Singapore – Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific has appointed former OMD USA executive Suhaila Hobba as its new APAC global client partner – transformation, reinforcing its commitment to driving client growth and innovation across the region.

Hobba brings 25 years of global media experience spanning agency leadership, ad tech sales, and client-side transformation, with key roles at Amazon, Yahoo, Omnicom, and IPG.

In her new role, Hobba will join the leadership team driving transformation for Publicis Groupe’s key global clients across APAC. She will relocate from Los Angeles to Singapore, where she will report directly to Asia Pacific CEO Jane Lin-Baden.

Hobba will work closely with capability leads and in-market champions to craft strategic solutions and implement transformation initiatives that support clients’ growth ambitions. This includes spearheading the integration and adoption of Publicis Groupe’s AI technologies to deliver measurable impact in the fast-evolving APAC market.

Commenting on the appointment, Lin-Baden said, “As we accelerate our growth in 2025, we have made strategic hires to strengthen our regional leadership team. We are delighted to welcome Suhaila Hobba to the Publicis family, and I am confident that Suhaila’s global experience and expertise will be a great asset to our team in empowering clients in their transformation agenda.” 

Before joining Publicis Groupe, Hobba was chief media officer at OMD USA, leading media, content, and commerce strategies to drive client growth. Previously, she served as global head of digital at Amazon’s in-house agency, MODE, where she built programmatic and paid social capabilities. Over the past decade, she has specialised in integrating data, technology, and innovation to position organisations for long-term success.

“I’m thrilled to join Publicis Groupe at a time when its investment in AI and innovation is leading the way in transformation. By harnessing strategic vision in combination with technology and AI, we can deliver meaningful impact for our clients. I look forward to working with the teams across the region to dive deep into our clients’ businesses, uncover opportunities, and help them accelerate growth and scale,” Hobba shared. 

India – Ankit Goyle has officially joined Snap Inc. as head of India marketing, following a successful nine-year tenure at Apple India, where he played a key role in shaping the brand’s marketing strategy.

In his new role, Goyle will establish and lead the marketing function in India, driving efforts to support Snapchat’s mission of empowering self-expression and fostering meaningful connections.

Goyle brings 17 years of marketing experience across sectors like consumer durables, technology, retail, and fashion, with expertise gained from working with prominent brands such as Apple, Myntra, Aditya Birla, and Google.

Before joining Snap, Goyle spent nine years at Apple India as head of category marketing and demand generation for iPhone and AirPods. During his tenure, he spearheaded national ATL and BTL campaigns across multiple channels. He project-managed successful product launches, collaborating with teams across marketing, sales, PR, and distribution. 

Goyle also conceptualised INDIAiSTORE.com, Apple’s first global channel product and store platform in India, and drove digital transformation with partners and distributors. Additionally, he implemented innovative O2O programs, led co-marketing partnerships with major retailers, and ensured seamless execution across teams.

In a LinkedIn post, Goyle said, “A heartfelt thank you to my mentors and teammates at Apple for shaping my journey. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting opportunities! Let’s Snap into the future!”

India – After nearly three years with Zalora Group in Singapore, Achint Setia is returning to India to take on the role of chief executive officer at Snapdeal, the e-commerce platform under AceVector Group.

In a LinkedIn post, Setia announced his appointment as CEO, highlighting his commitment to serving Snapdeal’s extensive consumer base and unlocking the vast “untapped” potential of India’s e-commerce market.

“[I am] humbled and supercharged to take on my next mantle of serving Snapdeal and millions of consumers in the large untapped value e-commerce market in India. Thank you [co-founders] Rohit Bansal, Kunal Bahl, and the AceVector board for entrusting me with this responsibility,” he wrote. 

Setia’s appointment at Snapdeal follows closely on the heels of his recent departure from Zalora.

Setia most recently served as chief revenue & marketing officer and country managing director at Zalora Group, where he managed the P&L for key markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. He also led the group’s marketing and ad sales efforts across Southeast Asia, covering major markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines.

Prior to Zalora, he held senior leadership roles at prominent companies, including CXO and head of marketing & social commerce at Myntra, as well as senior vice president of digital ventures and head of VStEP at Viacom18 Media Private Limited.

India – Havas India has appointed Manas Lahiri as its new chief growth officer, tasked with driving accelerated growth and fostering innovation across the network’s 25 companies.

In this newly created role, Lahiri will collaborate closely with Havas India’s executive leadership team to drive strategic growth initiatives, strengthen client partnerships, and lead innovative business opportunities across the network’s 25 agencies nationwide.

Lahiri brings over 20 years of experience in advertising, brand marketing, and business leadership, having held senior roles at agencies like VML India, Ogilvy, McCann, and Contract India. He has worked with major brands such as Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Reckitt, starting his career in client-side sales and marketing before transitioning to advertising, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both sectors.

With this appointment, Lahiri returns to Havas India after holding multiple roles from 2018 to 2023, including managing director of Havas Creative India (formerly Havas Worldwide India). During his previous tenure, he reshaped the agency, driving key business wins, strengthening client relationships, and developing growth strategies that delivered impactful results.

Most recently, Lahiri served as executive growth partner at VML India, where he played a key role in expanding the agency’s footprint and securing several major accounts.

Speaking about his new role, Lahiri said, “I am thrilled to rejoin Havas India at such an exciting juncture. Havas has always been close to my heart, and the network’s journey of transformation into a consolidated, client-centric ecosystem is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this next phase of growth by driving meaningful partnerships, fostering innovation, and building on the strong foundation created by Rana and the team. I look forward to partnering with all the fabulous leaders in this journey.”

Lahiri will be based in Mumbai and report to Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas India for SEA and North Asia (Japan & South Korea).

Commenting on the appointment, Barua explained, “Manas’ return to Havas India comes at a crucial time as we continue our strong momentum as a proven integrated and future-facing network. With Havas India’s phenomenal transformation over the past few years, we needed a proven leader to scale our growth ambitions further. Manas’ strategic acumen, extensive industry experience, and deep understanding of our network’s values make him the ideal choice to take on this role. He will also be pivotal in advancing our converged strategy, working closely with Sanchita Roy and John Thangaraj—our respective chief strategy officers of the media & creative networks.”

India – RepIndia, an India-based digital agency, has announced key leadership promotions, elevating Neelanjan Dasgupta, Durgesh Tiwari, Sanya Sitlani, Nitin Sharma, and Guru Mishra to new roles. These changes underscore the agency’s commitment to enhancing its digital capabilities and fostering innovation.

The five senior team members promoted have played a pivotal role in driving RepIndia’s success and innovation over the years. These promotions are designed to strengthen the agency’s core leadership and accelerate growth across various digital verticals.

Previously serving as creative head (West), Dasgupta has been appointed vice president of creative strategy and innovations. During his tenure, he delivered award-winning campaigns and onboarded high-profile clients including JSW Steel, JSW Energy, MTV, JBL, Joyville, Amante, Amazon Mini TV, and many more.

In his new role, he will focus on enhancing RepIndia’s creative offerings and driving innovative solutions across markets.

Speaking on his promotion, Dasgupta said, “RepIndia has taught me everything I know about advertising. It has provided me with a safe space to grow, where accountability and kindness go hand in hand. I will always carry these values as a leader and professional.”

Following suit, Tiwari has also been promoted to associate vice president for listening, ORM, and analytics.

Previously senior account director, Tiwari grew his team from 20 to over 100, significantly boosting the agency’s capabilities in social listening, ORM, and analytics. His strategic leadership has been key in acquiring major clients like NPCI, DigiYatra, BluSmart, and Subway, contributing to RepIndia’s international expansion.

Joining Tiwari, Sitlani also takes on the role of associate vice president for planning and growth, where she will drive strategic initiatives and uncover new opportunities to advance the agency and its clients.

Previously an account director for account planning and growth, Sitlani played a key role in acquiring clients such as JBL, Pearl Academy, Kajaria, Colorbar, CARE Hospitals, and others, further expanding RepIndia’s portfolio and market presence.

“We’re heavily involved in a wide range of initiatives—from pitches to strategy for existing clients and reviewing work across accounts,” she shared. 

Mishra also joins the roster of promotions, having been elevated to senior vice president for digital media and buying, underscoring RepIndia’s commitment to expanding its media capabilities.

Before this, he served as vice president for digital media and buying. Under Mishra’s leadership, the digital media team expanded significantly, securing clients like Kajaria, Instax, M3M, Fortis, Haldirams, and others. His extensive experience in digital media strategy is expected to drive RepIndia’s media operations and innovate digital buying practices.

Commenting on his new role, Mishra shared, “When I joined RepIndia, the team was just 2 members. Today, it’s grown to over 18 members. The journey has been rewarding, and I look forward to leading our media operations into the future.”

Finally, Sharma joins the leadership team as associate vice president for search, recognised for his crucial role in enhancing the agency’s search marketing expertise.

Sharma has been instrumental in strengthening RepIndia’s search capabilities, working with prominent brands like Hero MotoCorp (across 8 countries), Merino Laminates, Kajaria Ceramics, Migsun Group, and more. Previously associate director of SEO, he has grown his team to over 20 members, further bolstering RepIndia’s search marketing expertise.

These leadership appointments come as RepIndia positions itself for growth in 2025. With a strengthened team across search, media, creative strategy, planning, and analytics, the agency aims to enhance its offerings and drive digital innovation. The changes reflect RepIndia’s focus on building internal capabilities for the future of digital marketing in India.

Archit Chenoy, CEO of RepIndia, commented, “At RepIndia, our strength lies in our people and their ability to drive meaningful impact for our clients. These promotions are a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and innovative spirit that define our team. As we look ahead to 2025, this strengthened leadership will play a critical role in shaping the future of digital marketing, delivering cutting-edge solutions, and unlocking new growth opportunities for our clients and our agency alike.” 

Singapore – As 2025 begins, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced key leadership changes at Changi Airport Group (CAG), with Lim Ming Yan taking the role of deputy chairman on January 1, 2025. He will succeed Tan Gee Paw as chairman effective April 1, 2025.

Lim currently serves as chairman of the Singapore Business Federation and The Esplanade Co. Limited. He is also a board director at Enterprise Singapore and an independent non-executive director at Sembcorp Industries, DLF Cyber City Developers, and China Vanke. Additionally, he is Singapore’s non-resident high commissioner to Mauritius.

Previously, Lim was chairman of Workforce Singapore and a director of the housing and development board. He also held key leadership roles, serving as president and group CEO of CapitaLand Limited (2013–2018), CEO of The Ascott Limited (2009–2012), and CEO of CapitaLand China (2000–2009).

With his extensive experience in large-scale projects and proven leadership, Lim is well-equipped to guide CAG through Changi Airport’s next growth phase, including the construction of Terminal 5.

Lim will officially succeed current Chairman Tan Gee Paw on April 1. Meanwhile, Tan will remain on the board as a director to provide continuity to CAG during this transition period.

Tan joined the CAG Board in May 2017 and became chairman in October 2020. Under his leadership, CAG navigated the challenges of COVID-19, ensuring Changi Airport remained a global aviation hub by facilitating essential travel and supplies while supporting the safe reopening of borders.

Changi Airport is on track for full recovery by 2025, with passenger traffic recently returning to pre-pandemic levels and connectivity restored to 160 cities via over 100 airlines. Under Tan’s leadership, CAG strengthened innovation and financial resilience, investing in major upgrades like Terminal 2’s rejuvenation, boosting capacity to 90 million passengers annually. Technological advancements, including robotics and automation, enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and manpower optimisation, ensure Changi remains a global leader.

Singapore – Marketing agencies undoubtedly have significant value to offer brands navigating a dynamic business landscape. Bringing in their distinct skills, expertise, and resources, agencies are indispensable for businesses seeking to reach their marketing goals. However, as in any industry, agencies face the challenge of competition, particularly the rising number of brands building in-house teams. 

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Kai Xin Lee, the newly appointed managing director at Meetsocial, shares how she is turning this challenge into an opportunity by leveraging expertise and technology to elevate the marketing agency’s presence in Southeast Asia (SEA).

Agency priorities

Kai previously took a break from working in an agency, committing instead to advisory roles in different tech start-ups. However, she shares that this only made her miss “the fast-paced, dynamic nature of working in an agency.” 

Seeking the excitement of agency work, Kai took the opportunity with Meetsocial when it came up.

“What drew me most was the unique chance to not only lead a Singapore-based agency but also spearhead growth across the Southeast Asia region—a market I’m deeply passionate about. The challenge of building and expanding Meetsocial’s presence in this vibrant and diverse region is something that truly excites me,” she said.

As the managing director at Meetsocial, Kai prioritises uplifting the agency’s position as a leading digital advertising partner in SEA. Her aim is to boost its presence in the region, leveraging data and expertise to achieve the goal. 

“While Meetsocial’s global scale is impressive, with over $5 billion in media spend across more than 40 platforms, there is little awareness of their capabilities in this region. My goal is to bridge this and establish Meetsocial as a trusted, go-to partner for businesses looking to drive measurable outcomes through digital advertising,” she said.

Accumulating experience

Kai has almost 2 decades of experience in the marketing industry, specifically from elevating Wild Advertising as one of the top independent agencies in Singapore. She plans to apply these experiences from her previous roles to leading sustainable and long-term growth for Meetsocial.

“My strengths lie in strategic planning and creative impact—areas that complement Meetsocial’s existing expertise in online media planning and optimization. By aligning these strengths, I believe we can offer more holistics integrated marketing services that deliver exceptional results for our clients,” Kai said.

Upon joining the company, Kai also brings her belief in people as the key to success in an agency, fuelling her plans to build a strong team.

“I take pride in being a team builder, and in this role, I’ll focus on recruiting the right talent and nurturing the current team through training and mentorship. A motivated, skilled, and cohesive team is essential for driving success, and I’m committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive,” she said.

Reasserting agency value

One challenge that agencies are facing in the industry is the trend in brands creating their own in-house teams, eliminating the need for outsourcing in agencies. Kai shares how these in-house teams handle performance marketing, copywriting, and design, which were traditionally part of an agency’s duty.

“Having worked on both the client and agency sides, I understand the rationale behind this move—it offers control and, at times, cost efficiencies. However, I firmly believe there’s still a critical role for agencies,” Kai explained. 

“Agencies bring unparalleled value through their extensive data, insights, and learnings gained from working across diverse industries, markets, and clients. This depth of experience is essential for delivering optimal results, particularly when it comes to optimization and scaling campaigns,” she added.

Nonetheless, Kai observes that some of its clients who initially turned to in-house teams are re-evaluating their decision, since this setup does not always deliver effectively and cost-efficiently as expected.

“This presents a unique opportunity for agencies like Meetsocial to reassert their value and expertise,” Kai said.

Another opportunity that Kai sees is the use of artificial intelligence (AI), embracing its transformative capabilities in advertising as in every industry. At Meetsocial, Kai plans to leverage AI to resolve usual constraints involving time, resources, and budget.

“AI breaks down these barriers, enabling us to scale campaigns faster, create content more efficiently, and drive better ROI for our clients. By leveraging AI strategically, we can unlock new levels of creativity and performance, ensuring Meetsocial stays ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

By turning challenges into opportunities, Kai’s appointment and priorities does not only elevate Meetsocial as an agency, but the value of all agencies in the industry. Combining her experience and vision, she is set to lead while navigating an industry shaped by AI and constant change.

India – Building on the recent announcement of its new Chennai campus, WPP has unveiled plans to deepen its investment in India by scaling up its Global Delivery Centre (GDC) operations. The specialist hub, supporting WPP teams worldwide, will be headquartered in India, reinforcing the country’s strategic importance.

WPP is expanding its GDC team in India, one of its fastest-growing markets and a hub of innovation and creativity. Leveraging its 11,000-strong workforce in the country, the GDC builds on existing expertise to further strengthen WPP’s presence in the region.

The GDC employs 10,000 people globally and is key to WPP’s business transformation strategy. It offers advanced capabilities like cloud modernisation, hyper-personalisation, composable commerce, VR, XR, generative AI, and product engineering, complementing WPP’s expertise in media, content, CX, commerce, technology, data, and design.

Leading this growth is Prashant Mehta, appointed as managing director of the GDC, tasked with driving its global expansion, with India housing the majority of its talent.

Mehta, a seasoned expert in digital transformation, joins WPP from Accenture, where he served as global managing director of global assets at Accenture Song, leading its generative AI-driven asset strategy, delivery, and adoption. Previously, he held roles as global chief product and delivery officer at Dentsu Creative & Experience and group vice president at Publicis Sapient.

Speaking on his appointment, Mehta said, “It is an honour to be leading the WPP GDC, which has been built to evolve with the changing demands of our clients while delivering the highest standards of excellence. I look forward to working with our integrated teams as we harness AI and creativity to transform how we deliver growth for our clients.”

Meanwhile, Mark Read, CEO of WPP, shared, “Our Global Delivery Centre enables agency teams and their clients to tap into specialist expertise and new capabilities. It is underpinned by WPP Open, our AI-driven operating system for marketing transformation, fuelling growth and connecting the dots across our business. I welcome Prashant to WPP and look forward to working with him to develop our offering.”

CVL Srinivas, WPP’s country manager for India, added, “As we look to drive further growth and transformation in and from India, we are excited to welcome Prashant Mehta onboard. The expertise of our team in India makes it the prime location to power our clients’ needs with a scaled world-class GDC.”

As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, with new formats and media constantly emerging, out-of-home (OOH) advertising remains a key player. In a world now dominated by small screens, there is something unique in large panels planted in real-world environments, creating distinct connections with their beholder.

The widespread digitalisation adds to OOH’s powerful position, with its messaging being infused with transformative technology and new levels of creativity. With the revolution of OOH, messages have a new way to captivate and resonate with audiences.

At a time of transformation in the industry, Target Media, an OOH media platform owner, has appointed Daniel Ng as chief revenue officer.

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Daniel delves into his strategies to harness the power of OOH advertising while unlocking opportunities for innovation through his new role.

Prioritising data-driven innovation

At Target Media, Daniel is focusing on data-driven innovation while emphasising its potency in the industry. 

“Today, OOH is more than just placements—it’s a powerful medium that combines measurable outcomes with a real-world presence that audiences can see and trust,” Daniel said.

Building on the impact of OOH’s tangible presence, he plans to supercharge it with data and technology as his primary focus.

“By integrating audience insights, we can offer brands precision targeting and measurable ROI. This is paired with the physical visibility of OOH campaigns, which creates an undeniable and lasting impression.”

Through the physical presence of campaigns, Target Media is helping its clients forge deeper connections with audiences. Additionally, Daniel plans to diversify revenue streams through new advertising formats, cross-platform integrations, and creating partnerships.

As a leader in the company, Daniel also aims to strengthen his team, equipping them with skills to perform well and collaborate with creativity, resulting in client satisfaction.

“These strategies emphasize OOH’s distinct strength: it is both measurable through data and visible in real life, making it a uniquely powerful medium to deliver results and build trust,” he said.

Diving into OOH advertising

In his new role at Target Media, Daniel is undoubtedly taking the plunge into OOH advertising. In fact, this advertising medium and its implications are why he chose to join the company.

“What drew me most was Target Media’s unique ability to combine the tangible presence of OOH advertising with the precision of data-driven insights. Unlike purely digital formats where audiences may question the validity of metrics or feel disconnected from the message, OOH advertising is real, visible, and seamlessly embedded into people’s environments. This creates a sense of authenticity and trust for both brands and audiences,” Daniel said.

Target Media is among the leading agencies focusing OOH advertising in Singapore, with its extensive coverage of digital screens. With this, Daniel saw an opportunity, allowing him to join a company that nurtures a strong connection with the community while pushing for innovation.

“I was inspired by the chance to lead a team that bridges the gap between brands and Singapore’s heartland communities, creating value for both sides. Target Media’s vision is not just to be a media provider but to become an integral part of people’s everyday lives by delivering relevant, impactful, and tangible content,” he said.

Previously, Daniel was head of growth at Grey Group, spending more than two years in the marketing agency. In his transition from Grey, he is bringing over his learnings to Target Media,

“At Grey Group, I learned that growth is not just about acquiring new business but about building sustainable partnerships and delivering long-term value,” he said.

“Putting the client’s objectives at the heart of every decision leads to not just retention but advocacy. At Target Media, I’ll ensure that every solution we deliver is tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients while demonstrating the real-world presence of OOH campaigns,” he added.

Daniel also highlighted the importance of staying relevant through being agile, alluding to the need to infuse physical advertisements with digital features.

“I plan to embed this mindset within the team at Target Media to continuously evolve our offerings while leveraging OOH’s ability to blend physical and digital strengths,” Daniel said.

“These learnings will guide how I lead the team and craft strategies that deliver impactful and visibly effective results for our clients and Target Media,” he added.

Staying on top of trends, challenges

Amidst the dynamic advertising industry, Daniel cements his goal of combining OOH with digital to deal with competition.

“Consumers today engage with multiple touchpoints. By integrating digital technology into our OOH offerings—such as programmatic buying and interactive content—we can create holistic, multi-channel campaigns that drive stronger engagement while showcasing OOH’s tangible presence,” he explained.

“Unlike purely digital formats where ads may feel fleeting or invisible, OOH has a clear and undeniable physical presence that audiences see and interact with every day. This is a strength we will emphasize to build trust and drive engagement,” he added.

With his aim to build trust, Daniel also plans to meet the demand for transparency. By adopting advanced metrics and tools, he aims to show measurable outcomes to advertisers for accountability.

Daniel also considers sustainability initiatives in advertising and the trend of leveraging AI-driven insights, tapping into them to adapt. 

“Navigating challenges is about seeing them as opportunities to innovate, adapt, and lead in the OOH space while showcasing the medium’s real-world impact.”

Glimpse into OOH advertising future

Revolutionising the OOH industry is not simple, but already, current advertising trends are shaping its future. For media practitioners such as Daniel, there are many things to look forward to.

“The future of OOH advertising is incredibly exciting—it’s a medium that is transforming into an integral part of smart cities and connected ecosystems,” he said.

“OOH is becoming smarter, with the ability to serve hyper-targeted messages based on real-time data like footfall, demographics, and even weather conditions. Target Media’s use of precise audience data based on residency enhances the power of our physical screens.”

It is not just the trends that lead to a brighter future for OOH, but the practitioners and agencies behind it.

“At Target Media, I want to lead the charge in shaping this future by embracing technology, pushing creative boundaries, and building campaigns that are not only impactful but also physically visible and meaningful for audiences. My role is to help brands harness the unique power of OOH to build connections that last while delivering value to the communities we serve.”

By embracing data-driven innovation with his team, Daniel aims to propel into a future where OOH becomes even more impactful. As the OOH landscape continues to evolve, Daniel’s vision for measurable, powerful, and real-world activations will be crucial in fostering meaningful connections between brands and their audiences, adapting to any change.

Korea – GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, has been named L’Oréal Korea’s media partner of record, responsible for all media planning and buying activities.

GroupM was chosen by L’Oréal Korea after a competitive process, impressing with their in-depth understanding of the Korean market, strategic prowess, significant media buying power, and advanced capabilities in technology and commerce.

Michael Beecroft, GroupM’s CEO for Northeast Asia, said, “We are hugely honoured to be expanding our relationship with such an iconic and ambitious brand in such an exciting market.” 

“Korea is home to many of the world’s most sophisticated beauty consumers. We look forward to helping L’Oréal Korea meet their needs with compelling, relevant media that drives growth and innovation,” Beecroft added. 

This appointment strengthens the global relationship between L’Oréal Groupe, the world’s fourth-largest advertiser, and GroupM, expanding their partnership to over 30 markets worldwide, including the key Korean market.