grey APAC, said, “Bringing together the proven leadership of Anusha Shetty with the creative vision of Harsh, whose experience spans the spectrum from cutting-edge AI-driven technology solutions to time-tested traditional advertising, sets Grey India up for an exciting future.”

“This breadth of world-class expertise will allow us to craft uniquely effective campaigns that resonate with diverse Indian consumers across all platforms and touchpoints,” she added.

Philippines – Food and beverage company PepsiCo has promoted Ray Philip Pine, chief marketing officer for Philippine beverages, to global marketing director of its hydration portfolio.

Pine led the company’s marketing team in the Philippines for over two years prior to the appointment. In his role, he led the growth strategy of PepsiCo’s brands, including Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Sting.

Before joining PepsiCo, Pine worked with consumer goods corporation Procter & Gamble for six years, serving as its regional brand director in Asia-Pacific for its fabric care brands for three years. Prior to that, he served as the company’s country category leader and senior brand manager.

Pine also held the consumer marketing manager role for Nestlé Philippines’ affordable dairy Bear Brand.

PepsiCo recently unveiled its new brand platform, highlighting the authentic reactions of its consumers in its ‘Taste Face’ visual cue.

Philippines – Ellerton & Co. Public Relations agency has opened its regional office in the Philippines. The move aims to advance the agency’s aim to deliver impactful communication strategies in a fast-growing market.

As part of the expansion, the agency has also announced key senior hires in the country. Ellerton & Co. has appointed Gab Abeleda as regional director and Ariana Ubina as regional senior account manager.

Abeleda and Ubina are set to support the agency’s global clients with their efforts to expand in the Philippines. Ellerton & Co. assists its clients grow their presence not only in Metro Manila but in Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

Abeleda has over ten years of experience in strategic communications. Before the appointment, he served as vice president at FleishmanHillard Philippines. During his stint, he worked with brands such as Canva, Abbott, Unilever, and Lazada.

Meanwhile, Ubina brings eight years of experience in public relations within the industries of banking, insurance, and cybersecurity. She has worked with tech companies like LinkedIn, SES, Palo Alto Networks, BPI, and Unilever. 

Besides helping global companies expand in the Philippines, it also positions itself as a partner for Filipino companies seeking to expand in other Southeast Asian markets.

Ellerton & Co. operates in the greater Southeast Asia market. Headquartered in Singapore, it also holds offices in Vietnam and Indonesia. The agency also has consultants in Thailand, India, and Hong Kong while collaborating with partners in China, the U.S., ANZ, and Europe.

Abeleda commented, “It’s an exciting time to join Ellerton & Co., and I’m thrilled to work alongside such a diverse and talented regional team. I look forward to leveraging our deep market insights to help brands in the Philippines and across Greater Southeast Asia achieve their business objectives through impactful communication strategies and build lasting connections with their audiences.”

“We are glad to welcome Gab and Ariana as we expand our presence in the Philippines, a dynamic market that is central to Southeast Asia’s economic growth. With their leadership, we are well-positioned to deliver impactful storytelling and strategic counsel not only in Metro Manila but also in emerging innovation hubs such as Cebu, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro,” Oliver Ellerton, director at Ellerton & Co., said.

“Their deep expertise in strategic communications and track record of success in multi-channel engagement make them invaluable assets to our growing regional team,” Ellerton added.

Prayaank Gupta, executive director at Ellerton & Co., said, “Despite the challenges faced by the PR industry the past year, we’ve achieved a number of client wins and expanded our partnerships with existing clients, who continue to trust us with larger remits in terms of markets and services. By attracting top talent, we are well-positioned to deliver even more impactful results for our client partners.”

She added, “The Philippines presents an exciting market with tremendous potential, and we are delighted to attract and bring in some of the best local talent. Our goal is to double our local revenue and grow our regional team to 10 consultants by 2026.”

India – Havas Life Mumbai, the healthcare communications arm of Havas India, has appointed Dorelle Kulkarni as its new managing director to lead the agency’s strategic expansion and innovation in healthcare communications.

In this role, Kulkarni will succeed Sangeeta Barde, CEO of Havas Life Mumbai, India, and regional head of Havas Life Dubai (Middle East). She will drive the agency’s strategic expansion, strengthen its market position, and lead its next phase of innovation and growth.

Kulkarni brings nearly three decades of experience in marketing and strategic growth within the health and wellness sector. She has held leadership roles at Publicis Health and Lowe Lintas, shaping brand strategies for top global healthcare companies.

Notably, she spent a decade at the former Sorento Healthcare, now Havas Life Mumbai, where she managed an impressive portfolio of blue-chip clients, including Abbott, GSK, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, Glenmark, and Novo Nordisk.

“Joining Havas Life Mumbai feels like a homecoming. I am excited to collaborate with a team that shares my passion for innovation and excellence in healthcare communications. Together, I am looking forward to creating impactful solutions that make a meaningful difference in the health and wellness landscape,” Kulkarni shared. 

Kulkarni will report to Charles Houdoux, global chief client officer and CEO of Havas Health LATAM & APAC, and collaborate closely with Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas India, SEA, and North Asia, to ensure a successful integration with Havas India Village. 

Additionally, she will work alongside Sachin Talwalkar, chief creative officer of Havas Life Mumbai, to drive strategic innovation and elevate the agency’s impact in healthcare communications.

Speaking on the appointment, Houdoux said, “Havas Life Mumbai is a key player in our global health and wellness network, and Dorelle’s appointment marks a significant step in strengthening our presence in the APAC region.”

“As healthcare evolves rapidly worldwide – with digital transformation, personalised medicine, and patient-centric solutions redefining the industry – India stands at the forefront of this revolution. With her expertise and leadership, we are confident that Havas Life Mumbai will continue to drive groundbreaking healthcare communications that create real impact,” he added. 

Barua also said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dorelle to the Havas family at such a transformative time for healthcare communications. Her deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and passion for innovation will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of growth for Havas Life Mumbai. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Sangeeta for her leadership and being part of Havas and wish her the best always.”

India – Buzzlab, the content-led growth consulting firm, has named Harish Shetty as its new client services director, bringing over 12 years of expertise in advertising, brand marketing, and integrated campaigns.

A seasoned expert in brand and go-to-market (GTM) marketing, Shetty has a proven track record of developing and executing high-impact campaigns that drive both brand equity and business growth.

Shetty’s expertise spans above-the-line (ATL) marketing, below-the-line (BTL) strategies, and digital/social media marketing, enabling him to craft compelling brand communications that deliver measurable results for leading brands.

Sindhu Biswal, founder & CEO of Buzzlab, said, “Harish brings solid experience of operations, strategy, client management and principles of legacy ad giants. I loved it when he mentioned, “I want to unlearn whatever I have learnt till date, challenge all playbooks and build a new form of advertising company.”

Sushant Sadamate, co-founder & COO of Buzzlab, added, “At Buzzlab, we believe in leaders who do not just strategise but roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Harish brings an incredible mix of experience, creativity and executional excellence. His ability to inspire confidence in clients while delivering standout campaigns will be a game changer for us.”

Before joining Buzzlab, Shetty was a management supervisor at Ogilvy. With over 12 years of experience in advertising, brand marketing, and integrated campaigns, he has worked with top agencies such as L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Famous Innovations, and MullenLowe Lintas Group, refining his expertise in strategic brand growth and cross-platform marketing.

Speaking of his new role, Shetty shared, “I didn’t choose advertising—advertising chose me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Somewhere along the way, I found my passion for data-driven marketing, and that’s been the driving force behind everything I do. The real thrill comes from seeing how ideas translate into measurable impact. What’s even more exciting is how today’s young agencies are redefining the space—bringing bold, creative thinking backed by real numbers.” 

He continued, “Brands, too, are evolving; they’re no longer just advertisers; they’re speaking the language of creators—engaging, storytelling, and building communities rather than just selling. And that’s exactly what excites me about Buzzlab. It’s a place where creativity meets strategy, where big ideas don’t just stay ideas—they turn into measurable outcomes. I feel genuinely energised by this shift in the creative and media landscape, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Buzzlab to be part of this shift.”

Philippines – Media company Hepmil Philippines has appointed Joanna Chan Mojica as chairperson of the board to lead the company’s growth in the advertising industry.

Taking on the new role, Mojica is set to oversee and advance Hepmil’s vision to lead the Philippines’ digital advertising industry. She will report to Karl Mak, Hepmil Media Group’s CEO and work closely with Erwin Razon, Hepmil Philippines’ general manager.

Mojica is concurrently serving as president of AmplifAI Media Services and shareholder of Metropolis Evolving Media Solutions. She also held leadership roles at Unilab Inc., Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines, Starcom MediaVest Group, GroupM, MindShare and J. Walter Thompson.

Hepmil Philippines is a subsidiary of Hepmil Media Group in Singapore. It has worked with clients such as Jollibee, Unilever, Unilab, CDO, and Century Pacific Food.

Mojica commented, “The landscape of content and advertising is shifting—audiences crave authenticity, brands seek cultural relevance, and creators are at the forefront of this evolution. Hepmil Philippines is in a unique position to drive this transformation, bridging the gap between brands and creators in a way that is both strategic and impactful. I look forward to contributing to this journey, while also continuing to champion innovation across the broader media and marketing ecosystem.”

“Joanna brings unmatched expertise and a legacy of leadership to our team. Her strategic vision aligns perfectly with our mission to innovate and grow in this dynamic industry. With her steering the board, we’re poised to set new benchmarks for excellence,” Razon said.

Mak said, “Hepmil Philippines has been our group’s standout growth market since we entered as a startup in 2018 through PGAG. Joanna has been a mentor, advisor, and friend to us from day one, guiding our journey with her unparalleled insight.”

“With the introduction of Hepmil Creators Network and Hepmil’s Social Commerce offerings, we’ve achieved an impressive 70% CAGR over the past four years, partnering with iconic brands like Jollibee and Unilever, and top agencies like Publicis Groupe and GroupM. Securing an industry veteran of Joanna’s calibre as Chairperson is a strategic move—her values align seamlessly with Hepmil’s mission, and her leadership will have a profound impact in mentoring our young leaders as we drive the next chapter of growth in the Philippines’ digital advertising and creator economy,” Mak added.

Hepmil Philippines introduced its talent programmes, including its social commerce solutions and incubation programme, in 2023 to strengthen the creators under its network.