Tag: leadership role

Australia – Enero Group, a global marketing and technology agency network, has named Ian Ball as its first chief operating officer (COO), effective February 17.

In this newly established role, Ball will report to Enero Chair Ian Rowden and succeed outgoing CEO Brent Scrimshaw. He will be responsible for the company’s operational and financial leadership and will also lead the strategic review of OBMedia.

Enero Group’s operating company CEOs—Heather Kernahan, Steve McArdle, Wai Kwok, and Raja Gupta—along with the Group’s functional heads, will now report to Ball.

Ball has more than 40 years of experience in consulting, technology, professional services, and private equity. He previously served as EY Oceania’s deputy CEO and head of markets, overseeing a $1.4b business with responsibilities spanning revenue generation, client management, business development, marketing, communications, and strategic acquisitions. He has also held leadership roles in major professional services firms and worked across key markets, including Asia, the UK, Europe, Australia, and the U.S.

Before joining Enero Group, Ball served as TEG’s COO and head of strategy and M&A. He previously held roles as an operating partner at Silver Lake and as CEO and managing director of Cardno, an ASX-listed global professional services firm.

Speaking on his appointment, Ball shared, “I am excited to be joining Australia’s only listed marketing and communications business to lead the business through its next phase of growth. In particular, the quality of the individual business units, their talented staff, global reach and exposure to growth markets provide a very strong platform for value creation. I am looking forward to working with the board, the leadership team, and meeting our people to unlock this potential.”

Ball’s appointment comes shortly after Enero introduced its refreshed brand positioning, ‘Free Thinkers United.’ The new positioning underscores the Group’s focus on independent thinking and its approach to blending strategic precision with creativity to address key challenges for high-growth clients worldwide.

Enero Group chair Rowden commented, “Ian is a highly accomplished executive with a proven track record of success in leading and growing substantial businesses. His deep understanding of the marketing and technology landscape, coupled with his experience in driving operational excellence, makes him ideally suited to lead Enero’s next phase of growth and innovation.

“I am particularly glad we have attracted someone with the qualifications and background to coordinate and fast-track our efforts to harness AI on behalf of our agencies and clients,” added Rowden.

Philippines – Ford Motor Company has announced the appointment of Pedro Simões as the new managing director of Ford Group Philippines, effective December 1, 2024.

Simões, currently the marketing and commercial vehicle director for Ford Middle East, will succeed Michael “Mike” Breen, who is set to return to the United States after his tenure in the Philippines.

In his new role, Simões will be responsible for driving Ford’s continued growth in the Philippines, strengthening the brand’s momentum, enhancing the ownership and aftersales experience, and fostering strong relationships with dealer partners to better serve Ford customers.

Ford Philippines expects Simões to build on the brand’s success and further strengthen its position in the competitive automotive market under his leadership.

Simões brings extensive industry experience from key leadership roles in marketing, brand, product, and sales across various automotive brands. Since joining Ford Middle East in 2016, he has led business growth and, as marketing and commercial vehicle director, established new departments and processes in 2021. Prior to that, he served as retail marketing and revenue management director for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific markets, where he achieved a 40% volume increase in his first year.

Upon assuming the role, Simões will relocate to Manila and report directly to Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin, president of Ford ASEAN and Asia-Pacific distributor markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Wisadkosin said, “With a proven track record of success in driving brand growth, market expansion, and a collaborative leadership style, I am confident that Pedro will lead the team and work closely with our dealer partners to strengthen our presence in the Philippines.”

“Mike’s personal commitment and engaging leadership have significantly strengthened dealer relations and driven outstanding business results. We wish him all the best in his new role in the US,” she added.

Singapore – AI-powered omnichannel conversation suite provider SleekFlow has announced the appointment of Gao Lei as chief technology officer, effective immediately.

With over 20 years of tech leadership at Silicon Valley and tech entrepreneurial experience in AI and Big Data, Lei brings a wealth of expertise in building and scaling engineering teams, developing and operating highly scalable and available infrastructure, and creating innovative products that drive business growth.

Prior to joining SleekFlow, Gao Lei served as the CTO at LinkedIn China, where he was responsible for building and scaling the engineering team to support the company’s rapid growth.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing several award-winning products that have transformed how businesses engage with their customers.

Gao also holds a PhD in Data Replication/Distributed Systems from The University of Texas at Austin and has been recognized as a thought leader in the technology industry, having been featured in numerous industry publications and conferences.

Speaking on his appointment, Lei said, “I am excited to join the SleekFlow team and contribute to the company’s continued success. SleekFlow has a strong reputation for delivering innovative customer engagement solutions. I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance the platform further and drive even greater value for our platform users.”

Meanwhile, Henson Tsai, founder and CEO of SleekFlow, commented, “We are looking forward to welcoming Gao Lei to the SleekFlow team. His record of successes in delivering transformative technology solutions makes him the ideal candidate to lead our future plans. We are confident that his leadership and vision will further strengthen SleekFlow’s position as a leading player in the customer engagement space.”

Hong Kong – International health and beauty retailer AS Watson Group has announced the promotion of Malina Ngai to group chief executive officer, helping the business in its growth journey globally. 

Ngai currently serves as the group chief operating officer for AS Watson and the chief executive officer for AS Watson Asia and Europe. 

As the new group CEO, Ngai will be responsible for setting goals, guiding the team in creating plans to prioritise customers, and ensuring the ongoing expansion of AS Watson’s global portfolio.

She brings with her an expansive track record, having joined AS Watson’s parent company, CK Hutchison, formerly known as Hutchison Whampoa, in 2000. Ngai was first stationed at Hutchison Port Holdings and soon moved to the Hutchison Whampoa Corporate Affairs Department. 

After a year at the parent company, Ngai transferred to AS Watson in 2001, where she took on various leadership roles. She became the group COO in 2013 and CEO of AS Watson Asia and Europe in 2019. 

Prior to joining CK Hutchison, Ngai also worked for a sports marketing consultancy and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s statutory body for sports development. She holds a doctoral degree and a master’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in finance, and a bachelor’s degree in sports administration. 

It is also worth noting that she used to be a competitive athlete and even won a bronze medal for Hong Kong at the 1994 Asian Games. 

Ngai’s appointment to her new role will be effective May 1, 2024. Meanwhile, Dominic Lai, group co-managing director at CK Hutchison and group managing director at AS Watson, will assume the position of chairman for AS Watson. 

Speaking on her promotion, Lai said, “After a very fulfilling 17 years of leading the AS Watson Group, I think it is the appropriate time to pass on the baton. Malina has been crucial in successfully driving AS Watson’s digital transformation, implementing the O+O (offline plus online) business model, and fostering positive cultural change in the past decade.” 

He added, “Malina has worked at CK Hutchison and AS Watson for 24 years. Her career path started in corporate communications and later expanded to international management positions in international buying, technology development, sales operations, marketing, big data, and sustainability. She demonstrated strong adaptability, strategic agility, and the ability to drive tremendous momentum across the entire organisation. Her significant achievements have continued to propel our organisation forward. Malina is perfectly prepared for this role.” 

“As the Group CEO of AS Watson, Malina will be fully in charge of defining our vision and leading the team to formulate strategies to meet our strategic objectives of putting customers first and continuing the growth journey of our global portfolio. All senior leaders who currently report to me will report to Malina. I will assume the position of Chairman of AS Watson,” Lai concluded. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Public relations and integrated communications agency Citrine has announced the return of its founder, Ivlynn Yap Cheng Theng, to take on the role of group executive chairman, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. 

The strategic appointment marks a new chapter for the agency, fueled by Ivlynn’s visionary leadership and a shared commitment to propelling Citrine to greater heights. Her return to Citrine signifies a renewed focus on fostering a culture of commitment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Ivylynn brings with her over 30 years of experience as a seasoned industry professional. She is renowned for her sharp strategic thinking, practical approach, and unwavering commitment to client success. 

Her extensive experience and proven track record within the communications industry will be instrumental in shaping the agency’s future trajectory by offering a broader scope of integrated communication services while cementing the agency’s renowned expertise in crisis communication and reputation management. 

The agency acknowledges the importance of effective environmental, social, and governance (ESG) communication strategies. Under Ivlynn’s leadership, Citrine is committed to providing communication support and advisory services to companies as they navigate and promote their ESG initiatives, leveraging Ivlynn’s crisis communication expertise and governance experience. 

Prior to her homecoming, Ivylynn served as the head of the corporate communication department at Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) from April 2021 to March 2024. 

Her 3-year tenure at PIDM instilled in her a deep understanding and appreciation of compliance, risk assessment, and good corporate governance principles and practices. Combining this with her ongoing pursuit of a Master of Science in Economic Crime Management at HELP University positions her well to support clients with their ESG communication strategies. 

“We observe that ESG standards and regulations are increasingly becoming a permanent fixture in how organisations run and operate their businesses. In most cases, companies are noted to lack robust strategic communications plans and crisis preparedness strategies that align with their ESG practices. At Citrine, we offer tailored communication and advisory services to empower companies to uphold transparency and cultivate authentic sustainability practices. Our goal is to ensure that companies effectively navigate the complexities of ESG while fostering genuine connections with their stakeholders,” Ivylynn explained. 

On empowering talent and igniting innovation, Ivylynn emphasised the significance of collaboration in achieving Citrine’s ambitious goals. She envisions fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives are valued and creative ideas are nurtured. 

As she takes on the leadership role in the agency, Citrine will actively invest in its team’s professional development, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern communications landscape. 

Citrine has carved a prominent niche in the communication landscape, and its extensive network of affiliate agencies, strategically positioned across seven locations—Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, India, and the UAE—enables it to provide comprehensive communication solutions on a global scale.

Commenting on her appointment, Ivylynn said, “I’m incredibly honoured to rejoin Citrine at this pivotal moment. The agency has a remarkable foundation built on a commitment to providing practical solutions and meeting client expectations. I’m energised to collaborate with our talented team to propel Citrine to even greater heights. Together, we will leverage the power of strategic communication to empower our clients to thrive in an ever-evolving communications landscape.” 

She added, “Citrine has always embraced a global mindset. Our network of affiliate agencies allows us to offer our clients a truly international perspective. Looking ahead, we plan to strategically expand our network, reaching new markets and forging stronger partnerships across the globe.” 

Singapore – Customer platform HubSpot has announced the appointment of Carol Fong as its new head of sales for the Asia region. 

Fong will lead the sales organisation and operations for HubSpot across the Asia region, collaborating with the marketing and customer success teams to drive business growth for the company. 

Together with her team, she will also work to ensure that HubSpot enables thousands more organisations across Asia to grow better.

Fong brings with her more than two decades of sales and leadership experience across the technology industry in the USA and Asia. She has held a number of regional sales leadership roles. Prior to joining HubSpot, she served as the regional vice president of sales at Anaplan and held the same position when she previously worked at Salesforce. 

Dan Bognar, managing director and VP of sales for JAPAC at HubSpot, said, “The global CRM market is projected to reach SG$194B by 2029, and within this market, HubSpot continues to prove itself to be the customer platform of choice for scaling businesses, with over 15,000 paying customers in the APAC region alone. I am absolutely delighted to have Carol join HubSpot to lead our Asia sales organisation. Carol’s expertise in the CRM industry, her deep understanding of the Asian market, and her experience with both direct and partner sales motions will uniquely enable her to solve for the customer.” 

He added, “Singapore, where Carol is based, and the wider Asia region represent a vital growth opportunity for HubSpot. I look forward to partnering with Carol and having her lead the team to grow and support our customers across the region. Carol’s experience in helping organisations transform their technology to drive growth and enhance customer experience brings enormous value to our existing customers, including the likes of NTUC, Agoda, and Aspire, and to businesses across the region who are currently exploring technology solutions to fuel their growth.” 

Meanwhile, speaking on her new role, Fong shared, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the HubSpot Asia team here in Singapore. I’ve spent many years in the industry, and HubSpot’s product, values, and hybrid culture, as well as its talented employees and strong leadership, deeply impress me.” 

“Having spent most of my career working in business technology, specifically in the CRM industry, I believe HubSpot is incredibly well placed to help businesses in the region unlock their full potential. I’m particularly excited about HubSpot’s AI investments and how deeply this technology is embedded across the HubSpot platform to help teams harness its benefits. We know education and practical application are a core focus for business leaders to see value from AI, and I look forward to helping Asian businesses unlock this. I feel privileged to join the team and lead the fast-growing Asia region, and I am looking very forward to connecting with our customers, partners, and employees over the coming months,” Fong further added. 

Philippines – After dedicating two and a half years to the company, John Richard (Chad) Sotelo announced he had been appointed as the inaugural chief marketing officer of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC). This is concurrent with his role as senior vice president and business unit general manager for RLC Residences.

In a recent exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Sotelo unveiled his strategic vision to unlock added value for the business by embracing customer-centricity. He emphasised the importance of delving deeper into understanding their customers’ needs and preferences.

According to Sotelo, understanding customers on a deeper level is a fundamental aspect of marketing, and he is committed to making sure that every marketer in the RLC becomes an expert on it. 

Among the things he’s looking forward to prioritising in his new role are maintaining constant and meaningful conversations with customers, handling customer data with the utmost respect for privacy, deriving insights into customer behaviour from consented information, and ensuring that data is treated as actionable insights that flow to the right people at the right time rather than staying as mere statistics.

“There are a lot of untapped opportunities for RLC when we look at things from the customers’ perspective: how they experience each business and how we can improve that by having the different business units work closer together. There’s also tremendous value to be unlocked as we take a step back and look at how RLC can work with the other business units in the Gokongwei Group,” Sotelo told MARKETECH APAC. 

Reflections on the leadership journey at RLC 

For Sotelo, the last two and a half years have been an eye-opening experience, having to work on and ultimately learn a new industry that is different from his previous ones. 

Before joining RLC, Sotelo was working in various industries, including consumer electronics, beauty, and FMCG. Having to transition from these industries to real estate and property development, he considers his journey with RLC to be one that is ‘delightful’ and ‘educational’. 

He shared, “A lot of my reflections have been from the point-of-view of an ‘outsider’ to the industry, yet as a ‘veteran’ of using the industry’s product. One thing that really stands out for me is how growth-oriented the industry is, yet the knowledge of the customer is still not as deep as it can be. I’m very excited about how RLC can get even better once it gets to be an expert at knowing its customers, getting insights from this knowledge, and translating those insights into action that brings more value to the customer, hopefully in a unique and differentiated way.” 

Navigating the challenges of real estate marketing in the Philippines 

Sotelo believes that real estate brands are currently facing the challenge of maintaining their relevance to customers, a trend he sees will continue for the next two to three years from now. 

Looking at the current economic climate, inflation remains elevated and is showing no signs of decline yet. High banking interest rates also persist. Furthermore, emerging from a recent pandemic has left many feeling uncertain, impacting confidence levels worldwide. These factors are posing challenges to the real estate industry locally and globally. 

According to him, the real estate sectors continue to face distinct hurdles: commercial properties grapple with the shift towards remote work, while hotels, resorts, and malls benefit from a resurgence in tourism. Although residential real estate shows signs of recovery, it has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Nonetheless, Sotelo is determined to face these challenges as he steps into his new role. He underscored the importance of focusing on giving customers options that will serve their current needs, something that RLC will be focusing their attention on with Sotelo now heading their marketing strategies. 

“RLC is a well-diversified real estate company, and we will continue to offer customers a broad portfolio of choices that hopefully should cater to their needs. As of YTD (year to date) September 2023, all of our business units were doing extremely well and growing at a fast pace,” Sotelo stated. 

In his LinkedIn post, Sotelo also shared, “[I am] proud and honoured to be appointed as the first ever Chief Marketing Officer of Robinsons Land Corporation, concurrent to my current role in leading the RLC Residences division. I get to put back on my marketing geek hat! To say I’m excited is an understatement! Thank you, Sir Lance Gokongwei, for the trust! ” 

India – Interactive indoor theme park chain KidZania has announced the appointment of Hasmukh M. Gorava as its new marketing head in India.

In his new role, Gorava will lead KidZania India’s marketing efforts, including building campaigns and communication strategies in interactive media and direct marketing programs.

His remit also covers developing pricing strategies to maximise KidZania’s profit and monitoring trends to identify new offers and services to boost visitor attendance.

Gorava will leverage his more than 13 years of experience in consumer marketing, brand promotions, and 360° media planning to achieve KidZania’s goals for brand expansion and enhanced engagement.

Prior to his new appointment, he played several key roles, including serving as DGM of marketing at themed entertainment destination Imagicaa, where he was pivotal in planning the go-to-market strategy. His strategic efforts aided the company in achieving 70 percent market share within three years.

Gorava’s track record spans developing and growing companies with an emphasis on defining and executing brand-building strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and driving revenue through effective marketing activities.

Rahul Dhamdhere, chief marketing officer of KidZania India, said, “We are excited to welcome Hasmukh M. Gorava as the Marketing Head. His extensive experience and strategic approach will undoubtedly enhance our marketing initiatives. Hasmukh’s commitment to driving brand visibility and consumer awareness resonates with KidZania’s mission to provide enriching experiences for children.”

Meanwhile, in his appointment, Gorava shared, “I am truly honoured to be a part of KidZania, an esteemed organisation that has consistently led the industry. I look forward to utilising my expertise to contribute to KidZania’s success, both in India and on the international stage.”