Tag: Chief Operating Officer

Jakarta, Indonesia – Global public relations and marketing consultancy firm Edelman in Indonesia has appointed Melvin Goo as its new chief operating officer. Through the new appointment, Goo will drive the next chapter of the firm’s growth in Indonesia, and realise Edelman’s ambitions of delivering integrated marketing communications solutions for local, regional and global clients serving the market.

Goo was previously the marketing director of tech start-up Cashbac, driving both its revenue and reputation mandates. A seasoned business leader with over 16 years’ experience, he has worked across some of the most recognised PR and media agencies in Jakarta, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

He will report to Adrian Warr, CEO for Southeast Asia at Edelman.

Speaking on his new role, Goo said, “I’ve been admiring the transformation that has been underway at Edelman Indonesia from a distance. Given its pedigree and its proven track record I’m extremely confident of the value we can achieve for our client partners, especially in these uncertain times. I really look forward to leveraging the company’s unique ability to combine and leverage the best of both brand marketing and brand reputation.”

Meanwhile, Wart commented, “Melvin’s going to be a game-changer for us. His experience is multi-country, multi-category and multi-faceted, who better to steer our ever-growing business operations here in Indonesia. Having worked on both sides of the client-agency spectrum, Melvin is also the perfect person to advance our unique approach to earned-paid-owned with our client partners.” 

He added, “I’m over the moon to have him onboard and confident that under his leadership we will fortify our market position and excel as trusted advisors to all our client partners.”

Seoul, South Korea – Full-service communications agency Redhill has appointed Do Sik (DS) Kim, former senior writer at Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), to be its new chief operating officer for its Korea operation. 

In his new role, Kim will be based in Seoul and working closely with Redhill Korea’s leadership team. He will also be focusing on driving local expertise and cross-market collaboration to orchestrate broader capabilities for clients and accelerate business growth — with a sharp focus on the domestic market’s thriving start-up and tech investment ecosystem. 

Kim is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience in public affairs and corporate communications. Over the course of his career, he has developed a robust background in legal reporting and has forged strong connections with various government sectors from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, as well as with prominent prosecutors and lawmakers. He began his journalism career at the Yonhap News Agency, followed by a 26-year stint with SBS.

Commenting on his appointment, Kim said that he could not be more excited by this opportunity to join hands with this rapidly growing agency.

“I’m looking forward to assisting our local clients with creating exceptional marketing communications and creative innovations to enter new markets and expand their global footprint and global clients to enter and deepen their market presence in South Korea,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Jacob Puthenparambil, founder and CEO of Redhill, noted that they know their clients will greatly benefit from Kim’s foresight, wealth of experience, and counsel to navigate their complex business and communication challenges.

“DS brings deep subject matter expertise and an impressive track record as a trusted advisor, collaborator, and growth driver. I have full confidence that he will be a great asset to expand our domestic footprint and orchestrate new service offerings to create exceptional work for our clients, said Puthenparambil.

Mumbai, India – Chimp&z Inc, the digital creative agency from the house of Merge Infinity Global, has elevated Ashish Duggal, former vice president of growth and operations at Chimp&z Inc, to the new role of chief operating officer.

In his new role, Duggal will be accelerating Chimp&z Inc’s expansion across key business verticals by adding new revenue streams. He will administer new business acquisitions, large-scale campaigns, strategy, influencer management, and project management team, as well as overall agency operations to redefine the company’s growth metrics.

Prior to joining Chimp&z Inc, Duggal has served as the senior manager of business alliance at digital marketing services provider Logicserve Digital, and was later on elevated as the associate vice president of business alliance.

Commenting on his elevation, Duggal said, “I am truly honoured to become the COO of this whip-smart team of storytellers. With a strategic roadmap in place, an exciting time comes ahead. I look forward to contributing to the new wave of growth for Chimp&z Inc in the global market establishing it as a digital powerhouse.” 

Meanwhile, Angad Singh Manchanda and Lavinn Rajpal, Chimp&z Inc’s founders, shared that Duggal is a thinker with an acute understanding of their client’s evolving requirements, and he has a track record of harnessing creativity in all its forms to deliver rapid growth and results.

“His knowledge and erudition about the ever-changing digital market always came to fruition for the agency. We wish him the best for his new role and hope that he continues to deliver strategic solutions that will uplift Chimp&z Inc.’s success metrics,” they both added.

Earlier this month, Chimp&z Inc has won the digital mandate of the Indian skincare essentials brand, Raw Beauty. The agency will be managing Raw Beauty’s social media and increasing brand awareness for boosting conversion rates and sales.

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.

Manila, Philippines – Integrated communications company Havas Ortega in the Philippines has appointed Jay Lim as its newest chief operating officer for Havas Media Group in the country. Said appointment took effect on 1 February this year.

Through his new role, Lim will be responsible for the continued growth of the Havas Media and Arena Media brands of the Havas Media Group. He will also contribute to the introduction of new products and services in 2022 and beyond.

In addition, he will be reporting directly to Hermie De Leon, currently Havas Media Group’s chief executive officer and Havas Ortega’s managing partner.

He brings into the company two decades of experience in strategy, analytics, and client management, where his most recent previous role was being the general manager and chief media officer at Publicis Media.

During his stint at Publicis Media for the past five years, he has built a track record of leading its agency brands with transformational changes that led to business growth.

De Leon also announced that Lim’s appointment is part of the transition plan the agency has put in place to ensure business continuity as she prepares for her eventual retirement late this year.

“I look forward to working closely with Jay as we collaborate on bringing the Havas Media Group to greater heights. His brand of leadership and experience in strategy and analytics is a huge asset to us as we create meaningful media experiences for our clients and brands,” De Leon said.

Meanwhile, Jos Ortega, CEO at the Havas Ortega Group, commented, “Jay will bring a fresh perspective to the agency as we elevate our position in a rapidly changing media environment. He will definitely play a key role in helping us achieve our mission of creating a meaningful difference to brands, to businesses, and to people.”

London, United Kingdom – Global media and digital marketing communications company dentsu International has announced its new chief operating officer, Nnenna Ilomechina, effective by May 2022. She will be reporting directly to Wendy Clark, global CEO at dentsu International.

Bringing over 20 years of market-leading digital and transformation experience, Ilomechina will focus on the effective execution of the business strategy and transformation programme critical to delivering integrated clients solutions across media, CXM and creative, and the long-term success of the business.

She had moved from Accenture Strategy where she has been managing director and partner, as well as head of communications for media and high tech (CMT) strategy practice for UK & Ireland, since 2016. Her career has also seen strategic leadership roles at Alix Partners and Sapient, which is now Publicis Sapient.

Speaking about her appointment, Ilomechina shared that the company is dynamic and modern organization, and have been truly impressed by the resilience, authenticity and openness of the leaders she has met.

“Wendy has set an ambitious agenda to become the most integrated agency network. I am energized by the opportunity to work together with the exceptional talent within dentsu, across media, CXM and creative to create an environment and operational infrastructure that will enable dentsu to seamlessly offer a truly integrated client experience, making our teams successful and delivering long-term value for dentsu,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Clark shared that she is delighted to welcome Nnenna to their executive team in May, thanking former CCO Neil Gissler for his outstanding contributions to both dentsu and Merkle and wishing him the very best in his retirement.

“Nnenna’s proven capability and rich experience leading transformative outcomes across digital, technology, media, and business services make her the perfect addition to our global executive team. She’s an exceptional leader with the rare combination of business savvy, operational know-how, cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of people and their motivations. This fusion of capability is critical for dentsu as we move into the final phases of our own transformation,” she explained.

Mumbai, India – Madison Media, the independent media agency in India, has announced today the elevation of Vandana Ramkrishna, former vice president and business lead for the West and East region, to now assume the role of chief operating officer for its business unit, Madison Media Ace.

Ramkrishna is a veteran in media and communication planning. She brings with her over 22 years of experience spanning across the Indian and overseas markets.

Through the elevation, Ramkrishna will be overseeing the Kolkata operations of Madison Media, along with her Mumbai set of businesses. She will continue to lead the businesses of fabric manufacturer Raymond, adhesives firm Pidilite, and healthcare company Cipla Health, among others in Mumbai. In addition, Ramkrishna will be managing the businesses of personal care provider Joy Personal Care, commercial bank Bandhan Bank, and cement manufacturer MP Birla Cement in Kolkata, as well as further strengthen Madison’s east region operations.

“I feel honored to be working for a company like Madison that believes in my capability to take on this role. I look forward to strengthening our client relationships by driving their business outcomes to create new milestones within Madison and the industry,” said Ramkrishna, regarding her promotion.

Meanwhile, Vikram Sakhuja, Madison Media & OOH’s partner and group CEO, commented that he is delighted to announce the promotion of Ramkrishna to COO Madison Media Ace in which she takes additional charge of the Kolkata office in addition to her Mumbai accounts. 

“Vandana brings rare passion, aggression, and integrated thinking into delivering great client value. This also recognizes her evolution from strong client leadership to business leadership,” said Sakhuja.

Just recently, Madison Media has announced the promotion of Abhik Banerjee as the new chief operating officer for Madison Media Plus, and will also lead the Delhi office.

Mumbai, India – The independent media agency in India, Madison Media, has just announced the promotion of its former vice president, Abhik Banerjee, to now assume the role of chief operating officer for its business unit, Madison Media Plus, and to lead the Delhi office.

Banerjee’s career spans over 17 years of experience. He joined Madison Media in 2012 and over the last 9 years, Banerjee has played a key role in the Mumbai office and has led accounts such as Asian Paints, Abbott, and Leibherr, among others.

Prior to joining Madison Media, Banerjee has also worked as the assistant vice president of media at HSBC, the associate director at Mindshare, and the marketing operations executive at Vodafone India.

“I am excited and look forward to adding value to the organization with my new role and additional responsibilities. I am thrilled to take on the challenges and opportunities it will bring,” commented Banerjee on his appointment.

Meanwhile, Vikram Sakhuja, Madison Media & OOH’s partner and group CEO, said that Banerjee personifies the Madison spirit of undying client orientation, innovation, passion, and executional brilliance. 

“It is very satisfying when we can promote our internal talent to handle new challenges. I have full confidence in Abhik taking our Delhi office to new heights,” said Sakhuja.

In April this year, Madison Media has also promoted Vishal Chinchankar, former chief digital officer, as its new chief executive officer for its digital agency Madison Digital and Madison Media Ultra.

Singapore – Silverpush, an adtech known for its AI-powered contextual video technology, has announced a change in their corporate structure, promoting current chief revenue officer Kartik Mehta to the new chief operating officer role, where he has been given the responsibility to spearhead all strategic operational planning and execution at Silverpush with immediate effect. 

In his previous role as CRO, he played a pivotal role in expanding Silverpush’s presence in APAC. This helped establish Silverpush as the preferred marketing technology provider for brands like Unilever, Coca Cola, Mondelez, Toyota, among others in the region. 

Commenting on his latest role, Mehta said, “Silverpush has been constantly pushing the boundaries of contextual advertising with its technologically advanced capabilities. This has helped us create a profitable entity that not only offers better solutions for clients but also augments brand safety and consumer privacy at the same time. The momentum that we’ve created will only push us forward in the right direction and create a larger footprint in existing & newer markets.”

Mehta’s promotion marks the beginning of a strategic shift for the company towards a planned growth phase in the coming years. Having created a niche for itself since 2012, Silverpush now aims to penetrate further into the contextual video advertising and moment marketing space by adding to their repertoire of AI-backed technology suite that gives brands an advantage over the conventional digital marketing techniques.

“Over the years Kartik has made it his mission to propel Silverpush to new heights and it was only natural that he took the mantle of COO to continue the good work. With our successful expansion in the APAC region, Silverpush showcased its prowess in terms of technological capabilities and contextual intelligence. With Kartik giving direction to our operations, Silverpush will eagerly explore investment and acquisition opportunities in the ad tech space and consolidate our presence beyond the markets we currently serve,” said Hitesh Chawla, founder and CEO at Silverpush.

The company has a global footprint with offices across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, USA, Dubai, Egypt, Tanzania, Nigeria and South Africa.

Singapore – GroupM’s outcome-driven media company Xaxis has recently appointed Silvia Sparry as the company’s newest chief operating officer, following the company’s celebration of 10 years in operation.

Prior to her new position, she has served as Xaxis’ vice president of global operations and platforms.

In her new role, Sparry will help translate how differentiating capabilities such as Xaxis’ proprietary AI platform Copilot or GroupM Choreograph can be consistently leveraged by clients to deliver better outcomes from their digital media investments.

In addition, Sparry will lead Xaxis’ global operations and will focus on accelerating Xaxis’ journey to become an artificial intelligence (AI) and data science first company. Responsible for technology platforms, partnerships, operations and process excellence, Sparry will work to maximise synergies across Xaxis’ 47 markets, as well as across the wider group, including GroupM and WPP.

“I’m excited to take on my new responsibilities at Xaxis at such a momentous time of change. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Nicolas and the talented Xaxis teams around the world to further transform the business into an AI and data first company, that equips its people with the capabilities and know-how to deliver the very best outcomes for our clients over the next decade and long into the future,” she said, regarding her appointment.

She will report to Nicolas Bidon, global CEO at Xaxis, who commented that Sparry has a proven track record of driving transformative initiatives, adding that they could not think of anyone better to help the company continue their 10-year journey of innovation and growth.

“As programmatic advertising continues to conquer new channels like audio, TV or out of home, marketers are looking for globally scaled specialists that can help them accelerate their own digital transformation and growth. To help our clients seize the opportunities presented by this ever changing and complex ecosystem, it is more important than ever for Xaxis to have a strong global operational leader who can drive operational excellence and innovation across the globe,” Bidon stated.

Xaxis’s presence in Asia has been evident, with the recent appointment of Aravind Menon as managing director of Xaxis in Malaysia, as well as working with Singapore-based proptech Really for programmatic advertising.