Tag: Leadership

India – Madison Media Plus, part of Madison World, has named Saumya Agarwal as its new vice president, strengthening its leadership team amid continued business growth.

With over 18 years of experience in integrated marketing communications, Agarwal has held leadership roles at major industry names including GroupM, Dentsu, and Publicis Groupe. He has worked with marquee brands such as Nykaa, HUL, Jaguar Land Rover, ICICI Group, HDFC Bank, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, Allied Blenders, and Spotify.

Prior to joining Madison Media, Agarwal served as assistant vice president at Starcom.

In his new role, he brings a strong passion for new business initiatives, nurturing talent, and crafting purpose-driven narratives, alongside his extensive brand-building expertise.

Sharing his excitement, Agarwal said, “I’m excited to join Madison Media Plus at such a dynamic time of growth and transformation. The energy of the team is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to our clients.”

Agarwal will report to Mimi Deb, COO of Madison Media Plus.

Deb shared, “As our client portfolio continues to expand and brand needs evolve, we are realigning our team structure to stay agile, strategic, and future-ready. Saumya’s addition to the leadership team marks a significant step in this direction, strengthening our capabilities to deliver impactful solutions and drive sustained business growth.”

Australia – Nine has announced a major strategic realignment of its streaming and broadcast division, revealing a new leadership structure and operational framework aimed at driving growth, accelerating innovation, and strengthening its market position across free-to-air and subscription platforms.

The announcement, made by Amanda Laing, Nine’s Managing Director of Streaming and Broadcast, is part of the broader Nine2028 transformation program and follows the introduction of the company’s new Group Operating Model and the formal creation of the Streaming and Broadcast Division earlier this year.

Set to take effect from 1 July 2025, the restructure introduces a series of new senior roles overseeing key areas across Channel 9, 9Now, and Stan — marking the first time these brands will be managed under a unified leadership team.

Key appointments include:

  • Michael Healy, Executive Director – Entertainment: With four decades of experience in content creation, Healy will now oversee entertainment across both free and subscription services. His extensive understanding of Australian audiences and local storytelling will be central to programming strategies across all platforms.
  • Cailah Scobie, Executive Director – Entertainment Content Acquisitions: Scobie brings a strong background in both free-to-air and paid media, known for her negotiation skills and ability to secure high-performing content that drives both advertising and subscriber growth.
  • Fiona Dear, Executive Director – News & Current Affairs: Dear continues her leadership of Nine’s news and current affairs division, tasked with further transforming 9News and ensuring strong editorial performance across all broadcast and digital channels.
  • Brent Williams, Head of Sport Production: Sport remains a major investment pillar for Nine, and Williams will unify the production capabilities of Wide World of Sports and Stan Sport to optimise output and resources. Amanda Laing will also lead strategic initiatives across the wider sports business, focused on rights, advertising, and partnership growth.

Two additional executive roles are being created to support the division’s commercial and brand strategies:

  • Chief Strategy Officer – Streaming and Broadcast: Recruitment is underway for this new role, which will support strategic planning and execution across Nine’s suite of products.
  • Chief Marketing Officer – Streaming and Broadcast: A new marketing leader will be appointed to coordinate brand strategies across platforms and enhance audience engagement.

In a further shift, Nine’s State Managing Directors — Kylie Blucher (QLD), Clive Bingwa (WA), and Sean O’Brien (SA) — will now report directly to Amanda Laing. This realignment aims to support market-specific growth across Nine’s streaming and broadcast businesses in those regions.

Profit and loss accountability has also been redefined, with three executives overseeing the group’s core platforms:

  • Hamish Turner, Executive Director – Channel 9, 9 multi-channels and 9Now: Turner assumes financial and strategic responsibility for Nine’s free TV and streaming services.
  • Dan Taylor, Executive Director – Stan: Taylor continues to lead Stan, a key growth asset for the group, with full P&L accountability.
  • Tom Malone, Managing Director – Radio: Radio operations remain under Malone’s leadership, contributing revenue and EBITDA to the broader Nine Group.

Commenting on the changes, Laing said: “There is immense opportunity to drive growth for the Nine Group, and we are already building strong momentum. While our streaming and broadcast brands have each performed well independently, our greatest strength lies in how we bring them together under the power of the Nine Group.

“These changes are the first step in unlocking that potential. We’re fortunate to have some of the industry’s most talented leaders, and I’m excited to harness their experience as we move into this next phase.”

The new structure is designed to streamline decision-making, promote synergy across platforms, and align Nine’s strategic and operational efforts more closely with evolving audience and advertiser needs.

Australia – Droga5 ANZ, part of Accenture Song, continues to build on its regional creative leadership, today announcing the elevation of creative directors Christie Cooper and James Conner to executive creative directors, effective immediately. Under the direction of co-chief creative officers Barbara Humphries and Damon Stapleton, the agency is also promoting four additional creative leaders to strengthen its ANZ creative department. 

Cooper and Conner were part of the team behind the recent Benee Bagels campaign for ASB, with their work influencing legislation, been cited in academic research, and made a lasting mark on culture.

Over nearly 20 years working together – across DDB, Colenso, The Monkeys, and now Droga5 ANZ – Cooper and Conner have helped shape campaigns for some of New Zealand’s biggest brands, including ASB, Meridian, Asahi, Lion, SKY TV, Westpac, Volkswagen, McDonald’s, Pink Batts, BNZ, Burger King, and Cadbury. They’ve also worked on campaigns like Steinlager’s Deep Dive, BMW’s Reverse April Fools, Paw Justice: Animal Strike, and Don’t Trademe.

In further appointments, associate creative directors Lennie Galloway, Thomas Gledhill, Max Rapley and Danny Pattison, have been promoted to creative directors – reinforcing Droga5’s commitment to nurturing talent and delivering world-class creativity across the region.

Creative duo Galloway and Gledhill were instrumental in delivering ‘We Go There’, the provocative brand relaunch for SBS, and since joining Droga5 in 2024, the pair have delivered standout campaigns for high profile clients including Meat & Livestock Australia. Before Droga5, they spent four years at Goodby Silverstein & Partners in the U.S., working on Cheetos, Lay’s, and Autodesk, and were named Rising Stars of Madison Avenue.

Pattison and Rapley each bring over a decade of experience working with leading brands. Both have led purpose-driven campaigns for NRMA Insurance, Telstra, MLA, Crown Resorts, UNICEF, and Uluru Dialogue – and played key roles in Droga5’s recent pitch wins; Tourism Australia and Optus.

The newly appointed executive creative directors and creative directors will work alongside Hugh Gurney and Joe Sibley–both promoted to ECDs in December 2024–to continue pushing creative boundaries and delivering bold, innovative work for clients across the ANZ region.

James Conner, Executive Creative Director, Droga5, ANZ said, “We’re honoured to be stepping up as Executive Creative Directors, and excited to support Damon, Barb and CEO Matt Michael in building Droga5’s trans-Tasman creative department, helping shape bold, impactful work across both New Zealand and Australia.”

Meanwhile, Christie Cooper, Executive Creative Director, Droga5, ANZ, commented, “We’re excited about the opportunity to work as the creative leads on an impressive portfolio of clients across the ANZ region and we feel really lucky to be a part of such a strong creative team.”  

Barbara Humphries, Co-Chief Creative Officer, Droga5 ANZ, stated, “These promotions recognise the incredible talent we have in the business and the lasting impact each of them has made. Having worked closely with them, I know they’ll bring even more creative firepower to our clients across Australia and New Zealand.”

Lastly, Damon Stapleton, Co-Chief Creative Officer, Droga5 ANZ, said, “Reshaping the senior creative team puts our borderless creative model into action. With this team in place, we’re set to deliver outsized ideas for ambitious brands across the Tasman.”

Singapore – Global marketing insights consultancy Human8 has announced three strategic appointments in the Asia-Pacific region. These new hires bring a wealth of experience and expertise to further accelerate Human8’s mission to help brands get ahead of the game through deep human insights.

Sharanya Sitaraman joins as APAC head of qualitative and culture, bringing over 25 years of experience in deep qualitative research, cultural insight, and strategic storytelling. Formerly Managing Partner at Quantum, Sharanya led the APAC business and built a strong regional practice. She is passionate about translating deep human insight into actionable business advice and is particularly excited about Human8’s innovative approach to scaling qualitative research. 

“Human8 has an exciting blend of wide reach and a boutique feel, which makes the firm a great client partner and employer,” said Sharanya. “I’m especially looking forward to contributing to our evolving approach to qualitative research at scale – leveraging technology to unlock deeper meaning in consumer-generated data while staying true to the richness of human insight.”

Meanwhile, Jason Spencer steps in as head of China, bringing with him 25 years of experience across Greater China. Having led the Shanghai business at Millward Brown/Kantar during a period of rapid growth, Jason is known for his ability to blend leadership with hands-on delivery of quality insights. He is passionate about helping clients move beyond surface-level data to uncover rich human stories and translate them into actionable strategies. 

“What drew me to Human8 is the authentic focus on incredibly talented colleagues working at the intersection of AI and human intelligence,” said Jason. “I’m excited to help clients build insight programs that are always-on, deeply human, and designed to drive real business impact.”

Lastly, Colin Wong joins as APAC customer success director, bringing a strong track record in driving client-centric strategies across the region. He previously held senior roles at Dynata and Toluna, and also contributes in a part-time capacity to The Research Society, the professional association for the market research and insights industry in Australia. With a passion for blending technology and human insight, Colin is focused on amplifying the power of online communities through AI-powered tools. 

“In a world where brands often trade nuance for speed, I believe we don’t have to choose,” said Colin. “At Human8, I’m excited to harness AI to humanise insights at scale – transforming unstructured community conversations into strategies that truly resonate.”

Meanwhile, Maz Amirahmadi, managing director for APAC at Human8, commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome Sharanya, Jason, and Colin to the Human8 APAC team. Their combined expertise in qualitative research, cultural insight, and client success will be instrumental in driving our growth and innovation across APAC. These appointments reflect our commitment to investing in top talent to better serve our clients and unlock deeper human understanding.”

With these strategic hires, Human8 continues to expand its footprint in APAC, reinforcing its position as a leading consultancy that empowers brands to act on what matters to people.

Creating brand impact in Indonesia isn’t just about being bold—it’s about being in sync. Sync with shifting cultural signals, digital behaviours, and the pace at which new expectations emerge.

Cheil Indonesia operates at this intersection. With an integrated model built on data, creativity, and technology, the agency delivers connected brand experiences that are not only agile and relevant but also measurably effective. Grounded in local nuance and backed by a global network, Cheil Indonesia is redefining how brands stay culturally sharp and future-ready.

In this edition of Agency Leadership Decoded, MARKETECH APAC sat down with Joo Hwan Kim, CEO of Cheil Indonesia, to uncover how he’s guiding the agency through a digitally driven era—fuelling Gen-Z-led innovation, embracing AI-powered marketing, and championing a culture where purpose and performance go hand in hand.

A culture built on creativity, collaboration, and purpose

Transitioning into the Indonesian market after more than a decade in India, Kim knew that leading effectively would mean blending Cheil’s global mission with local sensitivity.

“My leadership philosophy revolves around cultivating a culture where creativity, collaboration, and purpose thrive. In a market as dynamic as Indonesia, balancing freedom and flexibility with a cohesive, shared vision is vital,” Kim said. 

At Cheil Indonesia, that shared vision is reflected in its integrated model—where data, creative, and technology teams work together from start to finish. “This structure empowers the team to stay ahead of trends, adapt to challenges, and deliver measurable value that resonates deeply with both clients and consumers,” he added. 

For Kim, that synergy is the engine behind effective storytelling and performance. 

“Data uncovers insights into consumer behaviour and market trends… Creativity transforms these insights into engaging narratives, while technology enables seamless execution and delivers measurable results,” he explained.

Kim highlighted that this synergy runs through every stage of the agency’s workflow—from initial strategy to final execution—enabling them “to design brand experiences that not only meet but consistently exceed client expectations, driving meaningful and measurable outcomes.”

“Ultimately, our vision is to position Cheil Indonesia as the leading integrated, data-driven performance agency, recognised for its unmatched ability to deliver impactful engagement,” he said. 

Fuelling Gen-Z creativity and culture from within

A distinct hallmark of Cheil Indonesia is its Gen-Z-driven energy, something Kim sees as key to the agency’s agility and relevance.

“It fosters bold thinking, inclusivity, and a willingness to challenge traditional norms, driving us to create ideas and campaigns that resonate with today’s hyper-personalised audiences,” Kim shared. 

“This mindset energises every aspect of our work, from brainstorming innovative concepts to executing campaigns that connect meaningfully with diverse consumer groups,” he added. 

Internally, Kim shared that the agency has built a culture where collaboration and experimentation thrive. “We actively promote Employee Generated Content (EGC). By empowering employees as authentic brand ambassadors, we not only showcase our culture and values but also enhance our connection with clients and consumers alike.”

By encouraging participation across all levels, Cheil ensures its teams are attuned to the trends shaping Indonesia’s ever-evolving marketing landscape—especially those influenced by younger, digital-native audiences.

Local-first, globally inspired

As a representative agency for Korean brands and culture, Cheil Indonesia is uniquely positioned to tap into the country’s K-culture wave—but Kim underscores that cultural relevance is always a local game.

“Our ideal strategy is ‘glocalization’—thinking globally but acting locally. By combining the best cases from our global network with deep local insights, we create campaigns that are innovative, culturally relevant, and resonate with the unique dynamics of the Indonesian market,” he explained. 

This is especially critical when navigating the behaviours of Gen Z, who, as Kim puts it, “change at nano speed.” Balancing global best practices with a culturally sensitive lens is how Cheil creates lasting impact in an increasingly crowded space.

Harnessing AI for personalisation—without losing the human touch

AI and automation are reshaping how marketers operate—and Cheil Indonesia is embracing these tools to deliver smarter campaigns.

“These tools enable brands to connect with the right audience at the right time, delivering tailored messages and offers that align precisely with consumer intent,” said Kim.

However, he’s quick to stress that technology alone isn’t enough. “While AI is a powerful enabler, creativity remains irreplaceable. Authentic connections require a human touch—an emotional resonance that only human creativity can achieve.”

Kim shared that Cheil Indonesia uses generative AI for ideation, client presentations, and data-driven strategy development. The agency also encourages team members to gain certifications in Gen AI to build long-term capability. 

“These innovations align perfectly with our mission of creating connected experiences that matter, ensuring that we deliver impactful and meaningful interactions,” Kim added. 

Adaptability as a leadership cornerstone

For Kim, one of the defining lessons of his transition to Indonesia has been the power of shared vision and adaptability.

“Indonesia’s vibrant, diverse market has taught me to appreciate the nuances of cultural differences while staying anchored in Cheil’s global values,” he reflected. 

That outlook drives his leadership approach: “We encourage collaboration across teams and invest in continuous learning, believing that creativity is nurtured, not innate. I always urge our people to embrace unfamiliarity and actively seek diverse experiences.”

Above all, Kim believes that staying curious and agile is key.

“The marketing world is ever-changing, and staying static is not an option. This is why I emphasise the importance of staying curious, taking calculated risks, and learning from both successes and failures.”

As Cheil Indonesia continues to grow, that commitment to learning, adaptability, and human-led creativity will be what sets it apart.

“Cheil Indonesia thrives on this culture of agility and openness, which drives us to create impactful, connected experiences that matter,” he concluded.

London, United Kingdom – M+C Saatchi Group has appointed Karen Boswell as its new global CEO of digital experience, performance & consulting, as the agency continues to sharpen its focus on data, AI, and marketing technology. Boswell will join the company in July 2025, taking charge of its media and consulting operations, as well as its growing Intelligence unit.

In her new role, Boswell will oversee the strategic direction of digital experience, digital media, consulting, data, and technology initiatives. She will also be part of the Group’s executive leadership team, managing profit and loss across media and consulting divisions, and leading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and marketing technology into client solutions.

Boswell brings a strong background in customer experience and brand transformation. Most recently, she served as global chief experience transformation officer at VML, working with clients including Boots UK & Ireland, Ford EU, and PwC Global. Her previous roles include chief experience officer for EMEA at VML, managing director of The Pharm (WPP’s dedicated agency for Boots), and head of innovation at adam&eveDDB. She has also held senior roles at AKQA and LBi and is a qualified executive coach.

“Karen is a truly client-centric leader, with a deep understanding of how to combine data, creativity, and technology to drive transformative growth,” said Zaid Al-Qassab, CEO of M+C Saatchi Group. “Her appointment is a powerful step forward in realising our ambition to keep our clients at the cutting edge of marketing innovation.”

Commenting on her new role, Boswell said, “Growth today requires more than great marketing – it demands cultural intelligence, sharp technology and brave creativity. That’s what M+C Saatchi is built for. I’m energised to shape the next wave of transformation with our clients and teams.”

In addition to Boswell’s appointment, the agency confirmed that Rhonda Hiatt will step into the role of CEO of M+C Saatchi Consulting on a permanent basis, after serving in the position on an interim basis. Hiatt has played a key role in unifying the firm’s consulting operations and spearheading the launch of new initiatives, including the Cultural Power Index.

Boswell’s appointment follows the recent appointment of Dani Bassil as CEO of M+C Saatchi Group AUNZ, which will take effect in August this year. As part of this move, Justin Graham will step down from his role as CEO of M+C Saatchi Group APAC later this year.

China – IPG Mediabrands has elevated two of its senior leaders to key regional roles, appointing Penny Chow as chief operating officer for Greater China and Jay Lee as executive creative director of MBCS Greater China.

The dual promotion is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen collaboration across its three offices in the Greater China region and support a more integrated craft-led structure.

Chow was most recently managing director of IPG Mediabrands Taiwan and MBCS Hong Kong. With over 20 years of experience in the advertising industry, she joined IPG Mediabrands in 2017 to launch MBCS in Hong Kong, where she led partnerships with brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, and Disney. In 2022, she was appointed to lead the Taiwan office, where she played a key role in growing its client portfolio, which now includes Dyson and American Express.

In her expanded role as COO, Chow will oversee business operations in Hong Kong SAR—including both MBCS and the media team—while continuing to lead the Taiwan office. She will be based in Taiwan and report to Melinda Po, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Greater China.

Lee, previously executive creative director of MBCS Hong Kong, has more than two decades of experience across creative disciplines, having worked on accounts such as Samsung, McDonald’s, Volkswagen, and Hong Kong Airlines. He joined the company in 2017 and has since been known for his data-driven creative approach.

As executive creative director of MBCS Greater China, Lee will lead creative teams across mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan. He will be based in Hong Kong and report to Chow.

“The promotions for Penny and Jay are well-deserved. Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the past – with a grand vision, strategic insight, and relentless pursuit of excellence, not only individually but for the entire group,” Po said. 

“Empowered by Mediabrands’ craft-led model, centered around business leadership, strategy, design, investment, activation, analytics, operations and growth, Penny and Jay joining the Greater China Committee team will build a more unified and integrated organisation to optimise resources and bolster collaboration, driving greater growth for our clients,” she added. 

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.”