Tag: Appointment

Indonesia – Jackie W.K. Jeong, a marketing professional with 18 years of experience in global retail strategy and brand development, has been appointed as the new head of retail and campaign at Cheil Indonesia.

With experience leading projects across Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East, Jeong brings a global perspective to his new role at Cheil Indonesia.

Jeong has led a range of projects, from overseeing flagship rollouts for Samsung in London and Stockholm to developing Hyundai Motor’s brand exhibition centre in Korea, which received Red Dot and iF design awards. His work reflects a combination of cultural insights and design innovation.

Prior to joining Cheil Indonesia, Jeong has held executive roles at Cheil Worldwide, CJ ENM’s CJ LiveCity, and the Jeju Forum, gaining experience in marketing strategy and brand development. His work spans managing large-scale events and designing themed retail environments, focusing on innovation and strategic execution.

Recently, Jeong has led omni-channel campaigns for Samsung’s Galaxy series and Bespoke appliances, integrating retail, digital, and experiential marketing. He has also worked on enterprise solutions for B2B clients across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, entertainment, and government.

Commenting on his new role, Jeong said, “I’ve always believed that great marketing doesn’t just sell—it creates moments that matter. Indonesia is a market bursting with energy and potential, and I’m excited to bring my global experience here to craft campaigns and retail strategies that truly resonate with Indonesian consumers.” 

Jeong’s appointment reflects Cheil Indonesia’s focus on combining global insights with local market strategies in Indonesia’s evolving marketing landscape.

Joo Hwan Kim, CEO of Cheil Indonesia, said, “Jackie’s track record is truly remarkable. His ability to navigate cultural nuances while delivering innovative, business-driven solutions makes him uniquely positioned to lead our retail and campaign initiatives. We are confident that his leadership will inspire our team and elevate the experiences we deliver for our clients.” 

India – VML has appointed creative leader Kalpesh Patankar as its group chief creative officer for India, marking a significant addition to the agency’s leadership team.

With nearly two decades of award-winning experience, Patankar joins VML from his previous role as chief creative officer at Leo Burnett Dubai.

With nearly two decades of experience across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Patankar brings a global perspective to VML India. His expertise in creative strategy and client relationships is expected to support the agency’s growth in the region.

Throughout his career, Patankar has worked with major global brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, and Colgate, creating campaigns that have gained industry recognition. He has also contributed to the creative industry as a jury president at award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Andys, and ADFEST.

Patankar returns to VML after serving as CCO at VMLY&R Dubai, where he transformed agencies into globally recognised creative powerhouses. Under his leadership, both VMLY&R Dubai and Leo Burnett Dubai achieved major success, earning accolades such as “MEA Agency of the Decade” at Cannes Lions and recognition as Advertising Creative Person of the Year.

Speaking on his appointment, Patankar said, “I have been considering returning to India for a long time, but I was waiting for the right moment, agency, and team to do it with. I believe that moment is now, with the team at VML. Creativity has the power to transform businesses, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams across India and APAC to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Patankar will be based in VML’s Mumbai office, reporting to global CCO Debbi Vandeven and VML India CEO Babita Baruah. He will also collaborate with APAC CCO Paul Nagy to strengthen the agency’s creative presence in the region and beyond.

“We are looking forward to having Kal back on our global creative team. His extraordinary brand skills—particularly in the area of craft—are second to none. Under his creative leadership, brand building and the level of craft will flourish in India. He has a unique ability to bring humanity and creativity together to deliver solutions for clients that transcend marketing,” said VML global COO Vandeven. 

“Kal is fantastic at shattering boundaries to create phenomenal work for our clients. I am excited to have him on board as he leads our teams across India to new heights,” added VML APAC CCO Nagy.

China – Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific has named Mickey Zhang as president of Publicis Media in China, strengthening its senior leadership team amid a period of strong growth momentum for the Groupe in the market.

In this newly created role, Zhang will oversee the development of Publicis Groupe China’s media capabilities and strengthen client relationships in a key market. She will also lead the expansion of the Groupe’s Connected Media proposition in China, integrating strategy, planning, commerce, omni-performance, influence, and CRM with a focus on identity-driven solutions.

Zhang will also lead initiatives to strengthen the Groupe’s partnerships and expand its presence in China. Her role will involve utilising AI solutions and data-driven insights to support the company’s client-focused strategy.

With this appointment, Publicis Groupe brings together its media agencies—Zenith, Starcom, Spark Foundry, and its middle platform—under Zhang’s leadership in China.

Zhang brings over 20 years of experience in branding, media, strategic planning, sales, and marketing. Before joining Publicis Groupe China, she spent three years at Shanghai Jahwa, where she held roles including chief marketing officer, general manager of the beauty and baby products division, and chief digital officer. She led strategies that strengthened the company’s branding, marketing, sales, and e-commerce operations.

Before Shanghai Jahwa, Zhang also spent nine years at GroupM China in leadership roles, including chief product and service officer, where she established services in e-commerce, social, audience insights, activations, and influencer marketing. She also held senior positions at Baidu, Google, and eBay, focusing on digital marketing solutions.

Speaking about her appointment, Zhang said, “I’m delighted to be part of the Publicis family! As a global leader in marketing communications, Publicis Groupe has been steadfast in its investment in scaling up and enhancing its capabilities and expertise in data, technology, media, and creativity to deliver outstanding value to its clients. It’s truly a privilege to have the chance to work with inspiring and passionate colleagues, as we continue to innovate and remain at the forefront in the field of media, creativity, and communications.”

Zhang will be based in Shanghai and report to Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific CEO Jane Lin-Baden.

“Our latest earnings report highlights 6.4% growth for China in 2024, outperforming the industry. It adds to our impressive 5-year track record of leading new business,” Lin-Baden said.

She added, “Mickey’s appointment is a strategic move to strengthen China’s senior leadership and embark on our next chapter of transformation. Her diverse experience across client, agency, and technology platforms sets her up to lead our Connected Media proposition, with access to our proprietary, cutting-edge products and solutions. Her expertise will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to our clients and strengthen our partnership with them.” 

Indonesia – Hakuhodo International Indonesia (HIID) has elevated Farhana Eldini Devi Attamimi to group CEO, entrusting her with leading the organisation’s next phase of development and operational strategy.

Previously serving as a director at HIID, Devi will continue in her role as institute director at the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living ASEAN while taking on her new responsibilities as group CEO. 

Devi’s leadership will prioritise enhancing the organisation’s strategic direction and internal collaboration. One of her initial initiatives is to improve coordination within the HIID group—which includes Hakuhodo Jakarta, Hybrid-H, H-Three, Hakuhodo Digital, I-DAC, and H+—through the implementation of the Modular Organisation concept. This approach is intended to increase flexibility and responsiveness to industry challenges.

With a background in strategic planning, Devi sees Hakuhodo’s Sei-katsu-sha Insight philosophy—which centres strategy around people—as key to shaping HIID into a “Sei-katsu-sha Value Design Company” that benefits both clients and society.

Commenting on her appointment, Devi explained, “Alongside Yuzuru Iguchi as the country director for Hakuhodo Japan, I aim to build a flexible organisation within the group to create the best solutions for clients, the society, and the industry. My predecessors have built a strong foundation over the past 22 years, and moving forward, we will experiment more boldly and dive deeper into data.” 

Devi’s appointment coincides with a leadership transition at HIID, as the company’s founders shift to commissioner roles within their respective firms while continuing to support the group. Irfan Ramli will serve as chairman, with Ferti Wiratih and Mahendra Suyono as co-chairpersons at the group level.

“This industry is like a racetrack without a finish line. Technology, AI, and data-driven creativity continue to evolve at an extraordinary pace. Devi’s task is not just to ensure business continuity but to take HIID beyond what we ever imagined,” said Ramli.

He continued, “HIID has successfully navigated various dynamics and challenges and achieved many milestones. We see enormous potential for the accelerated growth of the group, and in the near future, we might welcome 2 to 3 new companies into our group.” 

“We have long invited Devi to be at the forefront of strategic decisions, learning from us, and understanding how this organisation operates. We are proud to have found a leader from within our organisation—someone who understands the values and culture of HIID. Though part of a global network, uniquely, we are known more as an Indonesian company with an international standard,” added Ramli.

Meanwhile, Shuntaro Ito, director & senior corporate officer of Hakuhodo Inc. and president & CEO of Hakuhodo International, acknowledged HIID’s role in Indonesia and its influence within the broader Hakuhodo network.

“What Irfan, Ferti, and Mahendra have built over 22 years is not just a strong foundation but also a dream for something bigger. They have proven that creativity rooted in Sei-katsu-sha can lead to industry change, not merely follow trends. Now, it is time to carry this legacy further with a new vision and build something that has never been done before. We believe Devi and Yuzu have the audacity and acuity to take HIID to the next level,” said Ito.

Singapore – Creative advertising agency Ogilvy Singapore has elevated Sharon Ooi to chief talent officer in its operations in Singapore and Malaysia.

Before the promotion, Ooi served as the agency’s director of talent in Singapore and Malaysia for four years.

In her new role, Ooi will oversee Ogilvy’s talents across its offices in Singapore and Malaysia, ensuring a pleasant experience for its employees. Working closely with leaders while spearheading talent strategy, she aims to maintain Ogilvy’s reputation as an ideal workplace.

With expertise in HR functions, Ooi has held leadership positions at Leo Burnett, Publicis Communications, and most recently at Design Bridge Asia. Before joining Ogilvy, Ooi was part of the senior leadership team at the brand design agency, even expanding her remit to encompass China.

At Ogilvy, she will be reporting to Sue Olivier, chief people officer, and Kunal Jeswani, chief executive officer.

“The promotion of Sharon to Chief Talent Officer for Singapore and Malaysia recognises her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to our talent team, and her transformative impact on our Ogilvy culture,” Olivier said.

Jeswani commented, “Sharon’s promotion is a testament to her dedication, and the impact she has had on both our culture as well as our talent strategy. She has an exceptional ability to lead leaders. And her passion for building positive, engaging work environments, will spread across everything we do in Singapore & Malaysia.”

“As I step into this new role, I am grateful to Sue and Kunal for recognising my contributions and for their confidence in me. Exciting times lie ahead, as I look forward to further enhancing the employee experience, ensuring our workplace is not only a long-term career destination but also an employer of choice for top talent, where our people can thrive and become our strongest advocates to grow with us,” Ooi commented.

Hong Kong – DFI Retail Group (DFI) has unveiled key leadership appointments to strengthen its strategic direction and digital capabilities. Ella Chan has been named group chief strategy officer, while Wee Lee Loh will expand his role as group chief digital and yuu Rewards officer.

Starting 1 April 2025, Chan will lead corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, and customer insights as group chief strategy officer.

Chan has over 20 years of experience in global strategy, transformation, and innovation within the retail and consumer sectors. She has held roles at Walmart in the US, China, and Hong Kong, focusing on business growth and operational improvements.

Chan has also led initiatives focused on driving sales growth, introducing digital innovations, and developing retail formats adapted to changing consumer preferences.

Meanwhile, in his expanded role as group chief digital and yuu Rewards officer, Loh will oversee yuu Rewards, retail analytics, and retail media.

Loh, who joined DFI in September 2023, has a background in digital transformation and e-commerce. In his expanded role, he will focus on utilising data-driven insights and digital tools to support customer engagement.

The appointments of Chan and Loh reflect DFI Retail Group’s focus on strengthening its leadership team to support strategic growth and operational development in the evolving retail sector.

Scott Price, group chief executive at DFI Retail Group, said, “We are pleased to welcome Ella to our leadership team and to expand Wee Lee’s responsibilities. I’m confident their leadership will further strengthen our ability to respond to evolving customer needs, empower our people, and deliver sustained value for our shareholders as we continue driving growth and innovation across the business.”

China –McCann Worldgroup has appointed Mae Ng as the chief client officer of McCann China, marking her return to the agency in a new leadership role focused on client strategy and market growth.

In her return to McCann, Ng will focus on enhancing the agency’s client strategy, bringing a client-side perspective to better address market demands and support McCann’s work with brands in China.

With over 20 years of experience in brand communication, Ng offers a dual perspective from both brand and agency sides, enabling her to identify client needs and align agency capabilities to drive brand growth.

Before rejoining McCann Worldgroup, Ng was the marketing and communications director for Bottega Veneta Greater China, overseeing regional strategy. She also previously worked at McCann, contributing to brand strategy and communications for L’Oréal Paris (China).

With experience across industries including beauty, hospitality, consumer electronics, and FMCG, Ng has worked with various global brands and received multiple international awards for her contributions.

Ng is also interested in the role of AI and AGI in brand marketing, seeing technology as a tool for enhancing content creation, process efficiency, and innovation. She views data-driven personalisation as a way for brands to scale while maintaining emotional connection with consumers.

Speaking on her appointment, Ng shared, “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to return to McCann Worldgroup, an agency that has always been at the forefront of creativity and innovation.” 

She continued, “It feels like reconnecting with a team that shares my passion for bold ideas and meaningful storytelling. The future of McCann’s vision is incredibly bright, and I am optimistic about what we will achieve together. Reuniting with some of the industry’s most talented minds, all aligned in purpose and ambition, is a recipe for success. I can’t wait to contribute to the next chapter of McCann’s legacy and create work that not only inspires but also drives real impact.”

Carter Chow, CEO of McCann Worldgroup Greater China, also commented, “In today’s challenging and complex market, Mae has a deep understanding of our brand clients’ core needs from their perspective, even in times of change. Her return will further strengthen our strategic partnerships, enabling us to provide even more robust support for brands to achieve sustainable growth in an ever-evolving market.”

Ng’s return reflects McCann Worldgroup’s focus on a client-centered approach in China. Her industry experience and market insights will support the agency’s efforts to develop brand marketing strategies in a competitive landscape.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Fariz Yusof, most recently the head of customer marketing at Lotus’s Stores Malaysia, has joined L’Oréal as its head of CRM for Malaysia and Singapore at L’Oréal Luxe MYSG. In an interview with MARKETECH APAC, Fariz stated that he is responsible for shaping and executing the brand’s data-driven digital marketing strategy for the two aforementioned markets.

“My role is at the intersection of data, technology, and customer experience, ensuring that we are connecting with consumers in the most relevant and impactful way possible across all digital touchpoints,” he said.

Understanding consumer behaviour through data and personalisation

Fariz also highlighted that in his role, they work closely with the brand teams to ensure that their digital strategies are fully integrated with L’Oréal’s overall marketing objectives, ensuring that their efforts align with business goals.

“Essentially, we aim to deeply understand our consumers – their needs, preferences, and behaviours – through data. This understanding informs everything we do, from personalized content creation and targeted advertising to optimised e-commerce experiences and engaging social media strategies,” he explained.

He spent over six years at Lotus’s Malaysia, where he led customer marketing efforts, focusing on loyalty, engagement, and personalisation. Prior to Lotus’s, Fariz held key roles at Lazada Group, including head of strategic brands (FMCG) and head of commercial Planning & PMO, where he leveraged business insights and analytical skills to drive growth.

For Fariz, his experiences at Lotus’s Stores and Lazada have provided him with a valuable perspective on the evolving retail landscape and the power of data-driven decision-making.

“My experiences at Lotus’s Stores and Lazada have provided me with a valuable perspective on the evolving retail landscape and the power of data-driven decision-making,” he explained.

Given this expertise, Fariz stated that he applies this past expertise at L’Oréal by prioritising customer-centricity, data-driven decision-making, and innovation. In his role, he ensures digital strategies provide value and foster consumer relationships while leveraging data to optimise marketing impact. 

Moreover, He promotes agility by encouraging experimentation with new technologies and emphasises collaboration across teams to align digital strategies with business goals. Additionally, he focuses on performance marketing, tracking, and optimising campaigns across multiple platforms.

“Ultimately, my goal is to leverage my past experiences to help L’Oréal MYSG build a strong digital presence, drive sales growth, and enhance customer loyalty,” he said.

What CRM trends lie ahead for 2025

Fariz highlighted several CRM trends for brands in Singapore and Malaysia in 2025, including data-powered strategies and personalised ones, which ultimately build up to personalised experiences for customers.

In terms of hyper-personalisation, he highlighted that consumers will expect even more personalised experiences, with brands using data to tailor every interaction to their individual needs and preferences.

Moreover, AI-powered CRM strategies are still very much needed, with him stating, “Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in CRM, enabling brands to automate tasks, personalise interactions, and gain deeper insights into customer behaviour.”

Another point to consider is privacy-centric CRM, with Fariz stating that with growing concerns about data privacy, brands will need to adopt privacy-centric CRM strategies that prioritise transparency and respect for consumer data.

There is also a rising trend for personalised CRM trends, including experiential and omnichannel CRM, as well as launching loyalty programs.

“Brands will focus on creating memorable and engaging experiences that build emotional connections with customers and drive loyalty. [Moreover], consumers will expect a seamless experience across all channels, with brands providing consistent and personalised interactions regardless of how they choose to engage,” he said.

Fariz added, “Consumers will want to be rewarded for their patronage of brands and products they use, as well as for referrals.”

Lastly, he also mentioned that brands will enhance their CRM strategies by integrating social media for real-time engagement and community building while optimising mobile CRM to ensure seamless customer experiences on the go.

In response to these trends, Fariz stated that the brand is investing in data analytics and AI to enhance customer insights and personalisation while prioritising a privacy-first CRM strategy to build trust. Additionally, they are also focusing on creating engaging experiences and strengthening omnichannel capabilities for seamless customer interactions across all touchpoints.

Blending online and offline channels to elevate CX

When asked about how to successfully blend online and offline channels for enhanced customer experiences, Fariz stated that successfully blending offline and online experiences requires a strategic and, most importantly, a customer-centric approach.

“Brands must understand that customers don’t think in channels. They simply experience a brand, regardless of whether it’s online, in-store, or through a mobile app. This means removing siloed thinking is crucial,” he stated.

As part of his advice, Fariz says that brands should start by mapping the entire customer journey, ensuring a seamless transition between online and offline touchpoints. For him, a unified brand message and consistent service across all platforms help build trust and engagement. Moreover, leveraging data for personalisation allows brands to tailor experiences, using insights from digital interactions to enhance in-store visits and vice versa.

“Map out the holistic customer journey, from initial awareness to purchase and beyond, identifying all touchpoints and opportunities to create a unified experience. Think beyond just online or offline; consider how the customer moves between these worlds,” he said.

There is also an importance on investment, with Fariz highlighting that staff training and technology investment is crucial to support this blended approach, enabling employees to assist customers at any stage of their journey. In addition, continuous measurement and optimisation help identify friction points and improve the overall experience.

“[Always] ensure that the blended experience provides value to customers, whether it’s through personalised recommendations, exclusive offers, convenient services, or simply a more enjoyable and efficient shopping experience,” he said.

He added, “Ultimately, the goal is to create a holistic and engaging customer experience that builds brand loyalty and drives sales growth. It’s not just about being present on multiple channels, but about creating a connected and meaningful experience for the consumer, wherever they are and however they choose to interact with your brand. The key is to think like a customer, not like a marketer operating within a specific channel.”

Hong Kong – VML Hong Kong has elevated Sandra Gin and Edward Ha to executive directors, entrusting them with spearheading regional and local market growth, respectively.

Gin, who joined the former Wunderman Thompson in 2020 as client services director, has been involved in expanding the regional and global business from the Hong Kong office. She has worked closely with major clients such as HSBC, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Nikon. 

Originally from Canada, Gin has experience at agencies including BBDO Toronto, FCB Toronto, Digitas Hong Kong, and Golin Hong Kong, with expertise across industries such as gaming, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality, and finance.

Commenting on her new role, Gin said, “I’m incredibly excited to step into this expanded role at VML to further ignite our growth across Asia and beyond. We have the depth and breadth of capabilities to help our clients succeed and a brilliant team at VML ready to make it happen. I’m energised by the opportunity to further shape the future of our agency.”

Meanwhile, Ha brings two decades of advertising experience, blending entrepreneurial insight with multinational agency expertise. Before joining VML, he co-founded and led a boutique agency for eight years.

Ha’s experience across Hong Kong and mainland China has contributed to VML’s work with clients such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Endowus, and HSBC.

Talking about his new role, Ha said, The agency landscape is evolving rapidly with ongoing technological and societal changes. Leveraging my experience running a boutique agency, I aim to foster greater agility and maintain a sharp focus on clients’ needs, driving the agency forward alongside the VML leadership team.”

Both Gin and Ha will remain part of the leadership team, reporting directly to Maggie Wong, CEO of VML Hong Kong.

Commenting on the promotions, Wong shared, “Sandra and Edward are invaluable members of our management team. Their passion, commitment, and leadership have been crucial to our success, and I am thrilled to see them advance within the company. They have both laid a robust foundation for our growth in 2025 and beyond.”