Tag: Leadership

Australia – M+C Saatchi Group has announced the appointment of Dani Bassil as CEO of M+C Saatchi Group AUNZ, effective August 2025. This newly created role is responsible for the Australia & New Zealand businesses in advertising, consulting, and Passions & PR entities, including Sport & Entertainment.

Dani brings a wealth of experience across a wide variety of marketing, advertising and digital capabilities.

Most recently she was CEO of Clemenger BBDO Australia. Previous roles include CEO of Digitas UK at Publicis, Managing Partner at JWT UK at WPP, and leadership roles in operations, and account management at Grey, W+K, VCCP and Mother. She started her career at Ogilvy Sydney.

Speaking on her appointment, Dani said, “I’ve admired the M+C Saatchi brand for as long as I can remember. To be able to bring all of my experience in brand, consulting, media and digital together to lead this group of incredible businesses is so exciting for me.”

She added, “How we drive value and growth for clients through strategic thinking and cut through with powerful creative and brand ideas is what I get out of bed for, and there’s no better agency brand than M+C Saatchi to partner with clients to achieve this. I can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, Zaid Al-Qassab, global CEO at M&C Saatchi Group, commented, “I’m excited to welcome Dani to the helm of our Australia and New Zealand businesses. Her broad leadership experience and client centric approach will power the agency forward, and her vast digital expertise is what’s most needed in the next phase of our journey to give brands Cultural Power. I’m excited to see what magic she can make.”

As part of this move, Justin Graham will step down from his role as CEO of M+C Saatchi Group APAC later this year. As part of a broader realignment, the Asia business will transition to being led from the Singapore HQ. Justin will remain in his Sydney-based role until then to help guide the handover and support Bassil as she steps into the CEO AUNZ role.

Joining the agency from Droga5 in 2013, Graham’s 12 years at M+C Saatchi have included 6 years as group CSO Australia, before being promoted to the role of CEO ANZ in 2020. Following an impressive period of growth and creative recognition for the business, Graham was promoted to the global advertising lead role in 2022, before assuming his most recent role as APAC regional CEO.

“It has been a privilege to lead the exceptional M+C Saatchi teams locally and around the network over my time; as a self-professed life learner, it’s been a ride. 

‘I’m grateful to Zaid and all the brilliant people I have been fortunate to partner with over the years; my immediate focus is to set up Australia and the key markets in the region for ongoing success,” Justin said.

Speaking on Justin stepping down from the agency, Zaid Al-Qassab said, “Justin has played a critical role at M+C Saatchi, first as a chief strategist, then successful CEO, and most recently leading our APAC region. When I joined the business in May last year, I spent my very first day in our Sydney office to see first-hand the work of the most awarded region in our network. Justin has been a brilliant partner, and whilst I will miss working with him, I am grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.”

He added, “At M+C Saatchi Group, we are committed to our leaders and long-term succession planning. As such, over the last few months, Justin and I have been working closely to identify the best leadership succession for key markets in the APAC region, and in particular our Australian and New Zealand businesses.”

Graham will continue in his director roles for both the Advertising Council (ACA) and social impact organisation, Unltd.

USA – David Droga will step down as chief executive officer of Accenture Song at the end of the fiscal year, transitioning to a broader strategic role as vice chair of Accenture, the company announced.

The move marks a significant chapter in the career of one of the most influential creative leaders of the 21st century. Known for redefining the intersection of creativity and business, Droga will now focus on shaping Accenture’s global direction beyond day-to-day operations.

Droga took the helm of what was then Accenture Interactive in 2021, leading its transformation into Accenture Song—consolidating over 40 acquisitions into a unified brand and implementing a connected operating model that integrated creativity, technology, design, AI, strategy, and data. Under his leadership, Song grew from $12.5 billion to $19 billion in annual revenue and became the world’s largest tech-powered creative company.

“David Droga has long been a singular force and a once-in-a-generation creative leader and business builder, and he has lived our core value of stewardship and has developed the next generation of leaders who will build an even better Song,” said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture.

“He brings humanity, imagination, clarity, and confidence to everything he touches and helps redefine how businesses grow and connect. His brilliance is matched only by his generosity, integrity, and belief in others. As Accenture’s vice chair, his legacy and impact will continue for our people, our work, and our purpose,” she added.

During Droga’s tenure, Accenture Song’s work earned widespread recognition, including multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix, I-COM Data Creativity Awards, Red Dot Design Awards, Webbys, and its first Emmy.

Droga’s influence on the industry predates Accenture. As founder of the acclaimed agency Droga5, he helped shape modern advertising with campaigns for The New York Times, the British Army, Meta, UNICEF, JPMorgan Chase, and many others. Following Accenture’s acquisition of Droga5 in 2019, the agency became a foundational part of Accenture Song’s creative engine.

Reflecting on his transition, Droga said, “It has been a privilege to be part of so many missions and cultures around the world. With such extraordinary leadership in place, it felt like the right time. I could not be more confident that Ndidi, Sean, and Nick will continue building on Song’s legacy of innovation, creativity, and performance. I am also deeply grateful for Julie Sweet’s trust, our partnership, and what will be an enduring friendship.”

He continued, “I honestly could not be more grateful for my career and the opportunities I’ve had. The people who believed in me, the talent I’ve worked alongside, the clients we’ve served, the trust, the ambition, the camaraderie – it’s all part of me. After 30-plus years of leaping, I am ready to catch my breath. And being vice chair will allow me to do that but also to contribute in new ways. I am also excited to spend more time suffixing: thinking, daydreaming, advising, investing, giving, mentoring, exploring, learning, playing, appreciating, family-ing, sleeping-in-ing.”

As part of the major leadership transition, Ndidi Oteh will become the new Accenture Song CEO, effective September 1, 2025.

Oteh, currently the Accenture Song Americas lead, joined the company in 2011 and has worked closely with several Fortune 500 companies, overseeing digital transformation initiatives and consumer growth strategies. As part of the leadership transition, she will also join Accenture’s Global Management Committee (GMC).

Nick Law will also join the GMC as he takes on the role of Song’s creative strategist and experience lead. Law has long been regarded as a prominent figure in global design and creative leadership.

China – McCann Worldgroup has appointed Arthur Tsang as chief creative officer for Greater China, bolstering its creative leadership as part of its growth strategy in the region.

Tsang brings with him extensive experience and a distinctive cross-disciplinary background that spans advertising, music, and finance. His appointment aligns with McCann Worldgroup’s broader efforts to strengthen its leadership team and deepen its creative capabilities across the region.

Known for his culturally resonant campaigns, Tsang has been behind some of China’s most recognisable advertising work, including the Extra “Flavours of Life” series, Snickers’ “Fists of Hunger” featuring Mr Bean, and Mercedes-Benz’s debut brand campaign in China, “Follow Your Heart, Keep Driving”.

An Oxford graduate in physics and philosophy, Tsang began his career in investment banking and professional music—experiences that have helped shape a creative approach balancing analytical thinking with artistic sensitivity. This perspective has informed his work in developing emotionally resonant and strategically grounded brand storytelling.

Tsang’s advertising journey began at Ogilvy & Mather, where he worked on campaigns for clients such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. He later held leadership positions at Saatchi & Saatchi and BBDO, where he was CCO of Beijing and global lead for the Mars business—a role he held for 15 years. At BBH Greater China, he partnered with brands including Google and Samsung and co-created Meet the Daydreamers, a reality series with Tencent Video.

Most recently, he returned to BBDO to oversee creative leadership for both the Greater China region and the global Mars portfolio, while also producing award-winning campaigns for Budweiser and Harbin Beer.

“I’m thrilled to be finding a new home at McCann Worldgroup. I have always admired McCann’s “Truth Well Told” philosophy, and in times like these, nothing could be more important or relevant. I look forward to carving out a new chapter of that truth with Carter and the team,” Tsang commented.

In his new role, Tsang will operate out of Shanghai and report directly to Carter Chow, CEO of McCann Worldgroup Greater China.

Chow said, “We are excited to welcome Arthur to the McCann Worldgroup family. In today’s competitive, fast-moving landscape, brands need creative ideas that don’t just spark short-term attention; they need ideas that build lasting brand value. Arthur’s ability to connect cultural insight with commercial strategy will be a huge asset as we continue to help our clients craft enduring brand platforms.”

Tsang’s appointment is part of McCann Worldgroup’s continued efforts to strengthen its leadership team in China, following a series of senior hires over the past year. It reflects the network’s broader focus on enhancing its creative capabilities in the market, particularly around culturally relevant ideas that support long-term brand growth and business impact across Greater China.

Valerie Madon, chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, also shared, “Arthur brings the kind of energy and joy that our industry needs right now, reminding us that creativity should be as fun as it is powerful. I’ve always admired how he combines that spirit with strategic thinking, maturity, and an ability to elevate those around him. He’s not only a brilliant creative mind but also a natural mentor and leader. I’m confident he will inspire our teams and nurture the next generation of talent across Greater China.”

China – Zenith China, part of Publicis Groupe, has announced the promotion of three senior leaders to accelerate its business strategy amid a highly competitive market. Emily Xue has been appointed head of Zenith Guangzhou Office, Cindy Wang takes on the dual role of head of Zenith Beijing Office and client business partner, and Riki Li has been named chief strategy officer.

The newly appointed leaders will oversee Zenith China’s integrated marketing strategy hub, with a focus on strengthening media capabilities and improving operational efficiency.

Xue, now leading the Guangzhou office, will prioritise talent development and support a continuous learning culture while driving integrated marketing programmes and cross-regional collaboration. She has played a key role in strengthening client delivery through improved operational efficiency and new business wins, earning recognition for her leadership and team performance.

Wang will lead the growth of Zenith’s Beijing office, with a mandate to enhance talent capabilities and integrate AI-driven approaches into media services. Known for her client-focused leadership, she has consistently promoted innovation in media planning through forward-thinking strategies. Her implementation of the “0-10-100” business approach has helped her team achieve sustained success.

Li, in her new role as chief strategy officer, will guide the company’s strategic planning efforts, focusing on identifying brand-building opportunities and responding to shifts in the media landscape, particularly around AI. She will also lead cross-functional collaboration to support the development of future-ready media frameworks. Her approach combines data-driven insights with integrated brand strategies, and she has been recognised through industry accolades.

These appointments align with Zenith China’s broader efforts to advance its AI capabilities and strengthen internal operations. The company continues to invest in developing talent from within, aiming to build a leadership team equipped to navigate future challenges and support sustained business growth.

Commenting on these appointments, Mickey Zhang, president of Publicis Media China, said, “Moving forward, Publicis Media China will remain steadfast in prioritising client needs, leveraging innovative marketing solutions and high-performing team collaboration to empower brands to seize opportunities in the AI and digital transformation era.”

“The promotions of Riki, Cindy and Emily not only recognise their individual capabilities but also mark a critical step in Zenith China’s ongoing enhancement of client-centric solutions. These three leaders will lead Zenith China in achieving its vision of being a leader in strategic marketing excellence, delivering sustainable business value for clients,” Zhang added. 

These three senior leaders will continue to report to Christina Lu, CEO of Zenith China.

Lu shared. “At Zenith China, our unwavering commitment is to help clients maintain industry leadership by continuously investing in teams and capabilities. Through their exceptional leadership and pioneering spirit, these three leaders have set new benchmarks in business success, team empowerment, and strategic innovations. Their promotions reflect Zenith China’s ongoing investment in developing its talent and leadership to enhance its partnership with clients and to contribute to the growth of the industry.” 

“We look forward to celebrating their success in pioneering new frontiers and elevating mutual value for both our organisation and clients,” she added. 

Indonesia – GroupM Indonesia has appointed seasoned marketing leader Sri Widowati as its new chief executive officer, tasking her with spearheading growth and strengthening client-focused innovation.

Widowati joins GroupM Indonesia from Danone, where she spent four years as vice president of marketing. Her career spans leadership roles at global companies including Unilever, Meta, and L’Oréal, giving her a broad perspective on both local and international markets.

Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative leadership style, Widowati is widely respected for her ability to build strong teams and long-term partnerships.

In her new role, she will focus on driving innovation and delivering measurable impact in Indonesia’s fast-evolving media and marketing landscape. Drawing from her experience on the client side, she brings a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and commercial strategy.

This major appointment follows recent media reports that WPP is planning to rebrand GroupM as ‘WPP Media’ and consolidate its agency brands — EssenceMediacom, Wavemaker, and Mindshare — under a unified operating model.

Hong Kong – The South China Morning Post (SCMP) announced the appointment of Betty Wong as corporate communications director, leading the brand reputation and strategic communications for this 122-year trusted news organisation with over 35 million readers across the globe.

Being a seasoned communications expert, Wong brings over 20 years of experience in corporate communications and strategic project management, working in local and global organisations across finance, technology, and biotechnology sectors. 

Wong’s prior experience includes leading communications for Google in Hong Kong, where she later focused on cybersecurity and privacy communications across the Asia-Pacific region, and managing Asia-Pacific PR strategy at CFA Institute. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a master’s degree in media management from the Hong Kong Baptist University.

Speaking on her appointment, Wong said, “Joining SCMP at this transformative time presents a remarkable opportunity. The organisation’s 122-year legacy, built upon trust and integrity, offers a robust platform for growth and innovation. SCMP’s commitment to a forward-thinking strategy and continuous innovation resonates with my professional values and goals.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Huang, chief operating officer at SCMP, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Wong to the SCMP family, contributing to our continued success and growth in the dynamic media landscape. SCMP recognises that a culture embracing experimentation and robust interdepartmental collaboration is crucial for long-term success. Wong’s appointment reflects our commitment to developing a skilled and adaptable team to drive our objectives forward in a rapidly evolving and competitive landscape.”

Wong’s appointment follows SCMP’s recent launch of ‘Morning Studio Amplified’ aimed at expanding branded content reach across media platforms.

Singapore – Brand and consumer strategy consultancy Wolfzhowl has announced its expansion to Southeast Asia and Australia by bringing in Waheed Bidiwale as global CEO and Jean Paul as CEO for Southeast Asia, with Singapore as its regional hub.

With over two decades of leadership in martech, data and AI across Australia, USA, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Waheed who was last the global CSO of Verticurl, will now lead Wolfzhowl’s #Stratech vision globally.

“I’m thrilled to join Wolfzhowl at such a pivotal time. We’re here to prove that businesses don’t just grow when strategy meets technology; they transform. Stratech is more than a methodology; it’s a movement,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Jean a business leader who thrills in orchestrating people, product & profit, with over 20 years of experience across Publicis, Omnicom, Dentsu networks in APAC markets, will drive the Southeast Asia growth from Singapore.

“Southeast Asia is full of ambition and complexity, and that’s exactly where orchestration thinking thrives. I’m excited to shape Wolfzhowl’s growth here and help brands win by being behavior-led and tech-enabled,” he stated.

Speaking about this appointments, Kalyan Ram Challapalli, founder and strategy chief at Wolfzhowl, commented, “Our Australia & Southeast Asia entry is a critical chapter in Wolfzhowl’s evolution. With Waheed and Jean onboard, we are ready to scale our Stratech philosophy to a new breed of clients looking for insight & tech transformation.”

Australia – UM Australia has announced the appointment of Lisa McMillan as managing director, government, responsible for leading the agency’s work across the Australian Federal Government and ACT Government accounts. 

McMillan’s remit includes strategic leadership of UM’s Government practice, overseeing the Federal and ACT Government accounts and guiding a national team of over 80 specialists in policy-driven media communications and public sector engagement.

With more than 20 years experience, McMillan is a seasoned leader in media, marketing and communications strategy. She has served as a trusted advisor to major organisations navigating complex regulatory and public interest environments.

She is currently the chief client officer at M+C Saatchi Group’s Bohemia and previously held senior roles at Starcom and Spark Foundry, working with global and national brands including Procter & Gamble, Mondelez, Mars Wrigley, and Brown-Forman. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently driven impact through strategic communication connecting with diverse communities and stakeholder groups.

Anathea Ruys, CEO at UM Australia, said McMillan’s appointment reflects the agency’s commitment to deepening its partnership with government clients and continuing to deliver impactful, community-focused media solutions. Lisa brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, commercial nous and a deep understanding of navigating complex organisational structures.”

She added, “She’s led teams through fast-paced and high-pressure environments, and is passionate about media’s role in shaping informed, inclusive communities. We’re delighted to have someone of her calibre lead UM’s Government work.”

Meanwhile, McMillan said she is honoured to lead UM’s Government practice, partnering with the Australian and ACT Governments on communication strategies that inform, engage and serve the public.

“It’s a privilege to work with clients who shape public policy and deliver essential services to Australians every day. The media landscape changes so rapidly, and government communication needs to balance attention, responsiveness and integrity within that challenging environment,” she said.

McMillan added, “I’m excited to lead UM’s talented team as we deliver data-informed, people-centric media solutions that support national priorities and public trust. I’m looking forward to delivering meaningful outcomes for our government partners.”

Based in Sydney, McMillan commences in the role on June 30th and reports directly to Anathea Ruys. She replaces Brett Elliott, who left earlier this year.

Singapore – KC Global Media Asia, announces a strategic expansion of its leadership team to further accelerate the company’s commitment to premium content and creative excellence. These include Denise Tham being promoted to vice president and head of programming and Sari Trisulo being appointed as vice president and head of production and creative.

Denise has been promoted in recognition of her instrumental role in driving the success of the company’s diverse content slate across Asia, including her support for Jennifer Lee, director of programming and research in Taiwan and Greater China. 

With over 16 years of experience across various English general entertainment Pay TV channels, Denise will continue to lead content strategy, acquisitions, and programming for KC Global Media’s channel brands including AXN, Animax, ONE, and its first FAST channel, KCM. She also oversees the programming for the recently launched AXN Sports, a premium sports block dedicated to live events including LIV Golf and Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL).

Meanwhile, Sari brings with her extensive experience in multi-platform storytelling. She will spearhead the company’s original productions, optimise content formats, and elevate KC Global Media’s creative direction to resonate with evolving viewer preferences across the region.

Both Denise and Sari will report to George Chien, co-founder, president, and CEO of KC Global Media. These leadership developments underscore the organisation’s adaptability in a dynamic industry, culminating in a fully empowered executive team following recent promotions and appointments within the revenue and marketing divisions.

Speaking on these leadership moves, Chien said, “Content is the heartbeat of our business, and these appointments reflect our dedication to creative leadership and programming excellence. Denise has been a driving force in shaping our programming vision, curating content for all channels, and forging strong collaborations with studios in Hollywood and beyond. Her deep expertise in content execution and scheduling has fueled innovative strategies that drive viewership and optimise ratings.”

He added, “We’re also thrilled to welcome Sari, whose storytelling expertise across broadcast, digital, and branded content will enhance our ability to connect with audiences in impactful, dynamic ways. With a strengthened executive team in place, we are poised to chart our next phase of growth.” 

Singapore – In a bid to sharpen its regional focus and unlock new growth opportunities, Club Med has unveiled a major restructuring of its Asia Pacific operations, including the consolidation of business units and key leadership appointments.

As part of its major restructuring, Club Med is consolidating its three existing Asia Pacific business units into two integrated entities: East & South Asia and Pacific (ESAP) and China. Effective May 1, 2025, this move aims to streamline operations and improve responsiveness in high-priority markets.

While the company maintains its collaborative “One APAC” approach, the revised structure is intended to reflect the unique business environments of ESAP and China, allowing for more targeted strategies and regional alignment.

“This move opens a new chapter for Club Med in Asia Pacific. By tailoring our regional structure around the unique strengths of China and ESAP, we are well poised to accelerate our expansion with a strategic focus. With empowered leadership and a shared glocal vision, Club Med now has even more agility to seize opportunities in key markets and reinforce our position as the worldwide leader in premium, all-inclusive travel,” said Henri Giscard d’Estaing, president of Club Med.

To lead the new ESAP unit, Club Med has appointed Rachael Harding as chief executive officer. In this role, she will oversee both commercial and resort operations, reporting directly to Gregory Lanter, deputy CEO of Club Med.

Harding will focus on navigating the evolving market landscape, delivering strong brand and customer experiences, and driving a growth strategy across both mature and emerging markets in the region.

Commenting about her new role, Harding explained, “This business transformation empowers us to scale with greater purpose and precision across the region. With a refreshed leadership structure, a robust resort pipeline and stronger regional integration, we are advancing our ability to deliver elevated, seamless guest experiences. The 2024 results clearly demonstrate ESAP’s significant growth potential for Club Med, and we are poised to capitalise on every opportunity this new phase presents.” 

The ESAP leadership team is also being strengthened with several key appointments. Cindy Beleau has been named vice president of revenue management for APAC, where she will modernise pricing strategies with digital and AI-driven tools. Sandrine Rossi steps in as vice president of operations and product, bringing over two decades of experience in resort strategy and operations. Anastasiya Kulish will now lead as vice president of Japan Resort Operations, focusing on reinforcing Club Med’s mountain leadership in Hokkaido.

Meanwhile, Michelle Davies, currently general manager Pacific, will expand her responsibilities to include ESAP’s new markets. Olivier Monceau will now oversee the meetings & events segment in addition to his leadership roles in Singapore and Malaysia. Lastly, Jerome Ferrie and Arezki Haddad will serve as chief financial officer and chief human resources officer, respectively.

In China, Andrew Xu will remain CEO of Club Med China and take on the additional role of deputy CEO of Club Med, with responsibility for global finance.

The ESAP region has steadily recovered over the past three years, driven by returning customers, new market growth, and expanded resort capacity in areas like Hokkaido. Key developments include the renovation of Club Med Phuket, planned upgrades at Club Med Bintan, and the upcoming opening of Club Med Borneo in Malaysia.

In China, Club Med welcomed over 260,000 guests in 2024, making it the company’s second-largest market. Since entering the country in 2003, the brand has grown its presence to include five Premium All-Inclusive Resorts, four Joyview Resorts, and two Urban Oasis properties. Moving forward, Club Med will focus on maintaining its position in the premium segment and supporting both outbound and inbound tourism.