Tag: Appointment

Singapore – The Minister for Communications and Information has named Russell Tham, Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd’s head of emerging technologies, as chairman of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Board. His appointment will start on March 15. Tham succeeds Chan Yeng Kit, who is stepping down as Chairman of the IMDA Board after nine years. 

Tham provides plenty of expertise to IMDA, having served on the board since October 1, 2020. In addition, he has served as chairperson of IMDA’s Technology Sub-Committee since April 1, 2023. Tham has used his experience to advise IMDA on developing digital technologies, facilitate their integration into business operations, and assess potential policy implications. 

Chan, who also held the office of Permanent Secretary (Health), was the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) from January 2005 to November 2007 and permanent secretary (Information, Communications, and the Arts) from January 2008 to November 2012. In November 2015, he became chairman of the IDA Board. 

Chan led the arrangement for the merger of IDA and the Media Development Authority (MDA) to become IMDA in 2016, and has since served as IMDA’s chairman of the board. 

Singapore – The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) announced today that it has appointed SPRG Singapore as the Agency of Record for its PR and social media work in Singapore after a competitive pitch.

Through the partnership, SPRG will be developing myriad communications strategies and handling media relations and outreach to build brand awareness and credibility for the Breast Cancer Foundation in Singapore.

Furthermore, the agency will also be responsible for developing and implementing innovative social media strategies, creating compelling content, and managing BCF’s social media channels to drive engagement and awareness. Through its communication efforts, SPRG Singapore hopes to cement top-of-mind awareness for BCF.

Talking about the partnership, Natalie Lau, head of advocacy & communications, Breast Cancer Foundation, said, “As we evolve with the times, we must remain committed to our vision of being the first port-of-call for our survivors. In that same spirit, we have decided to embark on a brand rejuvenation journey with SPRG Singapore to continue advocating for the early detection of breast cancer.”

“The team not only showed that they understood our mission and challenges – they were also able to present creative, yet realistic ideas on how to take our brand story forward with both marketing ideas and strategic PR. We look forward to a long partnership with them,” she added.

Meanwhile, Edwin Yeo, general manager, SPRG Singapore, commented, “We are proud to be part of this exciting and meaningful journey with BCF. They have always been creative in their breast cancer awareness efforts, and we’re pleased that they liked our ideas. We look forward to working together with the team at BCF and changing the way breast cancer is talked about in Singapore.”

Australia – Digital marketing and automation platform Constant Contact has appointed Gerard Smith as its new APAC head of partnerships, shortly after the recent appointment of Sam Whitmore as its new APAC head of commercial.

In their new roles, both Smith and Whitmore will be supporting the company’s commitments to rapid growth and the support of small businesses across the APAC region.

These appointments also follow Constant Contact’s recent designation of their new vice president for APAC.

Smith joins from WP Engine where he held the role of APAC head of agency partnerships. In that role, Smith was responsible for fostering greater growth among digital marketing, web development, e-commerce, and media agencies across the region, and engaging and growing the company’s reseller community.

Based out of Constant Contact’s regional headquarters in Brisbane, Smith will focus on providing support to the hundreds of resellers currently driving new business across Australia and New Zealand.

Whitmore on the other hand, held numerous executive roles at Salesforce in the United Kingdom, largely focused on SMB customers, most recently as the regional vice president for the travel, transport and hospitality industries.

Speaking on his appointment, Smith said, “I’m excited to join Constant Contact and look forward to unlocking new growth opportunities and fostering stronger collaboration with our partners across the APAC region.”

Talking about her appointment as well, Whitmore also mentioned, “I’m thrilled to have joined Constant Contact in APAC at this exciting phase and to be driving strategies that will support our customers and their own growth journeys.”

Meanwhile, Renee Chaplin, vice president Asia Pacific, Constant Contact, commented, “Our agency partners continue to be important drivers of expansion and we intend to double down on our commitment to them in-region to help their businesses be more successful in 2024. Bringing Gerard Smith on board as our APAC Head of Partnerships further demonstrates how important this region is to Constant Contact.”

“To add, Sam Whitmore is a commercial powerhouse and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring her on board to lead our customer success, customer support and inside sales functions for Constant Contact in APAC,” added Chaplin.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Creatives for Climate, a non-profit global network dedicated to climate action, has appointed Antonia Estall, a youth change agent, as the Asia-Pacific chapter lead. Estall’s appointment is tasked with taking action across the region, encouraging professionals to oppose greenwashing and build a climate action movement among their peers. 

Estall’s main focus will be on New Zealand, where nine out of ten New Zealanders prioritise checking a product’s green claims before making a purchase, according to research by Consumer NZ. Furthermore, according to UK research conducted by CIM in October 2020, 40% of marketers admit they do not possess the credentials required to communicate sustainability in an effective manner. 

Estall worked at ECG Consulting Firm before taking on her present positions, where she honed her research, creativity, and social media marketing talents. Additionally, she is part of Designers Collection NZ, expanding her knowledge in these domains. Estall is a motivated climate activist who emphasises an intersectional approach to climate justice. 

Joanna Kelly, chief executive at the Centre for Sustainable Finance, said, “The stories we tell about the net-zero transition are fundamental to the pace of progress toward our 2030 targets. The climate transition has huge implications for New Zealand, where access to markets, customers, and capital is at stake. The launch of the global Creatives for Climate non-profit in Aotearoa offers creative industries much-needed tools for advising clients on how to communicate with credibility. It’s a great way for NZ creatives to get in the game on sustainability.” 

Meanwhile, Gemma Rasmussen, head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, stated, “The reality of the New Zealand market is it’s very easy for a company to make a false or misleading sustainability claim about a product or service and go unchecked because greenwashing is essentially unmonitored. Shoppers can find it hard to differentiate between what is legitimately sustainable versus what is greenwashing, so the creative industry plays a crucial role in holding the line when it comes to genuine sustainable communication. Any efforts to empower more truthful advertising and marketing are very welcome.” 

Furthermore, Matt Haliday, senior lecturer in advertising and brand creativity AUT, expressed, “It’s exciting to see Creatives for Climate in Aotearoa. Having an organisation calling out greenwashing in the industry and helping creatives draw a line in the sand is important. We can all see which way the wind is blowing. Creatives for Climate are trying to help us prepare for the storm.” 

Singapore – We Are Social, a global socially-driven creative agency, has announced two senior advancements for its Singapore team. Nai Yen Wang has been appointed managing director, with Kelson Ong taking on the job of general manager. 

Chris Chong, who left to seek other opportunities, was replaced in senior positions at We Are Social’s Singapore office by Wang and Ong. Wang reports directly to We Are Social’s group chief operating officer, Chris Adamson, while Ong reports to Wang.

Wang’s new role will involve her leading and developing We Are Social Singapore’s innovation credentials, operational strategy, and vision. She will also be in charge of fostering an inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking culture and accelerating growth. 

In 2022, Wang joined We Are Social serving as the head of account management. Her last job at DDB was regional business director, APAC, before joining We Are Social. As the leader of regional network clients, she oversaw companies like J&J and Unilever and was instrumental in helping them create new operating models that promoted expansion.

We Are Social Singapore’s business growth and team management will be under Ong’s supervision in his new role. He will be responsible for making sure clients receive creative and useful solutions. 

Ong, formerly the business director, joined We Are Social in 2021 after leaving Netflix. Throughout his career at We Are Social, Ong has been a key component of the leadership team, working to enhance offerings such as gaming, influence, and.XYZ, as well as recruit new clients. 

Speaking about her appointment, Wang commented, “Since joining We Are Social Singapore, I have been impressed with how deeply embedded innovation is in our culture. We’re globally focused and deliver innovation focused and social-first work for our clients that evolves the way marketing is done. 

She added, “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead and work alongside this talented team. Together we will continue to build a culture that focuses on our people, deliver game-changing work and offerings inspired by data and enabled by technology to unlock new areas of growth in Singapore, Southeast Asia and beyond.” 

Meanwhile, Ong said, “Innovation is in We Are Social’s DNA. As the world of marketing continues to evolve and rapid advancement in technology is made, we have already built a robust service offering that supports the needs of clients both today and tomorrow. I’m excited to be given the opportunity to work with Nai Yen and our leadership team to further amplify these capabilities to drive growth and unlock new opportunities for both the agency and clients.”

Nathan McDonald, co-founder and group CEO of We Are Social, expressed, “Chris has done an incredible job in leading and growing We Are Social Singapore since she joined us in 2016. She’s been particularly committed to innovation, and bolstering our future strategy arm, .XYZ. Nai Yen and Kelson’s promotions are both well-deserved, and I’m confident that the team will continue to thrive with their leadership, guidance and support.” 

Furthermore, Chris Chong, remarked, “Nai Yen and Kelson are both talented and effective leaders who have been instrumental in building We Are Social Singapore into the successful business it is today. They’ve helped build an enviable client base and establish a first reputation for innovation. I’m pleased to be leaving the team in safe hands.” 

Singapore – Global security intelligence company LogRhythm has announced the appointment of Joanne Wong as the new interim chief marketing officer to lead the charge on the company’s brand and marketing strategy. 

In her new role, Wong will lead LogRhythm’s global brand and marketing strategy, with a key focus on collaborating with sales to grow pipelines, elevate brand visibility, and empower customer satisfaction. 

Wong is among the pioneers who were with the company when it started its operations in Asia Pacific with a regional headquarters in Singapore. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having spent over nine years working on successful marketing initiatives at LogRhythm. 

Prior to her role, she served as the vice president of international markets for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions. She is also a lawyer by training and has built most of her career in the technology sector, with over 25 years of experience in the industry. 

Furthermore, beyond her role, Wong actively promotes gender equality and diversity in tech. As a founding member of LogRhythm’s Global Diversity Council, she spearheaded efforts for workplace inclusivity. Her work earned her nominations for the Women in Security ASEAN Region Awards and the Channel Asia Women in ICT Awards in 2023.

Wong’s appointment not only bolsters LogRhythm’s leadership but also highlights the company’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive workplace where people from diverse backgrounds are offered equal opportunities. Her promotion reinforces the company’s commitment to employee advancement through strategic internal promotions.

As LogRhythm celebrates International Women’s Day, it reaffirms its pledge to nurture a culture that cherishes and leverages the distinct viewpoints and contributions of every employee. 

Wong will join the executive leadership team and report directly to Christopher O’Malley, president and CEO of LogRhythm.

Commenting on the appointment, O’Malley said, “Joanne’s strategic mindset and proven ability to deliver growth at scale will be critical assets to a revitalised LogRhythm. As we continue to innovate, Joanne will play an integral role in leading the future of LogRhythm’s brand and connecting us with our customers in meaningful ways that drive accelerated growth for our security solutions.”

Also speaking on her appointment, Wong shared, “I am both thrilled and proud to step up as the Chief Marketing Officer. LogRhythm is a company with both a strong legacy and great potential in the SIEM market, as well as a great culture where every professional can thrive. It is an honour to lead the charge in shaping our brand’s story globally, and I look forward to working with our talented teams across the world in our pursuit of making security easy for our customers.”

Jakarta, Indonesia – Global marketing and advertising agency dentsu has appointed Elvira Jakub as CEO of dentsu Indonesia, taking over the baton from Prakash Kamdar, who has led the network’s Indonesia business since February 2022.

In her new role, Jakub will be delivering growth to dentsu in the Indonesian market, and will be supporting the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy and in uplifting the communities within it. 

Jakub enters her role as a  marketing transformation veteran with over 23 years of experience in the Indonesia market. She joins dentsu from Google where she was head of industry, helping traditional businesses in auto and tech/telco thrive during and post-pandemic through innovative transformation.

Speaking on her appointment, Jakub said, “Indonesia’s market is rapidly evolving, and our clients need adaptable, integrated solutions to meet their business goals. I am thrilled to join dentsu Indonesia at this pivotal moment. Our team has been pioneering an integrated approach to creative, media, and CXM, empowering our clients to become innovation powerhouses in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.”

“I am grateful to be taking on the helm of dentsu Indonesia from what Prakash has built with the entire team here and I look forward to charting new grounds with the foundations that have been laid,” she added.

Singapore – Customer platform HubSpot has announced the appointment of Carol Fong as its new head of sales for the Asia region. 

Fong will lead the sales organisation and operations for HubSpot across the Asia region, collaborating with the marketing and customer success teams to drive business growth for the company. 

Together with her team, she will also work to ensure that HubSpot enables thousands more organisations across Asia to grow better.

Fong brings with her more than two decades of sales and leadership experience across the technology industry in the USA and Asia. She has held a number of regional sales leadership roles. Prior to joining HubSpot, she served as the regional vice president of sales at Anaplan and held the same position when she previously worked at Salesforce. 

Dan Bognar, managing director and VP of sales for JAPAC at HubSpot, said, “The global CRM market is projected to reach SG$194B by 2029, and within this market, HubSpot continues to prove itself to be the customer platform of choice for scaling businesses, with over 15,000 paying customers in the APAC region alone. I am absolutely delighted to have Carol join HubSpot to lead our Asia sales organisation. Carol’s expertise in the CRM industry, her deep understanding of the Asian market, and her experience with both direct and partner sales motions will uniquely enable her to solve for the customer.” 

He added, “Singapore, where Carol is based, and the wider Asia region represent a vital growth opportunity for HubSpot. I look forward to partnering with Carol and having her lead the team to grow and support our customers across the region. Carol’s experience in helping organisations transform their technology to drive growth and enhance customer experience brings enormous value to our existing customers, including the likes of NTUC, Agoda, and Aspire, and to businesses across the region who are currently exploring technology solutions to fuel their growth.” 

Meanwhile, speaking on her new role, Fong shared, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the HubSpot Asia team here in Singapore. I’ve spent many years in the industry, and HubSpot’s product, values, and hybrid culture, as well as its talented employees and strong leadership, deeply impress me.” 

“Having spent most of my career working in business technology, specifically in the CRM industry, I believe HubSpot is incredibly well placed to help businesses in the region unlock their full potential. I’m particularly excited about HubSpot’s AI investments and how deeply this technology is embedded across the HubSpot platform to help teams harness its benefits. We know education and practical application are a core focus for business leaders to see value from AI, and I look forward to helping Asian businesses unlock this. I feel privileged to join the team and lead the fast-growing Asia region, and I am looking very forward to connecting with our customers, partners, and employees over the coming months,” Fong further added. 

Singapore – Online delivery platform foodpanda has announced the appointment of Jaslin Goh as its new vice president of marketing for APAC. 

Based in Hong Kong, Goh will be taking over from Anna Znamenskaya, and will be reporting to John Fang, CEO of foodpanda. 

In her new role, Goh will be heading the regional marketing function and will be working closely with local marketing directors to drive growth and brand love across Asia.

Taking up this role with over 20 years of experience, Goh was previously the chief marketing officer for mobile payment service PayMe at HSBC, heading the marketing, design and customer experience functions. 

Prior to that, she also held senior marketing positions in HSBC’s Wealth & Personal Banking function, WeLab, and Shangri-La Group.

Speaking on her own appointment, Goh said, “I’m super excited to join the Foodpanda family with its unique blend of Tech x qcommerce x F&B across 11 strong and flavorful markets. Food reflects the soul and unique idiosyncrasies of each market. I’m proud to become part of a business where we bring food and people together, through technology, yet in a grassroot, grounded way and is the glue for the cultural fabric for Asia’s best cities.”

Hong Kong – Kathy Wong has been appointed general manager of We Are Social, a global creative agency, in Hong Kong. She will report directly to Pete Lin, CEO of We Are Social in North Asia. 

Wong’s new position will include overseeing both We Are Social Hong Kong and the creative agency Metta/We Are Social. Wong will lead a team of 20 at We Are Social and work with clients including Keetah, Abbott, GEOX, and Alipay. 

Wong brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to her new role, having worked for more than 18 years. She had worked for several advertising firms in the past, such as Ogilvy, TBWA, and FCB, and RollRollRoll, where she was the business director. 

Wong began her professional career at Metta Communications, which in 2022 amalgamated with We Are Social to establish Metta/We Are Social. She has managed clients like Mercedes Benz, Barclays Capital, Hong Kong Disneyland, and L’Oreal Travel Retail. 

Kathy Wong takes over the role previously held by Donald Wong, who left We Are Social Hong Kong to seek possibilities in the United States. 

Speaking about her appointment, Wong expressed,“I am thrilled to join the We Are Social team in Hong Kong, and to rejoin Metta where I have many great memories. I look forward to drawing on my experience in both agency and client-side roles to continue to help We Are Social’s clients excel creatively and strategically. I am excited to expand the team at We Are Social, drive the digital discipline in Hong Kong forward, and serve the digital marketing demands of both local and international clients.” 

Meanwhile, Lin commented, “We’re delighted that Kathy has chosen to join the team at We Are Social. She’s a first-class communicator with an unrivalled reputation in the Hong Kong advertising world, and there’s no better person to take our growing team to the next level.”