Tag: Appointments

India – Dentsu has appointed Sunil Lulla, former CEO at television measurement science industry body BARC India, to be its new consultant advisor for India. 

In his new role, Lulla will be working closely with, and reporting to, Peter Huijboom, dentsu India’s interim CEO, to focus on driving business growth and activation in the market while the agency continues its search for the right candidate to lead the dentsu India business. 

Moreover, Lulla will be partnering with key members of the India Leadership team to capitalise on the opportunities delivered through dentsu India’s rapid transformation to realise dentsu’s global vision of being the world’s most integrated network by 2024. He will also work on ensuring the competitiveness of dentsu India’s distinctive, integrated capabilities in a fast-paced, evolving marketplace.

Commenting on his appointment, Lulla said that he could not refuse an opportunity to work with a business that is relentlessly focused on shaping its own business to help clients navigate the changing market context and pioneer a new way forward. 

“I am excited to partner with Peter and build on the progress made with the leadership team, being a part of the team that works together to transform into the agency of tomorrow,” he added.

Meanwhile, Huijboom shared that Lulla is joining them at a critical time as they realise the benefits of their transformation through their integrated offering. 

“We see significant opportunity in the India market and I am pleased with the momentum we are seeing. Sunil will continue to accelerate our growth trajectory while working with our teams to define, activate, and ignite dentsu’s winning culture in the market. It’s an exciting time to be at dentsu India,” said Huijboom.

The appointment will be effective on 4 April and Lulla will be working with the business until dentsu India hires a permanent CEO.

Australia – Programmatic digital advertising company PubMatic has appointed Dylan Robinson, former country manager for APAC at advertising company Taboola, to be its new country manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Aside from his previous role at Taboola, Robinson has held senior roles in Australia with Sizmek, SpotX, and Quantcast, where he led the APAC Publisher Development team. He has also worked on the publisher side of the digital media industry, holding sales roles in London for Telegraph Media Group and the BBC.

The appointment of Robinson comes after Peter Barry, former regional director for ANZ at PubMatic, moved to New York at the end of last year to take up the role of global VP of audience addressability at PubMatic.

Commenting on his appointment, Robinson said that he is excited to be joining an independent technology company that’s focused on connecting the ecosystem with robust audience addressability solutions and cross-screen targeting

“Our number one mission is to maximise value for our publisher and buy-side partners, while protecting consumer privacy. I am looking forward to continuing to drive PubMatic’s focus on BVOD, as publishers and media buyers increasingly look to technology partners to give them an edge in a competitive market,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jason Barnes, PubMatic’s CRO for APAC, said, “Dylan has more than fifteen years’ experience working for publishers and advertising technology companies which will add considerable value to our growth plans for the region. We are delighted to have him lead our Australia and New Zealand operations.”

PubMatic noted that the appointment of Robinson to lead the company’s Australia and New Zealand operations coincides with its new global campaign, ‘Built for You’, which focuses on delivering the future of digital advertising through innovation, transparency, and innovation.

Singapore – Media Publishares, the publisher of Esquire, Robb Report, and Vogue Singapore, has elevated Natasha Damodaran, former marketing director at Media Publishares, to be its new managing director (MD), and Alexander Trefilov, former general manager at Media Publishares’ Philippines office, which was previously Indochine Media, to be its new chief operating officer (COO). 

In her previous role as marketing director, Damodaran has played an instrumental role in the launch of Esquire and Vogue Singapore, while simultaneously leading partnerships, marketing, communications, and events. Since August 2021, with the launch of Vogue’s September NFT collection, she has been spearheading the implementation of NFT strategies and metaverse related activities for Esquire, Robb Report, and Vogue Singapore. 

As the new MD, Damodaran will be working across all divisions in the Singapore office, managing the day-to-day business, as well as new business opportunities alongside the publishers and editors-in-chief, while continuing to lead the marketing teams. 

Commenting on her elevation, Damodaran said that she looks forward to the next phase of growth at Media Publishares, and in her capacity as the new managing director, he aim is to grow the print, digital, social, and Web3 offerings within their current portfolio, while working alongside their creative and editorial teams to bring world-class content to their readers.

“With the strength of the brands and the breadth of talent that we have, there are tremendous opportunities ahead,” added Damodaran

Meanwhile, Trefilov has previous experience in international publishing, having worked at Partners Media Group for Kazakhstan, publisher of titles that include Harper’s BAZAAR, Esquire, and Men’s Health.

In his new role as COO, Trefilov will be overlooking corporate finance, legal, internal procedures, and communication with licensing partners and stakeholders. He will also oversee the financial reporting of the regional offices in Vietnam and Malaysia. 

Trefilov commented, “Keeping the high pace of the company’s growth both in media and new crypto business, I am excited to fine-tune and amplify the business processes to strengthen the company’s position in the Southeast Asian market.”

Both will be based in Singapore and will report to Michael von Schlippe, Media Publishares’ president.

Von Schlippe shared that Damodaran has been involved in all parts of scaling the business in Singapore, showing skills and accomplishments on the management and commercial sides of the business, and she also has a sharp eye for editorial quality in both print and digital.

“In addition, Alexander brings with him 17 years of international media experience with a focus on Asia. He has been effective not only in setting up and running media organisations, but also in shaping and implementing strategies whilst managing diverse business operations,” he added.

Singapore – Creative and communications network dentsu in Asia Pacific has appointed Christina Lee, former vice president at Kering Technologies APAC, to be its new chief technology officer (CTO). Lee commences the role in April this year.

In her new role, Lee will be responsible for providing technology strategy, industry-leading capabilities, and solutions to enable business growth and drive day to day operations through transformational business and technology initiatives. She will be based in Hong Kong, and will be part of both global and APAC senior management teams.

Lee brings with her over two decades of senior leadership experience in information and digital technology. She also has a strong track record of consulting and industry experience in strategy, business transformation, business partnership, vendor management and solution delivery, as well as aligning and advancing IT as a tool and driver for the business of Fortune 500 multi-national brand companies.

Aside from her recent stint at Kering Group, Lee has also held a senior leadership role at L’Oréal, where she led IT for the most strategic and complex region and successfully established the tech organization strategy for APAC. Moreover, Lee sat on the judging panel for the Case competition, Enactus Singapore, a community of student, academic, and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action, and served as a mentor during her leadership at Kering.

Lee said that she has ambition for technology to be a champion of change for brands and businesses to optimise their business practice, and also be a strategic partner to help businesses to get maximum benefits from the data and technologies.

“Dentsu values technology and innovation at the heart of its culture and I could not be more excited to be working together with this incredible, high performing team of technology professionals,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dominic Shine, dentsu’s global chief technology officer, shared that Lee is a committed leader who is passionate about organisational design, understands the problems that will be faced during hyper-growth, and is energized by solving these problems. 

“She brings with her strong experience and a successful track record in driving significant transformational change through technology across organisations, as well as in the delivery of data and digital products. I look forward to having her on the team,” said Shine.

Mumbai, India – Global data and measurement-driven media agency Essence has announced three new senior appointments in India, namely Bharati Joshi as vice president for product in India and will lead the agency’s product offering, Kunal Danda as vice president for client services in India and heading its Mumbai office, and Vinish Mathews as vice president for client services in India and Southeast Asia and will be leading the agency’s partnership with key client Google.

Joshi brings with her over 17 years of industry experience, joining from Initiative where she was previously the assistant vice president for strategy and insights. Previously, she held practice and client leadership positions at GroupM’s Wavemaker and Maxus.

Speaking on her appointment, Joshi said, “Essence is currently in a very interesting space with a client roster of established as well as new age brands. Leading their growth charter with our differentiated products, platforms and thinking, all rooted in data, technology, analytics and creativity, is what I am really looking forward to doing. I am excited to head the charge for our product offering in India, along with the most talented and energised bunch of people in the industry.”

Meanwhile, Danda comes with more than two decades of media and marketing experience in India and the Middle East, working at agencies such as OMD, Edelman and Digitas, and organisations such as DBS Bank, Energy Central and Arab Insurance Group. Most recently, he served as principal partner at Mindshare in Mumbai, heading digital media, integrated marketing and business development.

Regarding her new role, Danda said, “Essence’s industry-leading capabilities are rooted in data, analytics and technology. Here, we also have brilliant talent with a special culture of testing and learning, collaboration, as well as integrated media strategy and planning, with client centricity at the core of everything we do. I am incredibly excited to be part of the Essence family, and driving the next stage of growth for our Mumbai office.”

Lastly, with over 18 years of industry experience in China and India, Mathews joins from Mindshare, where he was most recently managing director, overseeing teams across Beijing and Shanghai.

Mathews said, “I am thrilled to return to India to work at Essence at such an exciting time, given the developments in the consumer landscape and acceleration in digital behaviour. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Essence’s relationship with Google in India and Southeast Asia, and drive the agency’s integrated media offering for all of Google’s business and consumer products in these markets. I am looking forward to collaborating with some of the smartest people in the industry.”

All appointees will report directly to Sonali Malaviya, managing director for India at Essence, as part of Essence’s leadership team in the market. 

“Bharati, Kunal and Vinish’s appointments are key in strengthening Essence’s India leadership team. I am delighted that we are able to attract exceptional talent who share and are excited about our vision to reimagine what is possible for India. I am looking forward to partnering with Bharati, Kunal and Vinish in their new roles, and driving continued growth for our people, capabilities, clients and business across India,” says Malaviya.

Bangkok, Thailand – Dentsu International has welcomed back Subun Khow, most recently the head of creative at Publicis Thailand, to its roster as the chief creative officer for dentsu Thailand. Khow previously worked with dentsu in 2012, where he served as chief creative officer for dentsu One in Bangkok. Back then, he was responsible for building creative reputation and enhancing creative thinking to expand client portfolios.

In his new role at dentsu, Khow will be in charge of leading the creative team to deliver integrated creative excellence to clients, while leveraging on data-driven and tech-enabled solutions combined with an idea-led approach. He has also held previously leadership roles at Lowe Bangkok and BBDO, as associate creative director, creative director and executive creative director respectively.

He will report to Narong Tresuchon, CEO of creative of dentsu Thailand, and the appointment is effective from 1 April this year.

Speaking about his appointment, Khow said, “I am thrilled and humbled to be given the opportunity to work with this amazing bunch of creatives at one of the world’s leading agencies. Cultivating a dynamic creative work culture as well as the delivery of the best business outcomes for our clients will be my top priorities and I look forward to working closely with Khun Narong and the rest of the talented creatives at dentsu Thailand to bring this to life.”

Meanwhile, Tresuchon commented that with Subun’s strong track record and expertise, he will lead the creative team in creating innovative work and experience for clients with an emphasis on creative design to connect all channels seamlessly to reach audiences at every touchpoint in line with consumer needs and behaviours.

“I am confident in his management ability to balance corporate values with creative energy and positivity to create an effective creative work culture. Only by empowering people and strengthening creative business strategies can we then achieve significant progress and become the world’s leading integrated communications business service network of the future,” he said.

Sanjay Bhasin, who was recently appointed as the CEO of dentsu Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, said that Khow is a well-established creative leader who has a thorough understanding of the advertising industry. He also added Khow is a role model for our new generation of creatives and brings with him a positive mindset and attitude.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with him again and I am confident that together with Narong, the duo will be able to take dentsu Thailand’s creative to the next level,” Bhasin concluded.

Lastly, Fred Levron, global chief creative officer at dentsu international, said, “To have Subun back to lead dentsu’s creative business in Thailand is fantastic news. Subun is one of Thailand’s foremost creatives, with extensive experience developing famous work that is celebrated both at home and abroad, and his talent for combining technology and innovation to deliver with his inspired creative vision. I look forward to working with him.”

Singapore — Global marketing agency VMLY&R has announced key senior leadership appointments within its whole Asia division. Yi Chung Tay takes on the position of chief executive officer of VMLY&R Asia. Simultaneously, Hari Ramanathan is being promoted to the role of chief executive officer of VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan. Lastly, Tripti Lochan is elevated into the newly created role of global capability development officer for VMLY&R, based in Singapore.

Tay will oversee all agency brands in the region – which includes VMLY&R, VMLY&R Commerce, VMLY&Rx The Glitch based in India, ClickMedia based in Vietnam, and Dawson based in China, having previously worked closely alongside Lochan as co-CEO for Asia overlooking markets in Greater China. Previously, Tay was CEO of VMLY&R China which he developed from start-up im2.0 into one of China’s leading full-service digital marketing agencies.

Tay commented on his newly expanded role, saying, “I look forward to continuing to build on our success in Asia, by harnessing creativity, technology, culture and data to create innovative solutions for our clients and business partners. Lochan has set up some of our highest potential markets for success, and we are deeply grateful for her outstanding contribution.”

Meanwhile, Ramanathan’s responsibilities now include the role of chief executive officer of VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan, overseeing these markets for the group. Since joining VMLY&R in 2007, he has been instrumental in developing a strategy for Asia including transformational plans and processes for the markets. Ramanathan pioneered new strategic models and tools, created proprietary data assets including BAV and provided directional thought leadership.

Lastly, through her elevation, Lochan is tasked with identifying areas for capability growth and developing strengths globally. Lochan has been a part of the global leadership team of VMLY&R for ten years and will now partner with the team on capability expansion. Under her leadership in Asia, the network has undergone three global integrations – VML+Y&R, Geometry, GTB – with talent and billings doubling across Asia during Lochan’s tenure, creating one of the most established, full-service agencies in Asia.

Lochan shared her thoughts on the new role, saying, “I look forward to further expanding our capabilities globally, integrating offices and training leading to even greater levels of success. I’m proud of the culture of innovation and connectedness we have built together. It’s been inspiring to lead teams to success, building connected brands for our growing portfolio of clients. Importantly, I am excited for VMLY&R Asia’s future with Tay at the helm.”

Ramanathan will be reporting to Yi Chung Tay, CEO of VMLY&R Asia, alongside Kevin Zhu, CEO of VMLY&R China. Meanwhile, Lochan will report to Jon Cook, global chief executive officer, and will partner with Ronnie Felder, global chief people officer and Christine Nollen, executive director on leadership training and coaching worldwide.

Jon Cook, global chief executive officer VMLY&R, said that these strategic appointments are essential to VMLY&R’s connected growth plans for both Asia and our global operation.

“Tay, Ramanathan, and Zhu are phenomenally sharp marketers who believe in driving business momentum for our clients while ensuring we are creating a culture of belonging for our talented teams. Our Asia market is in great hands with their leadership. And I’m thrilled to expand Lochan’s remit by leveraging her acumen for capability-building and integration across our full global network. 2022 is proving to be an exciting year for the connected growth of VMLY&R,” Cook said.

Last January, VMLY&R in Thailand welcomed Anuwat Nitipanont as its newest chief creative officer.

Tokyo, Japan – Global communications network Publicis Groupe has appointed Tomoko Akizawa, former executive vice president and client growth leader at global communications company Edelman, to be its new managing director of MSL Japan and new business director of Publicis Groupe Japan.

In her new roles, Akizawa will further develop and deepen MSL’s presence in Japan. She will also lead the MSL team in strengthening its service capabilities to drive greater impact for their clients under the Publicis Groupe’s Power of One offering, which is a frictionless collaboration between all of Publicis Groupe agencies that are able to better service their clients and people. 

Akizawa brings with her 20 years of experience in communications. Aside from her most recent roles at Edelman Japan, she has also held the director of technology and digital practices role.

Commenting on her appointment, Akizawa said that she is excited to join MSL especially as it looks to strengthen its positioning in both corporate and integrated communications in the Japan market.

“Given how MSL is so closely connected to the different solutions under the Publicis Groupe, I strongly believe that MSL is uniquely positioned to contribute and deliver integrated communications solutions as part of the Power of One partnership,” she added.

Meanwhile, Gareth Mulryan, the CEO of Publicis Groupe Japan, believes that Akizawa’s senior appointment will enable them to offer a stronger suite of communications services to their clients via the Publicis Groupe’s service offering of Power of One. 

“I look forward to working with her as part of the Publicis Japan executive team and am confident that she will help to continue our growth in Japan,” said Mulryan.

Margaret Key, MSL’s CEO for APAC and AMA, commented, “With her extensive experience in public relations and integrated communications, MSL Japan will have greater prowess in delivering impact and influence for our clients. I look forward to working closely with Tomoko to scale MSL business in this key growth market.”

Hong Kong – Interpublic Group’s public relations agency Golin has elevated Lottie Longford, former director at Golin Hong Kong, to step into the newly-created role of director of marketing and communications for APAC.

During her stint as director at Golin Hong Kong, Longford has led the team’s health & wellness accounts, having transferred from the agency’s London location in 2016. She has also previously held executive roles at PR agencies Surgery Group and Katch PR.

In her new role, Longford will be handling Golin’s agency brands – Golin and DeVries Global, to regionally drive brand positioning and initiatives for both, working closely with global, APAC, and market leaders. She will be reporting directly to Simon Ruparelia, Golin’s head of growth, and Darren Burns, Golin’s president for APAC.

Commenting on her elevation, Longford said that across her past eight years at Golin, she has always been energised by the smart, creative work they do, and is proud of what they stand for – as well as admiring the innovation and achievements of the DeVries Global teams. 

“I’m excited to bring my experience and ideas to the role in amplifying our work and people,” she added.

Burns shared that Longford is one of their key business leaders in Hong Kong and someone who has a palpable passion for their industry. 

“In her new role, she will help shape our growth by communicating to talent, clients and the wider industry about the change we drive in Asia,” said Burns.