Tag: Leadership

United States – After her longtime service for the video platform YouTube, Susan Wojcicki announces that she will step down from her role as its chief executive officer. Assuming the role in 2014, Wojcicki helped the platform to play its role for creators and video consumers worldwide.

Wojcicki has been working with Google for 25 years, being one of the first employees who took marketing roles, co-created Google Image Search, and led Google’s first Video and Book search, amongst others. She also served as senior vice president of Adwords and AdSense.

In a personal note posted on YouTube’s official blog, Wojcicki said that she’s stepping down from her position to prioritise her family, health, and personal projects. However, upon leaving YouTube, she will take advisory roles for Google and its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc.

Wojcicki will be replaced by Neal Mohan, who was appointed as YouTube’s chief product officer in 2015. Mohan has worked with Wojcicki for 15 years, and helped in launching some of their biggest products, including YouTube TV, YouTube Music and Premium and Shorts.

Wojcicki said that she will support Mohan in the transition period by working with some YouTube teams, coaching team members and meeting with creators.

“I’ll still be around, so I’ll have a chance to thank the thousands of people from all across the company and the world who I’ve worked with and learned from,” she added.

Manila, Philippines – Commercial banking company UnionBank has announced appointments for its thrift bank subsidiary CitySavings and digital bank subsidiary UnionDigital respectively. They include Ana Aboitiz Delgado as the new chairperson of CitySavings and Henry R. Aguda as the CEO and president of UnionDigital.

Delgado is concurrently serving as the senior executive vice president, chief customer experience officer and chief digital channels officer at UnionBank. 

She took strides in growing UnionBank’s digital customer base via its UB Online mobile app and was the force behind the transformation and redesign of its branches, which elevated the customer experience in physical premises. Additionally, she played a key role in the signing of the game-changing acquisition between Citibank N.A. and UnionBank.

Meanwhile, Aguda was instrumental in the trailblazing digital transformation of UnionBank as its chief technology and transformation officer. Under his term as chairman, CitySavings expanded its reach in the mass and underserved markets by accelerating the approval of teacher and motorcycle loans through the use of data science credit-scoring and acquisition models. 

Aside from Delgado, Lorenzo T. Ocampo was also appointed as vice chairman and CEO of CitySavings, while Manuel G. Santiago Jr. assumed the position of president and chief operating officer of the thrift bank.

“These leadership appointments are key to taking both CitySavings and UnionDigital to the next level of digitally-driven growth and scale, towards our aspiration to be a Great Retail Bank,” UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista said.

The new appointments build on UnionBank’s continuing growth in the Philippine retail banking sector, following its acquisition of Citi’s consumer banking business in the country. In an exclusive The Inner State interview with Albert Cuadrante, Union Bank of the Philippines’ chief marketing officer, he shared that the acquisition helped them to grow their banking offering.

“The clear synergies that this acquisition presents us with opportunities to come out with even better products and further elevate our level of service to customers,” noted Cuadrante.

Singapore – Global communications firm WE Communications has appointed Troy Lee as its senior director and head of sectors and Ayden Ong as its director and head of digital, experience, and Technology (DXT), and strategy.

The appointments are targeted at enhancing the firm’s Singapore leadership team, delivering value to clients, and steering the next phase of growth for the agency while strengthening its strategic integrated communications offerings.

In the new role, Lee brings with him over two decades of experience in strategic communications, reputation management, C-suite positioning, and crisis management. He is also a seasoned practitioner with experience in crisis and issues management at Temasek.

He will also play a lead role on the Singapore Tourism Board account and will provide senior counsel for WE Communications’ clients such as Capgemini, Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell, and Adobe.

Meanwhile, Ong was elevated from being the firm’s Associate Director of DXT. He has been with WE Communications for over two years and has played a key role in developing and growing its DXT team.

Ong will also lead the Singapore team’s integrated marketing, digital, and data capabilities for the agency’s clients, including its predictive data intelligence, content, creative, social, digital marketing and production teams. 

“His ability to blend communications, digital platforms, data, creative and strategy together, has made him an invaluable partner to clients and brands that are transforming the way they communicate,” said Daryl Ho, managing director at WE Singapore.

Ho also added that Lee and Ong have extensive experience and diverse knowledge and believes that the two will be great leaders to the teams and incredibly valuable partners to their clients.

“Our industry has been in an extended transformative season, pre, during and post-COVID. The ability to make communications and marketing valuable again is truly a mix of art and science. It is no longer just about great storytelling, but how you blend the science in data and utilize technology to be extremely agile and efficient in building a brand,” he added.

Recently, WE Communications has also announced two new regional executive promotions for its APAC and EMEA businesses.

Hong Kong – GroupM’s agency EssenceMediacom has announced new appointments for its Hong Kong office, namely Silas Ho as managing director and Anthony Lau as managing partner. Ho was previously the head of digital for the agency, while Lau formerly held the position of head of strategy at Mediacom HK.

Reporting to both EssenceMediacom APAC CEO Rupert McPetrie and GroupM Hong Kong CEO Alice Chow, Ho will draw the roadmap for the new agency in the market. Ho began his career as an integrated planner, and evolved into a digital specialist in data, digital technology and performance marketing.

Speaking on his appointment, he said, “It is my honour to lead the EssenceMediacom Hong Kong office and serve the employees. It is time to change the way we see and handle advertising and marketing, as the way to effective communications is evolving rapidly every day.” 

He added, “We aim to help marketers build a comprehensive data ecosystem to facilitate business decisions and communicate more effectively with their audiences. Also leveraging Essence’s industry-leading know-how, the leadership team and I are committed to bringing breakthrough thinking and services to our clients with a data and analytics-led approach.”

Meanwhile Lau will report to Ho and will focus on formulating EssenceMediacom’s business development strategy, while continuing to oversee its strategic output in Hong Kong. With over 10 years of experience at creative and media agencies, Lau will be working with Ho to strengthen EssenceMediacom’s data and analytics offering to clients in the area of strategic application.

Speaking on his new role, Lau said, “Building EssenceMediacom is by far the most exciting project I have ever been involved in. While we are part of a global media agency, in Hong Kong, we also represent a brand new agency concept that is for and by digital natives. We strive for breakthrough thinking not bound by conventional marketing mindsets or planning philosophies to deliver business growth for our clients.” 

He added, “To achieve this, our people-first mentality has never been so important. We are committed to empowering our employees to shape the agency for the next generation, creating a platform for them to learn, flourish and be inspired.”

EssenceMediacom APAC CEO Rupert McPetrie said, “Congratulations to both Silas and Anthony on their richly deserved promotions. At EssenceMediacom, our people are the heart of our breakthrough mission, and we are committed to building an agency that supports employees and creates opportunity for all. Our culture of continuous learning means our people are always growing and pushing the boundaries of what is possible for our clients.” 

He added, “With such strong homegrown talent and capabilities, I am confident that EssenceMediacom Hong Kong will create and deliver the marketing breakthroughs that brands need to grow and succeed, and set a transformative pace in the industry.”

Lastly, GroupM Hong Kong CEO Alice Chow, commented, “Silas and Anthony are two of the brightest stars in GroupM. They epitomise how modern agency leadership should be – hungry for new ideas with an eagerness to achieve the impossible with their respective expertise. Their ability to uncover opportunities not seen by many will enable them to elevate EssenceMediacom to a totally new stage.”

Hong Kong – Global brand and design consultancy Landor & Fitch has named Teemu Suviala as its new chief creative officer. Suviala was most recently the global head of brand design at Meta’s Reality Labs.

In his new role, he will take responsibility for Landor & Fitch’s award-winning creative teams in studios across more than 20 countries worldwide, working with clients such as Apple, Netflix, Coca-Cola, LEGO and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Reporting to Jane Geraghty, global CEO at Landor & Fitch, Suviala will lead the continued expansion and evolution of the company’s design offer, with a particular focus on integrating new technologies.

During his previous stint at Meta, he and his team worked closely on the company’s high-profile rebrand from Facebook, including the naming, branding and visual identity. Alongside this, Suviala led the expansive brand design work in bringing Meta’s metaverse concepts to the fore across breakthrough technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. 

He is an entrepreneur and adventurous designer, bringing over 25 years of creative and management experience. An impressive portfolio includes creatives for clients including Amnesty International, Google, Spotify and Uniqlo.

Speaking on his new role, Suviala said, “An incredible set of clients. Award-winning work. Stubbornly future-forward thinking. Landor & Fitch holds huge appeal to a creative mind, and the opportunity for growth is unlimited. But it was the culture here that spoke to me most – a singular vision and commitment to working as one to deliver the extraordinary and make a positive difference.”

He added, “I’m excited to join a culture that not only obsesses about creativity and innovation to achieve success but aspires to reach it together. I’m keen to explore how we can be at the forefront of the Imagination Age with new technologies such as A.I. and by blurring the lines between our physical and virtual worlds to create the better, bolder brand experiences which appeal to the consumers, clients, and stakeholders of today and tomorrow.” 

Geraghty said, “I am delighted that Teemu is joining our team. He’s an exceptional designer with a long track record of delivering transformative work and a compassionate leader with a truly global view. The breadth of his experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand and evolve our offer to meet the needs of our ambitious clients. With our recent rapid growth and influx of new talent, Teemu’s passion for nurturing creative cultures makes him the perfect creative leader for us.”

Rob Reilly, global chief creative officer at WPP, said: “It’s hard to find a global talent with as long a track record of creative excellence as Teemu. But what impresses me most about him is his commitment to bringing greater diversity to the design industry. We can’t wait to see the impact he has on our people and clients.” 

Singapore – Global digital payments company Visa has made two senior leadership changes for its Asia-Pacific operations, with Chris Clark being promoted from regional president to chairman of APAC and Stephen Karpin being appointed as his successor as regional president of APAC. 

As its new chairman, Clark will support Visa’s regional and global initiatives, including strategic engagements with government and industry stakeholders, driving Visa’s market expansion strategy, and resuming his role as a non-executive director of the Visa Europe Board.

Clark also shared his excitement over taking on the new role.

“Over the last ten years as Regional President for Visa Asia Pacific, I have been committed to expanding the reach of electronic payments and growing our business by forging strong client and partner relationships, driving digital innovation in the regional payments ecosystem and building new partnerships with established and start-up fintechs, all supported by an amazing team of great payments professionals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Karpin will be responsible for Visa’s full business operations, client management, and go-to-market plans for the region and will be based in Visa’s Regional Headquarters in Singapore.

Karpin will also be bringing with him his extensive experience in the payments industry and knowledge of Asia Pacific markets.

“In addition to his expansive business aptitude, Chris is known for his deep commitment to our clients and teams across our markets. I look forward to following the path he has set, continuing to work closely with our clients and partners, expanding our relationships and ensuring that Visa Asia Pacific remains among the best places to work and achieve,” said Karpin.

Both appointments will be effective on April 1 this year.

Last September, Visa also appointed Jeff Navarro as its country manager for the Philippines and Guam.

Sydney, Australia – Creative agency M&C Saatchi has announced the appointment of its Australia Group CEO Justin Graham as its first global head of advertising network. The announcement is part of its Moving Forward transformation program to be presented at the Capital Markets Day today, 8 February.

In the newly created role, Graham will be responsible for defining and leading a unified global advertising proposition for M&C Saatchi and building its core capabilities within key regional hubs as well as helping drive the global client base.

He will also be working closely with Moray MacLennan, CEO of M&C Saatchi PLC and Chief Growth Officer of M&C Saatchi Group Wendy Dixon.

Speaking about his new role, Graham said, “Leading a world-famous creative brand into its next exciting chapter of growth is an incredible opportunity. It’s never been a more interesting time to look at the role that technology, storytelling, and creativity can play in driving meaningful change for brands and society.”

MacLennan also commented that Graham’s focus will be on delivering the agency’s ambition of creating a ‘frictionless’ global advertising network.

“Agile. Seamless. Borderless. Justin has been at the forefront of creating not only Australia’s leading creative agency, but one of the leading agencies in the world. His focus will now be on delivering on our ambition,” he said.

Last November, M&C Saatchi also appointed Michael McEwan as its CEO for AUNZ market.

Malaysia – The global head of marketing of Malaysia Airlines, Waikuan Wong, will now have a more dedicated focus on the airline’s flagship airline business. Wong takes in a new role with the official position, Head of Airlines Global Marketing. The announcement was made via a LinkedIn post by Wong.

In the new role, she will be responsible for the direct channel commercial and overall marketing for Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Maswings of Malaysia Aviation Group’s businesses. 

Wong was previously the airline’s global head of marketing, where she handled its branding, strategic partnership, and overall digital commercial and revenue performance, amongst others.

Prior to joining Malaysia Airlines, Wong was also the senior vice president of group marketing at the leisure, travel and tourism company Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd. She also held the assistant VP of branding role at Maybank for about three years.

Wong will also be speaking at MARKETECH APAC’s upcoming ‘What’s NEXT 2023: Marketing in Asia Pacific’ conference, where she will be discussing about how CMOs build a ‘dream team’.

Sydney, Australia – Sydney-headquartered digital agency Orange Line has appointed Adam Donnelley as its new head of strategy, where he will be leading the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for the agency’s portfolio of clients across various industries.

In the new role, Donnelley will be leveraging his expertise in customer insights, CX, digital transformation, and business strategy.

Prior to joining Orange Line, Donnelley was senior director of client strategy and innovation at IT company Capgemini. He has also worked at leading digital consultancies and agencies in Australia and the US including RXP Group, DDB Sydney, and MRM/McCann.

Speaking on his appointment at the agency, Donnelley said, “Orange Line have had great success fusing digital, performance and creativity – a combination clients need more than ever. The real business impact they have is testament to the depth of capability, rigour and culture they have nurtured.”

David Klein, co-founder and director at Orange Line also shared his excitement over Donnelley’s appointment.

“We are delighted that someone with Adam’s extensive experience and reputation is joining Orange Line as we continue to evolve the business to meet the needs of our clients. His insights will be invaluable to ensure we are delivering the best digital strategic consultancy for our clients,” he said.

The consultancy-led agency also works with leading brands including AWS, Atlassian, Blue Nile, Roche, and Noom on SEO, paid media, conversion rate optimisation, creative, data and intelligence.

Mumbai, India – Advertising agency TBWA in India has appointed Russell Barrett as its chief creative experience officer to further the agency’s commitment to delivering disruptive brand experience solutions for its clients.

In the newly created role, Barrett will be setting the creative vision and delivering TBWA\India’s total brand experience approach to the agency’s portfolio of clients. He will likewise be working closely with the agency’s key management team in India and its global creative leadership to drive the global ambition for TBWA’s creative product.

Prior to joining TBWA, Barrett was managing partner and chief creative officer at ad agency BBH India. He also has 27 years of experience working with brands like Abbott, Google Chrome, Red Bull, Audi, and Uber, amongst others.

On his new appointment, Barrett said, “TBWA is a brilliant brand globally with a sharply defined culture of creativity and innovation. The opportunity to create brand experiences rather than just another campaign speaks directly to my own creative ambitions. Through conversations with the TBWA leadership, it is clear we’re chasing the same goals.”

Govind Pandey, chief executive officer at TBWA\India, also commented that Barrett will be helping elevate the agency’s disruptive creative thinking that its clients demand.

“His depth of experience and varied skill set will sharpen our creative thinking and deliver ongoing value across the entire brand experience for our clients,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sean Donovan, president of TBWA\Asia, also said, “With Russell on board, we will be accelerating our collective mission to provide category-defining solutions that defy convention while delivering meaningful business impact.”

Ben Williams, chief creative experience officer at TBWA\Worldwide, also shared his excitement over Barrett’s appointment. 

“A changed world requires a changed approach to creative work. With Russell joining the\ collective, I look forward to seeing him bring his unique perspective and experience to the table in crafting disruptive work with brand experience at its core.”

Previously, TBWA\India has also appointed Amit Kekre as its CSO to elevate its strategic approach across its planning department.