Tag: Leadership

Singapore – Global advertising and marketing technology company Epsilon has announced that it has added industry-veteran Simrat Sawhney to its leadership team as vice president of sales and client growth at Asia.

Based in Singapore, Sawhney will oversee the development of Epsilon’s sales team in the Asia-Pacific region as it solidifies itself as the leading technology partner for marketers seeking growth and customer loyalty. 

Reporting to regional CEO Alban Villani who oversees India, Southeast Asia and Europe, Sawhney will also be responsible for Epsilon’s commercial strategy, sales and client partnerships across Asia, with a focus on India and Southeast Asia. 

She brings more than 15 years of commercial leadership in the Asia-Pacific region and a proven track record of building billion-dollar businesses and driving transformative growth. 

Prior to joining Epsilon, she led ad sales for global gaming as the head of sales for the vertical’s Asia-Pacific Growth business at Meta. In that role, Sawhney was responsible for client partnerships, business development, and account management across Greater China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. 

Speaking on her new role, Sawhney said, “Epsilon offers marketers the most comprehensive approach to marketing technology, and the company’s ability to connect data, insights and identity across the entire customer journey is a game-changer. I’m energised by the opportunity to contribute through a perfect blend of people and commercial leadership as I lead a talented team to drive growth for our clients and solidify Epsilon’s position as a market leader.”

She added, “I understand the evolving needs of marketers throughout the customer lifecycle, from user acquisition and onsite personalisation to retention and cross-platform measurement. I’ve consistently delivered results by maintaining a client-centric approach and leveraging targeted strategies, which aligns perfectly with Epsilon’s focus on personalised consumer journeys and measurable business outcomes.” 

Meanwhile, Villani commented, “Simrat brings a wealth of experience, personal development coaching and an energy that perfectly align with our ambitious goals. As we continue to tell the story of Epsilon around the world, we’re eager to bring on strong leaders such as Simrat to introduce our team and industry-leading capabilities to the market.” 

Singapore – Sundip Chahal, most recently the group chief operating officer at YouGov, has joined Milieu Insight as its new chief executive officer. Drawing on his extensive network and experience, Chahal will continue to strengthen Milieu Insight’s position in SEA while spearheading Milieu Insight’s growth into new global markets, starting with the US and UK.

He joins Milieu Insight following a remarkable 18-year tenure at research company YouGov, where he rose to the position of group chief operating officer and oversaw the company’s growth.

Speaking on his new position, Chahal said, “The opportunity to lead Milieu Insight at this juncture is thrilling and humbling. We’re not just looking to grow; we’re going to change how businesses understand and connect with consumers globally. Southeast Asia has been a key driver of Milieu Insight’s success, and I look forward to furthering that momentum as we push into new markets.”

For his part, Chahal is also eager to build on the solid foundation laid by Ang and the founding team.

“My focus is on enabling the vision already in place,” he explains. “We’re taking what’s been articulated locally and expanding it globally. The potential here is enormous, and I’m excited to help realise it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gerald Ang, the founder of Milieu Insight, sees Chahal’s appointment as a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the company’s global ambitions, freeing him to focus on innovation and business strategy, alongside the new CEO. 

“With Sundip on board, we’re entering a new phase of growth. Southeast Asia is an important and exciting region for us, and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships here with his invaluable experience and network,” Ang stated.

Ang’s vision for the company also remains focused on product development and skill enhancement. 

“We’ve built a great team and a powerful platform,” he says. “Now, with Sundip’s leadership, we can scale up rapidly while maintaining our commitment to innovation.” 

Singapore – LePub Singapore has appointed award-winning creative leader Stephan Schwarz as its next executive creative director to lead its Asia-Pacific headquarters. He will build on the growth and momentum that LePub has achieved across the region since opening in late 2022.

In his new role, Schwarz will work closely with Bruno Bertelli, global CEO at LePub and CCO at Publicis Worldwide; Ajay Thrivikraman, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe Southeast Asia and share leadership of LePub alongside Hanh Kanssen, general manager for APAC at LePub Singapore.

Schwarz joins LePub after being part of the team behind Singapore’s first-ever Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Lions in his previous role. He began his career in public relations and corporate communications but moved into advertising in 2012, lured by the power of ideas and the art of nurturing them. 

He moved to Singapore in 2022 – a gateway to some of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Schwarz has worked with world-class brands in sectors ranging from FMCG to F&B, retail and aerospace, collecting many awards along the way.

Speaking on his new role, Schwarz said, “I’m excited to be joining the team at LePub Singapore. I love its flagship brands and its ability to use data to understand consumers in each market. I love the work the agency has done to create brands that resonate culturally to rise above the competition. Backed by Publicis Groupe’s ‘Power of One’ capabilities across the region, my goal is to create meaningful, locally relevant work that showcases how fascinating and diverse this part of the world truly is.”

Meanwhile, Bertelli commented, “Stephan is an exceptional talent whose vision and leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of LePub Singapore. His track record of delivering award-winning work, combined with his deep understanding of the APAC region, makes him the perfect lead to drive growth in the region. We’re excited and looking forward to seeing how his expertise will enhance our teams to deliver creative excellence and let innovation drive our impact in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”

LePub Singapore, a part of Publicis Groupe, is behind a series of innovative campaigns in 2024 including Heineken Korea’s LaundroMatch, which won Bronze in Cannes this year; Enjoy the Smoothness, created for Heineken Vietnam in collaboration with Leo Burnett Vietnam; and Playbrary for Singapore’s National Library Board.

Singapore – Monks has named a new Southeast Asia leadership team, helmed by Munas van Boonstra as managing director for the Southeast Asia offices.

Following the launch of the Indonesia office, Monks has elevated core talent from its team to take the business into a new era of strategic growth. The new roles represent a commitment to SEA as a growth market, with offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and the importance of leading with world-class local talent. 

Munas van Boonstra has been promoted to the role of MD, Southeast Asia, after leading the Malaysia office and taking regional operational leadership responsibility since joining in 2022. Prior to Monks, van Boonstra had leadership roles at Publicis Malaysia, MYTV Broadcasting and GroupM. 

Meanwhile, Saufi Salleh has stepped into the role of head of clients of marketing services for Southeast Asia, a newly created position that pulls client leadership across all SEA markets under his mandate. Clients in Southeast Asia include PayPal, Google, M1, and ABC. Salleh has almost two decades of experience leading clients through digital-first thinking at businesses across agencies. He has been with Monks since 2021, when he joined as regional business director. 

Lastly, Monks has also given Kryse Ynieto a broader remit, as he will now lead strategy for the region as head of strategy, Southeast Asia. Ynieto has been at Monks since 2021, when he was brought on to work with local and regional clients. He has worked in senior strategy positions at companies including Landor, TSLA, and JWT.

Van Boonstra, Salleh and Ynieto are part of a wider management team for the Southeast Asia region, which also includes SEA Regional Executive Creative Director Anam AS, Yasmine Mansour Head of Growth SEA and Executive Producer Lee Kwok Leong.

Speaking about the new leadership updates, van Boonstra said, “Bringing the Southeast Asian perspective to Monks’ global portfolio of marketing and technology services allows us to impact clients on a large scale. By combining cultural insights and data-driven media strategies, powered with AI, we strive to lead creative disruption that truly makes a difference. Together with my SEA colleagues, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that shape our clients’ present and future success.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Godfrey, EVP at Monks APAC, said, “Our new SEA leadership team has deep professional and cultural experience across the diverse region. This is fundamental to Monks’ growth strategy. While the business model and our focus on AI-driven workflows deliver the promise of faster, better, cheaper, more, our team’s connection to the market allows us to achieve this while driving culturally rich, digital-first work for brands.”

China – Dentsu China has unveiled a series of senior leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to providing client-centric, integrated solutions aimed at driving accelerated growth and transformation throughout the entire customer value chain.

Leading the new appointments is Guang Cui, who will take on the role of CEO for Dentsu Creative China while continuing his position as chief business officer for Dentsu China’s Japanese client business.

Cui brings over two decades of expertise in marketing strategy, brand consulting, and integrated marketing across Japan and China. In his new role, he will play a pivotal role in revitalising Dentsu’s Japanese client business in China while unlocking the full potential of the “One Dentsu” vision within Dentsu Creative.

Joining Cui is Cindy Lee, who has been appointed CEO of Dentsu Creative East China. Known for her strong commitment to innovation and client leadership, Lee has been instrumental in shaping Dentsu’s creative services and driving success over the years.

Lee has consistently led her teams in delivering impactful creative experiences for both brands and consumers. Previously, she headed Isobar China, and with her strong track record of driving growth and fostering collaboration, Cindy is set to further enhance Dentsu’s client value across East China.

Dentsu also appointed Tommy Li as CEO of Dentsu Media China. Bringing over 20 years of industry experience, Li is focused on transforming and elevating Dentsu’s media business, including its brands—Carat, iProspect, and Dentsu X—along with enhancing practice capabilities, solutions, ecosystem partnerships, and talent development. 

Under his leadership, Li will drive the media business to further solidify its pivotal role as a key growth engine for Dentsu’s clients.

Additionally, Jeffery Cao, vice president of Amplifi China, has been named leader of trading and investment for Dentsu China, bringing over 20 years of industry expertise. Laurien Lee, CEO of iProspect China, will also expand her leadership role to drive growth across the media business.

Derek Huang, practice president of CXM and CEO of Merkle China, will remain in his role to drive the modernisation of Dentsu’s capabilities in experience, data, AI, and technology. Chris Chen will continue as chief creative officer and practice president of creative, infusing transformational creativity across all client services. Together with Tommy Li, these core practice leaders will enhance and integrate Dentsu’s services to deliver innovative, AI-driven, and values-focused growth for clients.

Dentsu also brought back veteran Richard Frampton as chief strategy officer for Dentsu China. Joining the senior leadership team, Frampton will oversee the vision and strategy for Dentsu China’s client portfolio, developing integrated, end-to-end solutions to drive growth, profitability, and client satisfaction.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Frampton has crafted data-driven, creative strategies for major brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and L’Oréal. He is a known champion of marketing transformation and will leverage his expertise to guide Dentsu’s clients through the evolving marketplace and deliver impactful, tailored solutions for growth.

Meanwhile, Ami Qian will advance brand growth at Dentsu China in her new role as chief transformation and marketing officer. She will drive the transformation of the enterprise, oversee brand marketing, change management, and corporate communications, and strengthen the “One Dentsu” culture through key external partnerships.

Finally, Jianhao Chen, a seasoned expert in software innovation and digital transformation, has been named chief data and solutions officer for Greater North Asia while maintaining his role as chief technology officer at Merkle China.

In this expanded role, Jianhao will lead the solution centre team to collaborate with Dentsu’s practices, leveraging advanced technologies to transform client services through innovative tools and comprehensive data. His expertise will be key in modernising Dentsu’s approach and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Chun Yin Mak, CEO of dentsu China and practice president of CXM/Merkle APAC, commented, “We are thrilled to announce these exciting new leadership positions, appointments, and promotions that represent a new chapter in dentsu China’s journey towards greater success and innovation. Our leadership team is equipped with the right blend of expertise, passion, and vision to drive meaningful growth for our clients and push the boundaries of what is possible in this most exciting and advanced marketplace.”

Jennifer Tang, CEO of Greater North Asia and Taiwan, added, “This is an important milestone that underscores our commitment to nurturing and attracting top talent, which remains our most valued asset at dentsu. Our local and diverse leaders represent the next generation of dentsu China under Chun’s leadership. Their industry experience, passion, deep expertise, and strategic insight not only position us to deliver innovative, precedent-setting solutions but also give us the confidence to realise our growth ambitions in China as a core part of our Greater North Asia and Asia Pacific business.” 

Singapore – Strategic marketing and brand consultancy Flying Fish Lab has announced new appointments namely Alim and Wenjie Cai as senior catalysts, as well as making significant strides in its global expansion. 

Alim brings an extensive background that started in Research Agencies, before transitioning to the client side in Consumer Research and later in Brand Management. Wenjie has a solid FMCG Marketing background, to which he then added a robust number of years working in Marketing capability, in the consulting industry. 

These new senior talents will play a key role in enhancing Flying Fish Lab’s capabilities and boosting its ability to further speed up growth. 

In addition to bolstering its leadership team and client roster, Flying Fish Lab is making significant strides in its global expansion. The company has recently entered the European market, with offices in Lisbon, Paris and Milan, and is planning to expand into the Gulf countries next, reflecting its intention to better support the needs of its growing and geographically dispersed client base. 

Mário Braz de Matos, co-founder and CEO of Flying Fish Lab, said, “Alim and Wenjie are the sort of talent that strengthen our team’s ability to deliver Controlled Disruption to clients. Their significant experience complements the current leadership team, and their values align with our mission to help companies grow using ‘Controlled Disruption’.”

He added, “These exciting changes reflect our ongoing commitment scale in a way that stays true to our values, delivering to our clients without compromising on quality standards. Our new leadership team, strategic client acquisitions, and global expansion are all part of our broader vision to drive ‘Controlled Disruption’ and help deliver transformative results for clients. We are poised for an exciting future and look forward to the continued success of our clients and team.” 

Philippines – Angkas, the Philippines-based motorcycle ride-hailing platform, has appointed Danielle (Dani) Eleazar as its new head of consumer and brand development, signalling a fresh direction for the company’s marketing and consumer engagement strategies.

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Dani Eleazar shares insights on her transition from foodpanda to Angkas, how she’s adapting to her new role, and her forward-looking vision for the iconic Filipino ride-hailing brand.

Embracing the move to a new role

Before joining Angkas, Dani served as the head of marketing at foodpanda Philippines, where she oversaw the brand’s complete marketing efforts—from developing consumer strategies to executing campaigns and analysing performance for the Philippine market.

When asked about the challenges she anticipates in her transition, Dani acknowledged that moving from foodpanda to Angkas represents a significant shift, especially due to the change in industry. However, she emphasised that she doesn’t see this shift as a challenge but rather as an exciting learning opportunity.

“I see ‘challenges’ to any new endeavours as natural learning curves, and I’m genuinely excited about this opportunity to work for such an iconic brand,” she explained. “One of the only ‘challenges’ I foresee is living up to the high standards set by Angkas. As I believe that I am naturally adaptable, quick to learn, and curious, I honestly am very excited to contribute effectively to Angkas’ ongoing success.”

According to Dani, despite her years of experience, her natural curiosity and adaptability allow her to absorb new experiences like a ‘sponge.’ Combined with her extensive experience at foodpanda, she is confident that these qualities will greatly benefit her in her new role at Angkas. 

“I think my previous experience with foodpanda has provided me with a strong foundation in both the strategic and operational aspects of tech-driven consumer services,” Dani shared. 

She added, “At Angkas, I’m excited to leverage my expertise in structuring effective strategies and my continuous curiosity to enhance our consumer outreach and engagement, ensuring we not only meet but exceed our users’ expectations.”

Riding the legacy of safety and reliability 

Angkas has been instrumental in offering safe and affordable transportation in the Philippines, and Dani is eager to build on this legacy in her new role. For her, the goal is to  ensure that the brand continues to be a dependable choice, steadfast in its mission to provide reliable transportation for everyone.

“Angkas has made a real difference by easing traffic woes and improving the lives of our bikers. I’m excited to help more people see the positive impact we have, making sure Angkas is their go-to choice for safe and reliable transportation,” she expressed. “My goal is to strengthen our connection with both passengers and bikers, ensuring we continue to be a trusted and essential part of their daily lives.”

Looking ahead, Dani is also optimistic about the future of the mobility and ride-hailing industry in the Philippines.

“Mobility and ride hailing will continue to be relevant as cities get more crowded and consumers need quicker and more efficient ways to get around. Angkas aims to stay the top choice for safe and reliable rides,” she said. 

Speaking on current trends in consumer and branding, Dani revealed that she is excited about the potential of hyper-localised branding in the Philippines, a country with more than 7,000 islands and diverse languages.

“While Angkas has always been top-notch in being relatable, I’m excited to bring us closer to the consumers, connecting deeply with local communities. All for the livelihood of our bikers as well as an integral part of consumers’ daily lives,” she concluded. 

Singapore – TBWA\Singapore, today announces several key promotions within its leadership team, reflecting the agency’s impressive growth and success. They include Chew Fung Wee to general manager, Loo Yong Ping as executive creative director, and Eleni Sardi as head of brand management.

Working closely with the agency leadership team led by Mandy Wong, president of TBWA\Singapore, Fung has played a pivotal role in the agency’s recent achievements. In her new role, Fung will oversee the onboarding of major new business wins and build new business streams to accelerate growth for the agency alongside Mandy Wong. In addition, Fung will oversee the BBDO operations in Singapore, which is part of the TBWA\Group in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Yong has been instrumental in defining what great work looks like across all his clients, and he continues to be the creative lead on the Singapore Airlines account, delivering great creativity across all touchpoints.

Lastly, with a proven track record in managing high-profile accounts such as Singapore Airlines and National Museum of Singapore, Eleni is responsible for further elevating client management and business growth for our clients.

These strategic promotions underscore the agency’s commitment to investing in its talent and strengthening its leadership team to drive further new business growth and innovation.

Mandy Wong, president of TBWA\Group Singapore comments, “We have come a long way in the last two years, and to get to where we are today takes resilience, commitment, talent and passion. And the promotions of Fung, Ping and Eleni are evidence that they each possess these qualities, and more.”

She added, “I’m proud of how each of them has excelled in their respective roles and are so very deserving of these new positions. Along with the wider leadership team, I am proud of what we have achieved together but above all I’m proud of the impact they’ve had on the culture of our agency.”

This announcement comes off the back of recent promotions of Abhinit Agarwal to executive strategy director, and Germaine Chen and Lauren Lim to creative directors. All three have proven themselves as strategic and creative leaders respectively, and their promotions reflect TBWA’s commitment to developing and rewarding great talent. 

Singapore – Regional adtech platform Tyroo has announced the appointment of Sumit Kumar, who has joined the Tyroo|CJ partnership as director of global growth programs. His appointment marks a strategic move to bolster the partnership’s global growth initiatives by leveraging his expertise in cross-border mobile and desktop demand and supply.

He brings a wealth of experience driving rapid growth and revenue within the adtech industry, particularly in startup environments. With a distinguished career that includes leadership roles at InMobi, Mobext, Oxigen wallet and an earlier stint at Tyroo, Sumit has consistently demonstrated a strong track record in sales, business strategy, and team leadership.

Kumar will be based in Bangalore and focus on driving Tyroo|CJ growth across key global markets.

Soeaking on his appointment, he said, “Joining Tyroo|CJ is a thrilling opportunity to contribute to a company and a partnership that is spearheading the performance and affiliate marketing in APAC,” said Sumit Kumar. “I am eager to drive the success of the Tyroo|CJ partnership by focusing on expanding our market presence, optimizing our product offerings, and delivering exceptional client experiences on a global scale.”

He continued, “Our mission is to generate substantial revenue growth by penetrating new markets, strengthening our collaboration with CJ, and ensuring that our clients in the US, UK, and EU fully benefit from our APAC capabilities. I look forward to leading these efforts and contributing to Tyroo|CJ continued success.”

Meanwhile, Siddharth Puri, CEO of Tyroo, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Sumit to Tyroo|CJ as our director of global Growth Programs. As more global brands look to expand their presence in the APAC region, they often face the challenge of needing local expertise and support to truly succeed.” 

He added, “Our partnership with CJ is designed to bridge that gap, offering brands the regional insights they need. With Sumit on board, we’re further strengthening this commitment. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as we help these brands navigate and thrive in APAC, while also expanding our own global footprint.”

Singapore – Global communications firm Edelman has announced that Yuliani Setiadi, most recently the head of digital for Hong Kong and Taiwan, will be relocating to Singapore as she takes on the new role of head of digital for Southeast Asia. 

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Setiadi details how her primary responsibility will be to lead Edelman’s digital strategy for client solutions across Southeast Asia, ensuring that their approach not only aligns with the fast-paced evolution of the market but also places trust at the core of everything the organisation does.

“I will be focusing on integrating digital innovation with Edelman’s deep commitment to building trust between brands and their audiences. This means driving data-driven strategies that respect privacy, creating Active Social content that resonates authentically, and fostering transparent communication that builds long-term relationships. By anchoring our work in trust, we can drive not just engagement but meaningful action and sustained growth for our clients,” she said.

Setiadi continues to report to Jamshed Wadia, vice chair of digital for Edelman Asia Pacific.

“Yuliani’s ability to integrate trust into every aspect of her work is what sets her apart,” comments Wadia. “She brings a well-rounded perspective, with deep experience not only in digital but also in integrated marketing across a wide range of industries—from CPG, retail, and automotive to B2B and healthcare. Her creative and human-centric approach, combined with her extensive regional expertise, will be crucial as we continue to scale our digital capabilities in Southeast Asia.”

What is up for priority at new Edelman role

For Setiadi, her new role priority is strategies that combine creativity with trust-building, adding that in the digital space, it’s not just about reaching audiences but about connecting with them in genuine and impactful ways.

“I plan to focus on developing digital strategies that are transparent, data-driven, and rooted in a deep understanding of human behaviour. By prioritising trust, we can create digital experiences that not only capture attention but also inspire loyalty and advocacy,” she said.

She also added that she want to explore how the industry can use emerging technologies, like AI and immersive experiences, in ways that enhance trust by providing value and transparency to consumers.

Over the course of an extensive 18-year career in brand planning, digital and integrated marketing, Setiadi has worked in both Asia and the Netherlands. Prior to joining Edelman in 2022, she held various leadership roles at Ogilvy that saw her lead significant client relationships and expand the agency’s digital offerings in both Indonesia and Hong Kong.

In her previous role as head of digital for Edelman in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Setiadi demonstrated a strong commitment to merging creativity with data-driven insights, while building impactful relationships between brands and their audiences. In SEA, she plans to prioritise a holistic approach to digital transformation, ensuring that digital strategies continue to elevate the level of trust an organisation holds amongst its consumers.

“My time at Ogilvy taught me the importance of adaptability and innovation. In today’s digital landscape, standing still is not an option. I learned that the best strategies are those that are flexible and can pivot quickly in response to new trends or unexpected challenges,” she said.

Setiadi added, “Additionally, I’ve seen firsthand the power of integrated thinking—where digital isn’t just a channel but a core component of an overall strategy that includes PR, branding, and customer experience. I’m bringing with me a deep appreciation for collaboration across disciplines and a strong belief in the power of creativity to solve even the most complex business challenges.”

How Edelman will ride the future of digital experiences 

One of the challenges that Setiadi notes on the status quo of digital experiences in Southeast Asia is how there are varying levels of digital maturity across markets, meaning strategies must be tailored rather than one-size-fits-all. This is despite Southeast Asia being a region of incredible diversity which poses a great opportunity for growth of digital experiences.

“However, this diversity also offers a unique opportunity to experiment and innovate, as consumer behaviours and digital adoption rates differ widely. The rapid growth of e-commerce and mobile-first behaviours is another key area where brands can create more personalised and impactful digital experiences. Additionally, as data privacy becomes a growing concern globally, there’s an opportunity for brands in Southeast Asia to lead by building trust through transparent and ethical data practices,” she said.

Speaking of trends this year, she says that there will be a stronger focus on hyper-personalisation, where brands use data to create tailored experiences that resonate on an individual level. Moreover, there will also be continued growth in adopting AI and machine learning, particularly in automating and optimising digital campaigns. Lastly, there will also be a rise of immersive technologies, such as AR and VR, which will transform how brands engage with consumers.

“Edelman will expand and improve by investing in these areas, ensuring that our teams are proficient in the latest technologies and understand how to apply them creatively. We’ll also continue to emphasise the importance of trust in the digital space, helping our clients navigate challenges like data privacy and misinformation. By staying ahead of these trends and focusing on delivering impactful, trustworthy digital experiences, we’ll ensure that Edelman remains a leader in the industry,” she concluded.