Tag: Leadership

Singapore – Samsung Ads, the advertising division of Samsung Electronics, welcomes two strategic senior hires namely Levi Guillory as agency head of strategic accounts for NSW & NZ and Carla Dawson, head of strategic marketing for ANZ & SEA.

In the newly created role of agency head for strategic accounts, Levi joins Samsung Ads from Foxtel Media and News Corp, bringing over a decade of high-level experience in sales and premium streaming platforms. 

Reporting to head of sales Richard Wheeler, Levi will focus on deepening relationships with Samsung Ads’ growing portfolio of agencies. Working closely with existing clients, Levi will help optimise and elevate campaign outcomes through Samsung Ads’ innovative product and data capabilities. 

“As the company continues to expand, being able to come on board and focus on enhancing our collaboration with existing partners is a welcome opportunity. Identifying areas of ongoing strategic growth in such a fast-paced industry is going to be key to making CTV campaigns work smarter for our clients,” Levi said.

Meanwhile, Carla steps into her new role as head of strategic marketing at Samsung Ads following a ten-year tenure at NBCUniversal. With her extensive background in premium content and media, Carla brings a unique depth of understanding to the advertising landscape. 

As she takes the reins on strategic initiatives focused on client growth, retention, and engagement, Carla will play a crucial role in harnessing the strong APAC-wide momentum Samsung Ads is experiencing – momentum that has seen the client base grow fourfold year over year.

“I’ve followed the evolution of Samsung Ads over the past few years, and it’s an exciting time to be joining the team. With a strong foundation already in place, I’m looking forward to building on that momentum by leveraging a blend of creative strategy and data-led marketing to elevate Samsung Ads’ presence and impact across the region,” Carla stated.

Alex Spurzem, managing director, Samsung Ads Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEAO), commented, “To add such a wealth of experience to the team at a time when advertisers are seeking better outcomes in TV is a huge win for the company. Carla and Levi’s leadership will not only strengthen our team as we deliver smarter capabilities for advertisers, but also ensure our clients’ campaigns are optimised to their fullest potential.”

India – In a move to strengthen its northern operations, TBWA\India has named Abhishek Chaturvedi as executive vice president and branch head for Gurgaon.

In this role, Chaturvedi will oversee the creative, strategic, and operational direction of the Gurgaon office, with a focus on aligning talent, ideas, and culture with the agency’s broader commercial objectives.

Chaturvedi brings over 20 years of experience spanning creative and digital disciplines and is known for his ability to connect human insight with business outcomes. His appointment aligns with TBWA’s ongoing commitment to integrating disruptive thinking into both its brand strategies and internal leadership.

Speaking on his new appointment, Chaturvedi said, “TBWA\ pairs worldwide disruption muscle with a start-up hunger. My early focus is simple—fuel our people with clear purpose and clear data, then let them punch above their weight for every client.”

Before joining TBWA\India, Chaturvedi served as head of strategy and senior vice president at Edelman India. He has also held senior roles at Digitas India, McCann, and Ogilvy, contributing to major campaigns for brands across FMCG, consumer electronics, and automotive sectors. His portfolio includes work on Voltas’ ‘Murthy’ character, as well as campaigns for Saffola and Zomato.

Chaturvedi will report to Namrata Nandan, chief business officer at TBWA\India.

Govind Pandey, chief executive officer at TBWA\India, commented, “We are delighted to have Abhishek join us as the head of our North operations. He brings with him not just a sharp strategic mind and a rich background in brand building, but also a deep understanding of how to connect data-led insights with meaningful storytelling.” 

“As we look to accelerate our momentum in Gurgaon, I believe his presence will help unlock new possibilities for both our clients and our teams. Just as importantly, Abhishek’s ability to inspire people and foster a strong cultural vision will be key in shaping a high-performing, future-ready office,” he added. 

Indonesia – Hakuhodo International Indonesia (HIID) has announced a major leadership restructure as it enters a new chapter focused on unified growth.

Earlier this year, the agency appointed Farhana Eldini Devi Attamimi as group CEO and Yuzuru Iguchi as country director, marking the beginning of a broader strategic transformation aimed at aligning the organisation with evolving client demands and market dynamics.

As part of this transition, HIID has promoted a new generation of leaders from within its internal talent pool—underscoring efforts to support continuity and empower emerging leadership across its network.

The updated leadership structure covers several units under HIID. Hakuhodo Jakarta is now led by Narpati Adityasa as general manager and Naoya Hosokawa as director. Hybrid is headed by Ivan Christyanto as general manager, with Yuzuru Iguchi serving as director in addition to his role as country director of HIID.

“We’re evolving with the industry—becoming more agile and adaptive to market needs and beyond, listening more closely, and approaching things with fresh eyes. That’s exactly what our clients—and the sei-katsu-sha—expect from us now,” Adityasa said. 

H: Three will be led later this year by Eka Harithsyah as general manager, alongside director Daisuke Yanaoka. H Digital is currently under the leadership of Linda Mutiara as general manager and Kyohei Hasegawa as director. Meanwhile, Fitri Rizayati has been appointed managing director of i-dac Indonesia, working with director Kyosuke Matsui.

Yanaoka commented, “This new chapter marks an exciting opportunity for us to further strengthen collaboration across teams and drive greater impact for our clients. With shared values and a unified vision, we are committed to nurturing ideas that resonate deeply with people and deliver meaningful business results.”

To support alignment and long-term growth, HIID has also formed an executive committee tasked with driving strategic planning and strengthening organisational leadership across the group. Members include Fitri Rizayati in corporate planning, Hilman Eri Permadi as executive director of finance, and Rini Maulidia as director of finance.

HIID has further reinforced its central services with several new appointments: Euvine Winarni as executive director of business growth & partnership, Rian Prabana as senior director of strategy, and Wimala Djafar as director of H+, the group’s innovation and technology arm. Woon Siew Hoh also returns as chief creative officer, while Hermawan Prasetyo joins as executive director of integrated production. Mayada Patria has taken on the role of director of people & corporate services.

The transformation supports HIID’s positioning as a Sei-katsu-sha Value Design Company, integrating the vision of founding leaders with the perspectives of emerging talent to stay responsive to client needs and cultural shifts.

Group CEO Attamimi shared, “We’re not just reshaping structure—we’re building a more connected, responsive organisation ready for what’s next. By empowering our leaders and strengthening our core capabilities, we’re creating a foundation that supports creativity, agility, and long-term growth across the group. This transformation is about staying ahead—together—as we continue to deliver meaningful value to our clients and society.” 

India – Dentsu India has elevated Sujeet Behra to president of Carat, expanding his remit to include chief strategy officer of Dentsu Media, as part of a strategic reshuffle aimed at strengthening integrated strategy across its media operations.

Behra has been an integral part of Carat for over three years, managing multiple responsibilities as Carat North business head, chief growth officer and chief strategy officer. He has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s strategic roadmap, driving innovation and positioning it as a future-ready media agency in the ever-evolving media ecosystem.

Behra has been with Carat for over three years, holding roles such as Carat North business head, chief growth officer, and chief strategy officer. During this time, he has contributed to shaping the agency’s strategic direction and expanding its media capabilities.

In his new roles, he will oversee the strategic vision for both Carat and Dentsu Media, with a focus on developing collaborative, insight-led solutions aligned with evolving client and business priorities. He will also work closely with the leadership team to advance Dentsu’s efforts in integrating data, technology, and creativity across its media services.

Commenting on his appointment, Behra said, “I am honoured to be part of dentsu and Carat at such an exciting and transformative time. I have long admired the organisation’s commitment to creativity, innovation and, most importantly, client success.” 

He added, “My focus will be on fostering a collaborative and growth-orientated environment, where we can continue to push boundaries of creativity and deliver exceptional results for our client. Look forward to working with the talented team across dentsu to build upon this strong foundation and drive the organisation’s continued growth and success.”

The leadership change follows the departure of Sanchayeeta Verma, who has stepped down as CEO of Carat to explore new professional opportunities. Verma played a key role in driving the agency’s growth and fostering collaboration across the Dentsu network. With support from Behra and the broader leadership team, she helped steer the agency through a period of strategic momentum.

Behra now takes the lead in guiding the agency’s next phase of development. He will report to Amit Wadhwa, CEO of Dentsu Creative & Media Brands, South Asia.

“Sanchayeeta has played an incredible role in shaping Carat’s growth story – driving momentum, nurturing talent, and strengthening the agency’s strategic foundation. As she embarks on her next chapter, we wish her continued success in all her future endeavours,” Wadhwa said. 

He continued, “As we look ahead, Sujeet’s expanded mandate comes at a pivotal time. He brings sharp strategic thinking, a collaborative mindset, and a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape. His leadership reflects dentsu’s commitment to integrated thinking – where media, creative, and performance come together to drive business impact. This is a strong step forward in our journey to create connected, future-ready solutions for our clients.”

Singapore – Following a period of significant growth, La Maison du Whisky Asia-Pacific (LMDW APAC) has announced a strategic leadership transition. Arthur Morbois, who has served as managing director for the past five years, will formally hand over leadership to Diego Araud, a long-standing executive within the company.

During Morbois’ tenure, LMDW evolved from a Singapore-centric distributor into a regional hub. Revenue grew by more than 130%, and the team expanded from 11 to 24 staff across key functions. The Singapore office now supports operations across 19 markets, including Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea, and functions as a central logistics and commercial base for the region.

Among the key developments under Morbois’ leadership were the integration of the TOLL logistics centre, the implementation of a region-wide ERP system in 2022, and the Southeast Asia relaunch of flagship brands such as Nikka.

“It’s been an honour to build LMDW into a regional player. We’ve built a team that combines passion, expertise, and ambition. I’m confident Diego will take it even further,” Morbois said. 

As incoming managing director, Araud brings over 13 years of experience at LMDW across retail, wholesale, education, and brand marketing, most recently serving as marketing director. Having lived in both France and Singapore, he is positioned to bridge the brand’s European heritage with regional growth opportunities.

In his new role, Araud will focus on expanding LMDW’s presence in Southeast Asia, accelerating export growth, and strengthening its multichannel development, particularly in Singapore’s on-trade sector. He also plans to grow the private clients and high-net-worth-individual segment and further develop Whisky Live into a flagship event for both long-time enthusiasts and emerging consumers.

“La Maison du Whisky has always stood for authenticity, curation, and connection. As we grow, it’s about deepening those values across every channel – from retail and e-commerce to on-trade and private clients. We want to reach more people, tell stronger stories, and redefine how fine spirits are explored and enjoyed across Asia-Pacific,” Araud said. 

To support its next phase of development, LMDW APAC has also reinforced its senior leadership team around four core areas: commercial growth, brand storytelling, portfolio elevation, and customer experience. The new leadership reflects a blend of regional expertise and global perspective.

Nish Senan joins as marketing manager following five years in Australia’s spirits industry. With more than a decade of experience, he will lead portfolio development with a focus on brand strategy and channel execution.

Senan said, “Growth isn’t about adding more SKUs. It’s about building relevance in each market and executing with precision across every channel.”

Charlotte Then returns to the company as communications director after a two-year stint in brand and sustainability consulting. She previously helped shape LMDW Singapore’s brand voice from 2018 to 2023. She is currently overseeing the repositioning of Whisky Live Singapore as a leading event that blends discovery, culture, and next-generation whisky engagement.

“The fine spirits space is evolving fast. Consumers want context and experience, and we’re ready to lead that conversation,” Then commented. 

Rachel Lam continues as sales manager for Singapore, where she oversees on-trade and prestige sales. Lam also manages key accounts, private clients, and prestige partnerships.

“It’s about connecting the right bottle to the right moment. Whether for a collector or a bar’s signature pour, we prioritise long-term value over quick wins,” Lam shared. 

Meanwhile, Clémence Delaunay, senior sales export manager, leads LMDW’s commercial efforts across 19 markets in the region. She recently oversaw the launch of Nikka Whisky in Indonesia, with campaigns in Jakarta and Bali. 

“Every market has its own rhythm,” she notes. “But the desire for quality and discovery is universal. We’re here to build lasting brand footprints, not just fill shelves,” Delaunay said. 

Australia – Ad fraud prevention platform TrafficGuard has appointed Miguel Lopes as chief product officer, tasking him with driving product innovation and accelerating channel expansion.

In the role, Lopes will oversee the development of tools designed to protect advertising spend, broaden channel support, and facilitate the rollout of new products. He will also play a key role in advancing TrafficGuard’s strategic focus on emerging Large Language Model (LLM) environments, as the platform adapts to evolving monetisation methods and addresses associated fraud risks.

Lopes is set to lead efforts to expand channel integrations, aimed at increasing market reach and enabling new cross-sell opportunities. He joins with more than two decades of experience across the technology sector, having held roles at Synacor, Syniverse, Dialogic, Cataleya, and Visionable Global.

Commenting on his appointment, Lopes shared, “I’m looking forward to adding my take on innovation at TrafficGuard. The rates of ad fraud are soaring with the addition of technology like AI. It will be good to use this tech for good, keeping TrafficGuard one step ahead of the fraudsters. I can’t wait to be part of this increasingly essential company, and part of the talented team around me.”

The appointment follows parent company Adveritas’ recent $8.5 million capital raise from leading Australian institutions, intended to support expansion efforts in the United States.

Lopes’ addition is expected to strengthen TrafficGuard’s product capabilities as it navigates a changing digital advertising landscape and increasing demand for sophisticated ad fraud prevention.

Mat Ratty, CEO of TrafficGuard, said,  “We needed a hands-on CPO to take control of development. Lopes brings years of experience to the team, and his knowledge in AI is set to drive our products forward. The addition of Miguel is the missing piece our company has needed and after one of our most extensive interview processes, I’m confident that Miguel’s appointment will complement the TrafficGuard strategy.”

Australia – Enero Group, a global marketing and technology agency network, has promoted Ian Ball to group chief executive officer, effective July 2, 2025.

Ball joined the company as chief operating officer in early 2025 and now takes the helm following a period marked by operational shifts and strategic developments. 

During his tenure, he has overseen several key initiatives, including the refinancing of the business, the restructuring and sale of OBMedia, and a series of senior appointments across the group’s agencies.

He has also contributed to the formulation of Enero’s FY26 growth plan, with an emphasis on operational efficiency and value generation. Most recently, Ball led efforts to reposition Enero as a streamlined, three-agency business centred around Hotwire Global, Orchard, and BMF.

Commenting on his promotion, Ball said, “I’m honoured to take on the role of Group CEO and continue building on the strong foundations we’ve put in place. Enero is home to three world-class agencies, each with distinct capabilities and a shared ambition. I’m excited to work with our leaders and teams globally to unlock the next phase of growth and value creation.” 

Ian Rowden, chairman at Enero Group, said, “Ian has made a substantial impact in a remarkably short period of time, stepping seamlessly into a complex leadership transition and immediately bringing clarity, structure and momentum to the business. From leading the successful refinancing of the Group to restructuring OBMedia, appointing new leadership, and aligning our agency teams around a clear plan for operational excellence and value creation, he has demonstrated the kind of strategic foresight and decisive execution that’s essential in today’s environment.” 

“Ian’s ability to build strong relationships across the executive team, board and shareholder base has been equally critical. The Board is confident that under Ian’s leadership, Enero is well positioned to deliver long-term growth and performance as we move into this next chapter,” he added. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – ORO Malaysia, the local arm of Tokyo-based integrated cloud solutions and marketing communications provider ORO Co., Ltd., has announced the appointment of Eri Obana as its new managing director and Yosuke Miki as director. The leadership changes come as the company sharpens its focus on regional expansion and digital innovation across Asia.

Obana, who brings over 17 years of experience in digital marketing, has worked with major clients in finance, real estate, e-commerce, travel, and food manufacturing across Asia. She began her career in 2008 at Japan’s OPT Inc., where she helped establish the agency’s presence in Malaysia in 2013. 

The Malaysian branch, which operated under the Crossfinity Digital Asia name, was later acquired by ORO. Before her promotion, Obana served as sales manager, leading business development efforts.

Meanwhile, Miki joined ORO in January 2024 as regional managing director, overseeing business development across the company’s offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China. His career spans roles at Hakuhodo Inc., Accenture, and The Walt Disney Company, with expertise in branding-led customer experience, service design, and digital acceleration. 

At Hakuhodo, he was involved in crafting digital strategies for Japanese companies expanding into ASEAN, while at Accenture he worked on One-ID implementation and multi-country expansion strategies.

Coinciding with the leadership appointments, ORO Malaysia has also announced the relocation of its office to Stellar Suites in Puchong, effective 2 July 2025. The move is part of its broader strategy to expand operational capabilities in the Malaysian market.

ORO Malaysia positions itself as an ‘Experience-First Agency,’ offering full-service integrated digital marketing solutions including creative, strategy, analytics, advertising, content performance, and conversion rate optimisation through A/B testing, multivariate testing, and UI/UX research. Its client portfolio spans sectors such as automotive, logistics, electronics, finance, retail, and pharmaceuticals.

The parent company ORO Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Tokyo and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. Beyond marketing communications, it has developed ‘RIAL,’ a proprietary AI-based generative photography system that enables virtual try-on experiences for e-commerce sites, already in use on major online platforms across Asia.

Australia – Initiative has bolstered its Melbourne leadership team, appointing seasoned retail marketer Kathryn Griffiths as group business director and elevating long-time team member Mark Dawson to group business director.

Griffiths brings more than a decade of client-side experience at Bunnings, where she held senior roles spanning brand, digital transformation, loyalty and, most recently, growth strategy in the retailer’s B2B commercial division. 

Her tenure also included integrating Bunnings’ acquisition of Beaumont Tiles and steering major brand platforms that grew market share and customer loyalty. 

Megan Davey, head of Melbourne at Initiative, said, “Kathryn’s rare combination of retail, loyalty and transformation expertise, grounded in years of client-side responsibility, will give our clients fresh, pragmatic insight into growth strategies. Her perspective will immediately add value across our superannuation and retail accounts.”

A UK-native who has called Melbourne home for 13 years, Griffiths previously held public-sector policy roles in Brussels, Cardiff and Manchester, experience that sharpens her strategic perspective and stakeholder management skills. 

In her new role she will lead Initiative’s ISF portfolio (Cbus, Hostplus, ISA) alongside Crown Resorts and Repco.

Griffiths said, “I am genuinely excited to be joining Megan and her team and look forward to guiding our clients through their next stage of growth, ensuring they remain relevant in our fast-changing world and connected to their audiences. 

“Initiative’s strong people culture fits perfectly with my passion to create environments where my team don’t just thrive, they grow, evolve, and achieve their ambitions. I’m looking forward to being a part of the agency’s successful growth evolution moving forward.”

Dawson, who joined Initiative more than six years ago, is promoted from senior account director to group business director. A former investment specialist, known for his ability to align commercial discipline with creative media thinking, Dawson will now lead the high-profile Officeworks and DuluxGroup accounts. 

Davey added, “Mark is the epitome of a trusted partner. His investment background means he considers the clients’ every dollar, while his leadership acumen consistently earns client trust. This promotion recognises the breadth of his contribution and his role in mentoring our next generation of talent.”

The leadership changes come as Initiative Melbourne continues to scale. Davey noted the appointments “set us up for the next chapter of client growth and innovation in Victoria.”

Both Griffiths and Dawson report directly to Davey and take up their new roles effective immediately.

Japan – Grey has appointed Kimihiro Takano as the new managing director of Grey Japan, effective 1 July 2025. Masahiko Okazaki, the previous CEO, will transition to a new role as executive vice president of business innovation at WPP in Japan.

Takano was most recently business director at Wieden+Kennedy Japan, overseeing the Japan and Korea markets. He previously held senior roles at PARTY, Dentsu, and the Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Takano’s background spans sectors including financial services, publishing, electronics, film and video production, entertainment, media, and content creation. He has led both local and international projects, notably the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he coordinated with key stakeholders such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Japanese government, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. His work has earned recognition at major international awards shows.

In his new role, Takano will work alongside the existing leadership team to support a smooth transition and deepen relationships with Grey’s local and global clients.

Takano shared, “Grey has built an impressive track record in Japan for over 60 years, establishing itself as a truly global agency. I am honored to join Grey Japan as part of this legacy. Guided by the principle of ‘Famously Effective,’ our strength lies in addressing essential business challenges, driving brand growth, and creating ‘Cultural Value’ that propels people and society forward. I aim to deliver new value that combines the cultures of Japan and the global landscape to pioneer the next era.”   

He will report to Kyoko Matsushita, CEO of WPP in Japan, and collaborate closely with Sarah Trombetta, Grey’s APAC CEO. His mandate includes accelerating business growth and driving innovation, while continuing to deliver Grey’s “Famously Effective” work for clients.

Trombetta said,“Kimi-san is a dynamic, ambitious leader who is shaping the modern face of our industry in Japan. Through his diverse experience, Kimi-san recognises the need to blend creativity with innovation to solve business challenges. This, we believe, will be critical to continue to elevate our strategic partnership with clients and brands navigating radical digitisation.” 

She continued, “Kimi-san embodies the values at the core of Grey’s culture and the WPP network, built on open minds, a spirit of collaboration and commitment to extraordinary creativity. We are excited for him to write the next chapter for Grey Japan.” 

Matsushita added, “I am truly delighted to welcome a new leader to Grey, an agency which has achieved numerous accomplishments in the Japanese market within the WPP network. I also want to express my gratitude for Masa’s leadership thus far, and I look forward to his continued contribution to the growth of WPP’s business as a member of WPP’s Japan executive committee.”  

Takano’s appointment follows a series of leadership changes across Grey’s global offices in 2025, including Elvis Li as president of Grey China, Agnes Fischer as CEO of Grey New York, Harsh Kapadia as chief creative officer of Grey India, and Helen Rhodes as chief creative officer of Grey London.