Tag: Communications Agency

When it comes to leading a strategic communications company, many might think that the ones at the helm tend to implement a convoluted formula for success, or a complex strategy to ensure effectiveness, but sometimes that isn’t usually the case, especially for Maverick Indonesia, one of Indonesia’s most prominent public relations and communications agencies.

For Ong Hock Chuan, Maverick Indonesia’s co-founder and managing partner, there is no exciting secret or formula to successfully lead an agency like Maverick. Instead, he only emphasises that leading is not an easy task, in which he stresses that one must simply lead and work with meaning and fulfilment.

“When my partner and I started Maverick in 2002, we were disillusioned from working with a multinational marketing communications group where they paid lip service to its people but worked them like they were cogs in a money-making machine. There was also a lot of emphasis on praising busyness, which never resulted in any impact to the client’s business”, said Ong when he recalled the challenges that he faced as a leader.

Realising this, Ong, alongside Maverick Indonesia, decided to make a shift towards changing how they operate, prioritising principles that allows their employees and teams to do meaningful and satisfying work.

A different perspective in finding meaning

In applying meaningfulness to everything that they do, Ong says that they always strive to explain why whatever they were doing was meaningful to them and their clients. However, this only sounds great in theory since clients can be unpredictable and it can sometimes be hard to get anything substantial from what they demand.

To get something out of these situations, Ong explained how it can still be seen as meaningful, since the work done within it will lead his team towards developing their skills to prepare for the time wherein work can be substantial.

“With this principle in mind, 80% of the work you do is unlikely to be very meaningful, but it keeps you in play and offers you a chance to hone your skills and achieve mastery in the art and science of PR for that 20% of the time when the right client comes along. And then, Bam! Great fulfilment as all that you’ve learned comes together in work that makes a real difference to the client’s business”, said Ong.

Knowing and cultivating agency values

Aside from meaningfulness, Ong also focuses on the importance of knowing their own value, and being good enough to match the standard associated with it. In this regard, Ong also says that this value also has to demand respect from clients in order for teams to achieve proper results.

“If we are good enough, we should expect the respect and treatment that comes with being a professional and a strategic advisor. We try our best but if clients are disrespectful or unethical we walk out on them. Life is too short to languish in a toxic relationship if you’re out to make a difference”, Ong remarked.

In improving their skills and value as an agency, Ong also talked about the principle of being creative in all that they do, combining clever ideas with a sound strategy to deliver quality work.

Expounding on this, Ong shared, To flesh out this principle, we spend huge resources in time and investments to give consultants the knowledge and tools to be impactfully creative. We run internal courses all the time that touch on systems vs inductive thinking, behaviour science, the Trivium of classical education and ways of coping with new technology.”

Success through attaining balance

Lastly, Ong puts the spotlight on the importance of balance, as Maverick Indonesia allows for employees to pace themselves in work, as well as to get a life outside the office as they can perform effectively as consultants if they have the networks as well as the rich and varied experiences that only a life outside can bring.

“One way we encourage this is to offer those who have worked for us for a year a Persona Development Fund, that is usually equivalent to a month’s salary, to travel somewhere they haven’t been before or to learn something that has nothing to do with work”, Ong specified.

Talking about these principles, Ong commented, “Implementing these principles has helped us build Maverick to what it is today but it wasn’t easy. There have been many times when they seemed not to yield any results, times when we felt that they have not contributed an iota to our ability to retain staff. During bad years we wonder if they unnecessarily sap our energy from more direct money-making, client-acquiring efforts.”

“But we stuck with them because we felt that they were our salvation from running a meaningless money-making machinery. And I’m glad we did because Maverick today has, through much trial and error, managed to train and grow a new generation of leaders ready to take over the helm and take it to what we hope is the next level”, he concluded.

Singapore – The Singaporean arm of multinational advertising and public relations company Publicis Groupe has recently announced the acquisition of Singaporean integrated communications agency AKA Asia.

The acquisition marks a significant step in expanding and diversifying Publicis Groupe’s capabilities in the Southeast Asian market, with AKA Asia bolstering the group’s strategic communications, PR and influence offering in the region.

Speaking on the acquisition, Amrita Randhawa, chief executive officer for Publicis Groupe Singapore and Southeast Asia, said, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of AKA Asia, which has a stellar reputation in Singapore and will complement our existing agency capabilities to deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.”

“The AKA founders, Kate O’Shea and Amy Wright, have built an incredible operation with a solid track record for conceptualising and delivering fearless creative communications campaigns to a broad range of consumer and corporate clients. We are excited to welcome them and the team into our family,” she added.

Meanwhile, Leya Teo, CEO of AKA Asia, also commented, “This is an exciting time for our agency, our growing team and our clients. Together we have worked tirelessly to build an agency dedicated to putting its people first, empowering them to deliver innovative work that’s fearlessly creative and anchored in an earned-first approach. We look forward to leveraging Publicis’s Power of One philosophy and its diverse ecosystem for clients across Asia, and the opportunities this provides our talented team.”

AKA Asia will also be joining Publicis Groupe’s regional Influence practice, led by Margaret Key, alongside full-service PR consultancy MSL Asia Pacific.

“We are both excited and proud to partner with AKA Asia. Kate and Amy have built an enviable workplace culture, evidenced by talent they have nurtured from within over the last 15 years. This union will enable us to offer more value to our clients in Singapore and across our global network”, mentioned Margaret Key, chief executive officer at MSL Asia Pacific.

Singapore – Communications advisory firm Brewer has announced its strategic partnership with communications agency Cyan to strengthen its regional reach and specialised offering with market expansion in China. 

Brewer’s expansion into the Chinese market marks a significant milestone in its growth across the Asia-Pacific for the last two years.

The partnership with Cyan is expected to enhance Brewer’s regional capabilities as it empowers brands to seamlessly navigate the complex Southeast Asian and Chinese markets. 

The expansion also marks the launch of the SEA-China advisory, which aims to bridge communication strategies between key APAC regions. It exemplifies the deepening economic connections between China and Southeast Asia, as well as the increasing demand for cross-market communications advisory services between these critical APAC regions.

Brewer’s partnership with Cyan reaffirms its focus on strengthening its regional footprint, complemented by the recent appointment of Natashia Jaya as a partner based in Indonesia.

And now, with its foray into the Chinese market, Brewer has also appointed Daniel Li as its new country lead. 

Li is a seasoned communications leader and newly appointed partner at Cyan. He will lead the communication firm’s operations, drive business growth, and cross-market opportunities in China.

The partnership comes as Brewer remains committed to helping clients navigate the multifaceted business landscape in APAC through strategic communications, an expanded regional network, deeper market insights, and culturally-astute strategies.

Serina Tan, founder and managing partner at Brewer, said, “Our regional expansion reflects our commitment to top-tier counsel, deeply rooted in local insights across APAC. With the introduction of our SEA-China Advisory practice, we combine our expertise with Cyan, offering bespoke, results-driven solutions for clients engaging in cross-border transactions between China and Southeast Asia. Daniel’s remarkable expertise will be instrumental in driving our cross-market advisory services.”

Meanwhile, Ada Chen, CEO of Cyan, also added, “Our partnership with Brewer is driven by shared values of innovation and client centricity. Together, we are committed to propelling Chinese brands onto the global stage, supporting their cross-border expansion. Brewer’s deep expertise in APAC communications advisory empowers us to be the catalyst for brands seeking international growth.”

Speaking on his appointment, Daniel Li said, “I am honoured to embark on this exhilarating journey with Brewer and Cyan. Brewer’s forward-thinking approach to strategic communications is reshaping the way businesses communicate in the dynamic APAC region. Our collaboration promises to not only drive growth but also redefine industry standards.” 

Singapore – Global communications agency Redhill has announced the appointment of Windy Anindya Putri as its country head of Indonesia. 

As country head, Putri will be working closely with Redhill’s management team and local stakeholders to oversee operational functions and develop new business in Indonesia, strengthening the agency’s presence and expanding its local network.

Putri enters her new role at Redhill with more than ten years of expertise in public relations, advertising, startups, and recruitment in Southeast Asia. Her most recent positions, as Marketing Director of Orbit Future Academy and Director of Orbit Jobs, both with PT Orbit Ventura Indonesia, allowed her to lead product launches in Indonesia while serving as the Head of Marketing at Carro, Southeast Asia’s first automotive unicorn. Earlier in her career, she also held the positions of Head of Marketing at Carro and Director of Orbit Jobs.

Speaking on her own appointment, Putri said that Indonesia is full of amazing opportunities for brands and businesses, which is good for an agency like Redhill.

“Redhill has long been recognised as a trailblazer in the industry, and I’m honoured to join this exceptional team. My goal is to work together to align our visions and take Redhill Indonesia to new heights, revolutionising the industry and exceeding client expectations through strategic innovation, agility and an unwavering commitment to the success of both Redhill and our clients”, she added.

Meanwhile, Manisha Seewal, president of Redhill said “Based on first-hand experience, I’m confident that Windy will be a valuable addition to Redhill. She has a wealth of experience as a communications professional, especially in agile organisations with high growth, and her familiarity with the Indonesian market is unmatched. Indonesia has always been an important market for Redhill and Windy is the perfect person to take our presence here to the next level.”

Mumbai, India – Communication strategy consultancy Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting has launched a specialised talent engagement practice, which aims to hone client capabilities to effectively communicate, build and retain trust among existing and potential talent.

Through the practice, Pitchfork Partners will offer consulting services to develop talent engagement, both internally and externally, create recruitment and retention campaigns, internal communique, as well as tactical actions meant to support the company’s overall talent objectives. 

Moreover, the consultancy likewise aims to simplify and streamline client requirements and deploy targeted strategies to meet client objectives in widening their aspirant pool and appealing to the best candidates. Its team of experts in communication strategy, public relations, social media, digital, and internal communication will also help firms embark on a 360-degree talent approach.

“Finding and retaining the right talent is not always easy and remains a primary concern for many organisations. While traditional motivations such as pay scales and benefits are important, the current workforce seeks inclusive and impactful experiences at the workplace too,” said Pannkajj D Desai, chief operating officer at Pitchfork Partners.

He added, “A winning strategy to make one’s firm attractive to potential and current employees is what will determine whether the employer will be successful or not.”

Last year, Pitchfork Partners has also been appointed by digital music firm Believe as its communication counsel to manage its brand strategies in India.

Melbourne, Australia – Red Havas has announced the launch of ‘Red Havas Impact’, the agency’s ESG communications offering, in Australia. This follows its launch in the USA, Europe, Middle East, and Africa in September this year.

Said offering brings together Red’s deep environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) expertise and capabilities from across the world. The practice is the result of increasing demand for global approaches to purpose-driven strategic communications. 

Red Havas has cultivated a deep understanding of purpose and ESG-driven communications with extensive global credentials and award-winning experience in purpose-driven work. Alongside global capabilities, Red Havas Impact draws on additional strengths from the broader Havas Village, particularly research and planning through Havas Labs, to offer insight-led strategic solutions.

Global CEO James Wright welcomed the launch of the new practice in the Australian market, which will be led by managing partner Matt Thomas from the agency’s Melbourne office and service clients across Australia and New Zealand.

“Red Havas Impact brings together the depth of experience within the global Red Havas micro-network combined with the powerful insights capabilities of our strategy and research teams to support clients to tackle the big issues of our day,” Wright said.

He added, “As a practice area, it draws together our expertise across sustainability, health, technology, employee communications and corporate communications, market research, strategy and brand to create work that helps our clients to meaningfully connect and make a positive difference to their stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Thomas commented, “Across the globe we are seeing big shifts in the expectations from consumers, governments and communities that brands should do better and be better. Reputation, brand equity and social license to operate are now inextricably linked. Through Red Havas Impact we leverage skills and experience from across Havas Australia’s service offerings, informed by global best practice, to help our clients to navigate this often complex space.”

Sydney, Australia – Global creative transformation company WPP has launched a new training program in Australia called ‘Breakthrough Cadetship’ to provide emerging talents with a passion for creativity the opportunity to kickstart their career within WPP in Australia.

The ‘Breakthrough Cadetship’ is part of WPP’s talent transformation agenda enabling WPP to source Australia’s future-ready talents.

The inaugural program, run out of Sydney, sees eight candidates experiencing four three-month rotations across WPP’s award-winning creative and production agencies Hogarth, VMLY&R, whiteGREY and Wunderman Thompson. 

The program offers the Breakthrough Cadets the opportunity to develop skills in client servicing, branding, strategy, customer experience, and production, with the opportunity for full-time permanent employment at the end of the program for successful candidates. The candidates commenced their cadetship in September, with an initial one-week orientation.

In addition, the training program was designed for people with a passion for creativity and a curiosity to learn – formal tertiary qualifications and prior industry experience were not required as part of the selection process. Candidates were selected after three rounds, with the final round consisting of an in-person immersion day at WPP’s Sydney Campus. 

The successful candidates bring with them a diversity of experience and skills, including electronics and engineering, zoology, digital health, start-up commerce, innovation, and film production.

Morag Eyles, chief people officer for ANZ at WPP, said, “WPP’s purpose is to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities, therefore we need exceptional people to join us on this mission. With the Breakthrough Cadetship, we are developing a new pipeline of talent as part of our ambition to diversify how we work and the work we deliver. We are ecstatic to welcome the 2022 Breakthrough Cadets to WPP and look forward to growing together with them on their journey.”

Meanwhile, Rose Herceg, president for ANZ at WPP, commented, “At WPP, you can build a career for life; it is something we are proud to support through learning and development, mobility and open doors across our network of companies. We created this Cadetship to attract and develop the next generation of leadership within our industry, ensuring we maintain the skillsets needed as our clients’ creative transformation partner. I am delighted to welcome the first cohort of Breakthrough cadets and wish them well on their career pathway within WPP.”

Sydney, Australia – Integrated communications network Havas Group has recently announced its acquisition of Bastion Brands, one of Australia’s leading independent communications agencies focusing on the health vertical. The buy-out is said to be in line with the group’s continuation of its plans for the APAC expansion.

Newly acquired Bastion Brands is no stranger to Havas. The group’s health-focused division, Havas Health & You (HH&Y), has, in fact, been working with the latter since 2019. 

Bastion Brands will now be integrated into HH&Y and will work closely with partners across the network to integrate its business into projects across the region.

Simon Davies, Bastion Brands’ founder & CEO said, “We are delighted to be joining the Havas family. The strength and momentum within Havas Health & You will help us accelerate our strong growth in Australia. Now with access to and support from the Havas network, we will be able to offer deeper and broader services to clients, globally developed insights and specialised health products, and even more exciting learning and growth opportunities for our staff.”

Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO of Havas Group also commented, “Bastion Brands is recognized for delivering significant and meaningful results for its strong client base of leading pharmaceutical companies across the world. Adding its capabilities to our global Havas Health & You network will provide specialised health communications for both that region and our clients globally. Bastion Brands also complements fast growth within our health PR business Red Havas in Australia, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome the Bastion Brands team to our Group.”

“Continuing our work with Bastion Brands is a perfect fit for our expansion in Australia and Asia Pacific – a region where our clients have many strategic opportunities. We have partnered with Simon Davies and his team on meaningful, high-profile client assignments for several years, and have built a strong and effective relationship to deliver outstanding outcomes. This more formal relationship is a natural progression and I know it will be a successful one – for our clients, for Bastion Brands and for Havas Health & You,” added Charles Houdoux, CEO of APAC & LATAM at Havas Health & You. 

According to Havas, HH&Y has grown at a rate of more than 20% per year in Asia, and the acquisition of Bastion Brands is aimed at strengthening its position in APAC. 

In addition, as a response to rapid regional growth spurred by increased awareness of health and wellness, the network has made significant investments in its Villages and senior leadership to foster growth across the region. This includes the establishment of a regional hub for Southeast Asia and the strengthening of new talent in Japan and China.

Bastion Brands follows companies like Front Networks in China and Frontier Australia, both have been acquired by Havas Group this year together with many business wins by their specialist entertainment communications agency, Organic Pacific, and partnership with Invictus Blue in Malaysia.

Australia – Corporate communications and business consultancy Bastion Reputation has appointed Elliott Giakalis as its principal consultant for media and public affairs.

Giakalis is an experienced communications and corporate affairs professional with a background in financial law. He was previously with the Australia Post, where he managed the national media team throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provided strategic counsel to senior executives nationally, and was the speechwriter for successive CEOs.

He also brings valuable experience in state government, where he was previously a senior media adviser to the Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas. In this role, he oversaw and executed the media strategy on four Victorian State Budgets and several significant government financial transactions, including the lease of the Port of Melbourne.

He started his career as a lawyer at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), with a focus on financial services regulation and compliance and the obligations of market participants, before moving into corporate affairs.

Bastion Reputation Managing Director, Clare Gleghorn, said she was pleased to welcome Elliot to the firm’s growing team. 

“Elliot is a wonderful addition to our team and, as a Principal Consultant, will bring his breadth of skills and deep expertise to continue to support our expanding client base nationally. Elliot further strengthens Bastion Reputation’s ability to help clients, as their trusted advisors, navigate the often-complex intersection between business, government, and the community. The entire team looks forward to working with Elliot as we continue to meet our clients’ needs whilst building the Bastion Reputation business,” she stated.