Tag: Appointments

Melbourne, Australia – Marketing communications agency Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne has announced new hires for their creative department namely Huei Yin Wong as senior art director, alongside Ellie Dunn and Tom Vizard as senior copywriters.

Huei joins from Ogilvy where she was responsible for work across a range of clients including AAMI, Mondelez to name a few.

Meanwhile, Ellie brings over a decade of experience to the role as she returns to Clemenger BBDO Melbourne following a stint at Leo Burnett.

Lastly, Tom, who is joining from Thinkerbell, had the privilege of working with a range of iconic brands including Tourism Australia, Vegemite, Jeep and AFL. When he’s not working on iconic Australian brands, Tom can be found tutoring at the online creative course platform AWARD school and producing short films.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Huei, Ellie and Tom join the team. Each brings proven award-winning thinking, a truly diverse set of skills and a wonderfully irresponsible outlook towards what’s possible. Most importantly, each has the ambition to help lead where the agency is heading next,” said Jim Curtis, executive creative director at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

Clemenger BBDO has recently appointed Scott Balalas as the agency’s general manager for their Carlton & United account, following their campaign with beer brand Victoria Bitter.

Singapore – Edelman, a global communications firm, continues to strengthen its senior leadership lineup in the Asia-Pacific region, as it has recently expanded the role of Michelle Hutton, currently the CEO of Edelman Australia and vice chair for APAC to expand her remit in her vice chair role to now cover client and growth responsibilities. Meanwhile, the firm has also promoted Susan Redden Makatoa, currently the group managing director at Edelman Australia, to the role of head of corporate for APAC at Edelman.

The new announcements follow the firm’s recent senior appointments of Adrian Warr as CEO of Edelman SEA, and John Kerr as the vice chair for technology at Edelman APAC, effective by 1 October.

In her expanded role, Hutton will leverage her experience in building Edelman’s integrated solutions offering in APAC to evolve the firm’s client-centric approach, ensuring Strategy, Creative, Data and Digital sit at the heart of all client business and growth efforts. 

As such, Hutton will now also oversee the firm’s regional client leadership, new business and marketing initiatives going forward, ensuring each of these areas build on the firm’s vision to deliver truly integrated work for its clients. 

Meanwhile, Redden Makatoa will lead Edelman’s reputation and advisory practice across the region, reporting into Stephen Kehoe, Edelman’s CEO for APAC, and Dave Samson, global vice chair of corporate affairs. She brings over 20 years of experience in leading reputation management and advisory services across business, government and not-for-profit sectors. Having joined Edelman in February 2020, she has already led the firm’s Australia clients through the unrelenting challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With these moves, we are creating a more powerful, client-centric organization than ever before in APAC. We’re an agency that has never stood still; our pioneering spirit continues today and we have a collective hunger to deliver impactful and effective integrated work for our clients, with a One Edelman mindset,” said Stephen Kehoe, president and CEO for Asia-Pacific at Edelman.

Other notable Edelman corporate moves in the region include updating the lineup for Edelman China, as well as updating its creative team for its APAC team.

Australia – Livewire, the global gaming marketing and gametech company, has officially launched its operation in EMEA, with its first office in London. This move comes after its launch in APAC six months ago,

The expansion aims to provide opportunities for brands who are understanding the importance of marketing to the gaming audience through a range of diverse opportunities, engaging a generation that is turning off traditional forms of media. 

Through this, Livewire will be able to provide gaming marketing and gametech solutions to EMEA brands and clients through the company’s experience, partnerships, and proprietary assets across research and insights, gaming strategy, esports, gaming talent, and in and around game advertising, as well as gaming audience solutions, and direct publisher opportunities.

Following this endeavor, Livewire has also announced the appointment of former Dentsu leads Luke Aldridge and Peter Jacobs as the new directors to lead the EMEA region. 

Aldridge and Jacobs the integrated gaming division DGame for global media agency Dentsu in London. They have a rich gaming and digital marketing experience, working with major clients including Kellogg’s and Mondelez. Both have delivered successful gaming campaigns for their roster of clients across gaming strategy, in-game advertising, talent, and esports.

Commenting on his appointment, Aldridge said that Livewire has a deep understanding of the entire gaming ecosystem and how to approach it like a marketer, which makes it exciting for him to join.

Meanwhile, Jacobs commented he is thrilled to join Livewire in helping marketers in EMEA navigate it successfully.

“We are now seeing some of the biggest brands in the world take advantage of the many opportunities gaming presents to engage audiences in unique and immersive ways. It is a complex and fascinating world – massive audiences, unparalleled engagement, and full of sub-cultures,” said Jacobs.

Indy Khabra and Brad Manuel, the co-founders of Livewire, shared that the opportunity and timing to launch Livewire EMEA with their first office in London allows them to bring their approach to clients in the region. 

They said, “Globally, gaming and esports is now a priority on the marketer’s agenda and brands are looking to form a holistic gaming strategy to connect with the next generation of consumers who are getting harder to reach through the typical media mix requiring expertise. Gaming and esports are growing exponentially across EMEA, and brands at the forefront of this trend will win in the attention economy.” 

“We’re excited that Luke and Pete will lead our EMEA expansion. They are experienced gaming marketers who understand the importance of gaming ecosystem strategy, coupled with great content and gametech,” Khabra and Manuel added. 

In August this year, Livewire has also announced the launch of its new ‘Gaming Audiences by Livewire’, a new suite of gametech solutions that helps customers access end-to-end planning, insights, and measurement tools, activating unique gaming audience segments in ANZ.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Media Prima, the media and entertainment company in Malaysia, has recently announced the appointment of Rafiq Razali as its new managing director.

Razali brings with him his comprehensive experience in business development and strategic planning. His track record includes establishing and scaling start-up companies related to digital and information technology. 

The new managing director first joined Media Prima as the chief executive officer of REV Media Group on 15 April 2016 and was subsequently appointed as group executive director on 18 February 2021. 

Prior to joining Media Prima, Razali has previously worked with Maxis Berhad, where he held various positions that included responsibilities in the International Business Division and the Corporate Strategy divisions.

Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Aljunid, the group chairman of Media Prima, said Razali has been pivotal in driving the group’s positive results in recent months, and his many contributions to the group include establishing Media Prima as the local industry leader in the digital realm. 

“He has a strong understanding of the group’s business operations and when combined with his prior experience leading successful digital start-ups and commerce companies, we are confident that Rafiq is the ideal choice to lead Media Prima to new levels of success,” said Aljunid.

Singapore – Global public relations professional body Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has announced that it is now extending its presence to Asia-Pacific with the launch of PRCA APAC, replacing the narrower governing body PRCA Southeast Asia.

With the PRCA APAC, the PR body has also announced the appointment of inaugural co-chairs namely Caroline Hsu, managing director for APAC at The Hoffman Agency; Carolyn Devanayagam, executive vice president and APAC head of corporate at Weber Shandwick; and Nitin Mantri, CEO at Avian WE. The appointments are part of a further strengthening of the Board to represent the whole region.

As part of the changes, current PRCA SEA General Manager Tara Munis will relocate to Hong Kong as the new head of PRCA Asia-Pacific, and further team appointments will be made in Singapore and Thailand.

“We’ve been lucky to call Singapore home since 2018, cultivating a passionate and driven PR community. That passion and dedication to support our industry has inspired incredible membership growth in not only neighbouring countries but to the entire Asian Pacific region. I’m excited to get started in Hong Kong and continue to provide word-class support for all our members,” Munis stated.

Meanwhile, former PRCA SEA Chair and regional director for APAC at Archetype Lee Nugent commented that PRCA’s commitment to drive further professionalism, raise standards and provide representation will be of great benefit to what he believes is the most exciting and vibrant part of the world for PR and comms.

“It’s been a real honor to have represented PRCA Southeast Asia as its inaugural chair over the last three years and I’m terrifically proud of the progress we’ve made. Now is the perfect time for geographic expansion and, as my tenure comes to an end, I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring set of leaders to hand over to Carolyn, Caroline and Nitin – as our three new co-Chairs take on PRCA’s next phase of growth across APAC,” Nugent said.

For Francis Ingham, director-general at PRCA, by representing the industry throughout the whole of APAC, providing professional links between fellow practitioners all around the world, and continuing to collaborate with local associations, they can address the challenges and embrace the opportunities in front of our industry even better than ever.

“Our three co-chairs are highly respected figures from across Asia-Pacific, and it’s a pleasure to welcome them to their new roles, and to the PRCA’s Global Advisory Board. I’d like to offer my profound thanks to Lee Nugent for his chairmanship over the past three years. His drive and dynamism has embedded the PRCA in the wider region,” Ingham concluded.

Singapore – Media intelligence agency CARMA has announced the new leadership appointment of Khali Sakkas as its new head of insights for APAC. 

Sakkas brings with her 16 years of experience in communications measurement, leading teams across APAC to deliver award-winning work to MNCs and government clients. She has also contributed to the advancement of global best practices in communications measurement having served on the board of the industry’s international trade body, AMEC, and as Chair of AMEC’s Asia Pacific Chapter.

As the new head of insights, Sakkas will be leading CARMA Asia’s research and evaluation team, delivering vital insights to companies and policymakers across the region. She will also be responsible for driving best practices and innovation. 

Commenting on her appointment, Sakkas said she is looking forward to joining a strong global team to provide strategic and tactical advantages for clients.

“CARMA operates in some of the world’s most dynamic and innovative markets. For me, it strikes the right balance between global scale and deep local expertise. It is a business with the energy of a start-up, yet it has the benefit of a long history of quality and best practices,” said Sakkas.

Meanwhile, Andrew Nicholls, CARMA Asia’s co-founder and managing director, noted that CARMA’s approach is to combine cutting-edge technology with the most knowledgeable and experienced consultants in the industry. 

“Hiring Khali as Head of Insights for the region is a testament to that. Her expertise will be key to supporting our clients and the growing demand for actionable insights in Asia,” said Nicholls.

Singapore – Local-based retail technology company Aimazing has announced the appointment of former Shopback’s head of marketing Imran Mohamad as its new head of marketing, where he will be responsible for overseeing the overall brand and marketing objectives of the group, including shaping the brand’s positioning and market strategy.

Mohamad brings in more than nine years of marketing experience in marketing strategy and general management. During his time at Shopback, he was responsible for customer acquisition and revenue maximization for the platform. Furthermore, he also served as a director at the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) which represents more than 900 business members, as well as overseeing an Enterprise Singapore-supported incubation program, Protege Kita.

For Jun Ting, chief executive officer at Aimazing, Mohamad brings into the company a perfect mix of organizational leadership, marketing experience and digital expertise that they are looking for to significantly increase the effectiveness of their communication efforts, partnerships and channels.

He added that Mohamad’s appointment comes at a time when the company is ready to scale their solutions into multiple markets in the world, entering as the best player in the market for malls to understand all real-time sales data happening every day.

“Our ability to communicate our unique value proposition to leading and boutique retail mall managers, and co-create the ultimate retail experience with partners, while building long-term and strong relationships will be key to anchor the company as the leading real-time retail sales data analytics player. Imran has the right experience and capabilities to lead the work on the marketing-front,” Ting stated.

Speaking about his appointment, Mohamad commented that joining the company at this time is an incredibly exciting one as Aimazing is changing the game in retail with a patented solution that will transform how data within shopping malls is acquired, unified, and analyzed to create a trifecta of wins – for the consumers, for the malls, and for the retail merchants.

“With our most recent project successes and progress with leading market players and cities around the world, it’s exciting to grow the team and projects to truly be the ‘Google Analytics’ of physical and omnichannel retail. I am delighted to be able to take this success story forward and we are already planning various digital and communication strategies for the coming year,” said Mohamad.

Singapore – Advertising agency Forsman & Bodenfors in Singapore has appointed Deborah Abraham, former director of communications at creative agency TBWA\ Group Singapore, to be its new director of PR strategy and communications. 

Abrahan is a former journalist turned communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the APAC, where she has played a key role in securing high-profile visibility for both agency and clients. Aside from her previous role in TBWA\ Singapore, Abraham has also worked as the regional communications director at creative firm BBH Asia Pacific. 

The integrated role will see Abraham as an active strategic PR counsel across both the agency’s internal communications and client work.

Commenting on her appointment, Abraham said, “Forsman & Bodenfors appreciation of an integrated PR approach to creative communications is critical to the cultural and business impact we’d like to make, and to be able to fully utilize my potential here is the best opportunity I could ask for.”

Susanna Fagring, Forsman & Bodenfors’ CEO for Singapore, noted that a fundamental understanding of the power of PR and how to start conversations in society is part of Forsman & Bodenfors’ core offering and an intimate part of our creative process. 

“Deborah’s solid experience and reputation in this market make her a fantastic addition to our team,” said Fagring.

Australia – Public relations agency Red Havas in Australia has appointed Alexandra Bryant, former managing partner and creative principle creative communications and content company Finchco Agency, to assume the newly created role of executive director for the Sydney office. 

Bryant brings with her extensive agency and client-side experience. Prior to joining Red Havas, she has worked with various clients including Westpac, Menulog, and Fujifilm Instax, as well as Mad Mex, and Repurpose it. Bryant has also worked in-house in a range of marketing, communications, and HR-based roles for the likes of Westpac and Colgate-Palmolive.

As the new executive director of the Sydney team, Bryant will be responsible for overseeing the team’s performance, growth, and operations, including driving people and culture initiatives. She will also be leading new business and providing senior client counsel across the agency’s consumer, B2B, and tech portfolios.

Commenting on her appointment, Bryant said that it is such an exciting time to join the business and continue to grow the clients’ brands and strong culture with that signature Red flair.

“Red Havas has long had a reputation for working with some of Australia’s best and biggest brands and brightest minds. The people-first approach, strong national leadership team, and brave clients who strive to be meaningful in a sea of sameness were evident throughout the process,” said Bryant.

Simone Gupta, the CEO of Havas PR Australia, and is responsible for Red Havas, commented that Bryant is a smart, fair, and empathetic leader who is passionate about leading a people-first culture, and has a strong track record of successfully integrated client work. 

“Alex completes an exceptionally strong lineup across the Red Havas national leadership team in what is set to be a year of significant growth,” said Gupta.

Red Havas has recently announced the appointment of Haylie Marchant to the role of executive director for the Brisbane office, driving growth in the market.

Singapore – Programmatic digital advertising company PubMatic has appointed Vijay Anand Kunduri, former managing director of video advertising platform Unruly for Asia, to assume the role of regional vice president of OTT business for APAC.

Kunduri brings more than two decades of experience working with leading broadcast, video-on-demand, and digital companies across APAC. In the last decade, he has helped to establish American and European ad tech companies in the region, including setting up video ad network Adotube in SEA, and spearheading Switzerland-based Viewster’s move into the VOD and OTT markets in the region. 

As part of his new role, Kunduri will be accelerating the growth of the PubMatic’s OTT and video business across the region. He will also be consulting with existing publishers, creating new relationships, and further establishing PubMatic as a preferred platform for media buyers and publishers.

The newly appointed VP noted that there has been explosive growth in the adoption of connected screens and consumption of streaming content in the region.

“Brands and OTT publishers have a tremendous opportunity to engage consumers and find new revenue with programmatic partners like PubMatic that offer the optimal combination of technology and premium advertiser and content partnerships,” said Kunduri.

Jason Barnes, PubMatic’s chief revenue officer for APAC, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Vijay to the PubMatic team. We’ve been building an innovative OTT business in the APAC region, which we plan to further accelerate under his leadership.”

PubMatic and market measurement firm Nielsen in Australia has also recently announced a new data collaboration, which now makes Nielsen’s audience data available in PubMatic’s Audience Encore™ product, allowing advertisers to buy premium omnichannel inventory layered with quality data for precision targeting and better performance.