Tag: Leadership

Singapore – Christopher Daguimol, most recently the group director and head of corporate communications at ZALORA, has announced his departure from the company after a venture that lasted ten years and seven months.

In a LinkedIn post, Christopher reflected on cultivating the communications department of ZALORA from the ground-up and establishing foundational protocols that continue to shape the group’s strategy.

“ZALORA is deeply significant to me. I’ve dedicated my entire 30s to its growth into a Southeast Asian e-commerce leader. More importantly, I’ve worked with incredibly talented individuals who have shaped the region’s start-up ecosystem. This journey offered unparalleled opportunities for building, learning, and mentoring future communications professionals,” he said.

His tenure at ZALORA was divided into two parts: first serving as the head of brand communications from 2014 to 2019, and then as the head of corporate communications from 2020 up until this year.

During his first stint at ZALORA, he focused on building ZALORA’s brand identity across Southeast Asia. Some of those achievements included implementing measurable KPIs for PR and social teams, as well as launching the ZALORA Influencer Programme in 2019. 

He also conceptualised and executed initiatives celebrating regional fashion and design, such as the ZALORA Style Awards (2015-2018) and Make Me A ZALORA Model (2016-2019).Moreover, he spearheaded media campaigns for ZALORA’s pioneering pop-up stores (2014-2018), bridging their online and offline presence, and consolidated the group’s social media strategy (2018-2019), including the group’s official TikTok launch. 

He also helped run the inaugural ZALORA Fashion Festival in 2019, integrating online and offline for brand partners, generated significant engagement and results, as well as lead ZALORA’s participation in fashion weeks, including Singapore’s first live shoppable runway in 2017.

Meanwhile, his corporate leadership role–which followed their Frankfurt listing–focused on corporate messaging and reputation management. He led the creation of the ZALORA TRENDER Report (2020-2024), a key resource for Southeast Asian fashion retail insights, and the ZALORA Podcast (2021-2022). He also led the company’s employee volunteering program and the 2020 re-launch of ZALORA Values. 

It is worth noting that from 2016-2018, he concurrently served as head of communications for Global Fashion Group under Romain Voog.

“To my remarkable past and present teams across the region: it has been an honor. I leave ZALORA in your capable hands, confident in your continued success. I eagerly anticipate witnessing ZALORA’s future achievements,” he concluded.

His departure follows the recent exit of Aashish Midha from his role as CEO at ZALORA Philippines & Indonesia, as well as Achint Setia from his role as chief revenue and marketing officer at ZALORA.

Singapore – Edelman has added Asia Pacific-based specialists to its global Workplace Advisory team, in response to growing demand for expertise in building and maintaining employer trust in Asia Pacific. The expansion of its workplace communications advisory and solutions offering comes shortly after the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer report found that there is an unprecedented global decline in employer trust. 

The Workplace Advisory specialists operate across geographies to service clients’ requirements across 10 markets in Asia Pacific (Australia, India, Indonesia, Greater China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), embedded within Edelman’s integrated teams to provide full-service communications solutions to clients. 

Jiejun Yan is the Asia Pacific Workplace Advisory lead. She brings two decades of experience as an external and in-house consultant working with C-suite leaders and global organisations in employer brand, transformation, culture and change communications, employee experience and surveys, training and leadership alignment & development. She is completing the executive Masters in Change at INSEAD and is a certified Human Resource professional, change practitioner and executive coach. She is based out of Singapore.

Meanwhile, Meghan Barstow is the president of Edelman Japan and the Asia Pacific Workplace Advisory strategic advisor. She brings decades of experience as a communications strategist with her work spanning across corporate reputation, brand, consumer and employee experience. Meghan has worked with C-suite leaders and global, complex and decentralized organisations to build integrated communication strategies, leveraging new technologies and creative approaches to break through the clutter. She is based out of Tokyo.

Daniel Billimack has come onboard as regional director, Workplace Advisory. He has extensive experience in business transformation, change management, people strategy, employee engagement and culture change. Besides native English, he is fluent in Japanese and has a proven track record working with multinational corporations operating in Japan and beyond. In addition to completing an MBA with a focus on global people strategy, Daniel holds PMP and SHRM-SCP certifications. He is based out of Tokyo.

Cristina Hargrave is regional senior supervisor, Workplace Advisory. She is a certified change practitioner and seasoned employee communications expert who is well-versed in working with CEOs and Communication leaders to effectively communicate with and motivate diverse employees across markets. She is based out of Seoul.

Heng Min Wong brings rich experience in workplace and workforce transformations to his role as regional director, Workplace Advisory. He has a track record of strategic leadership alignment, culture change, operating model redesign and curating workplace relocation strategies across diverse industries in the Asia Pacific region. Heng Min holds a Master’s in Applied Finance, is a PROSCI-certified Change Management Practitioner, and a LUMA-certified Design Thinking Facilitator. He is based out of Singapore.

Rakesh Thukral, Edelman’s CEO for Asia Pacific, said, “The recent Edelman Trust Barometer research shows signs that employer trust is at risk in these challenging times of change. This is further accentuated by the current uncertainties that the companies are facing. Productivity, employee welfare and upskilling have a new sense of urgency.”

He added, “Employee trust is now crucial more than ever as companies navigate through these needs and their employer brand needs to be integrated seamlessly into business conduct and communications strategies. With these specialist hires, we are matching the urgent and evolving needs of our clients in engaging employees as a key stakeholder group.”

Edelman’s Workplace Advisory offering helps organisations with the process of strategic employer trust-building, with specialist expertise covering the areas of employer brand, internal communications, change management and culture & transformation, among others.

Australia – Special has appointed acclaimed creative duo Peter Defries and Alan Wilson as regional group creative directors for Uber and Uber Eats, further strengthening its leadership across the APAC region.

Defries and Wilson bring 14 years of creative partnership to the role, returning to Australia after nearly a decade in New York. During their time in the U.S., they served as executive creative directors at BBH NY, where they led work for the J.M. Smucker Company’s portfolio of FMCG brands, along with major accounts including Walmart and Cadillac.

Their work has been recognised with more than 30 international awards. In 2022, both were named among D&AD’s Top 20 Executive Creative Directors worldwide.

“We’ve been massive fans of Special for some time now. Watching from the other side of the world, we were consistently blown away by the breakthrough work they produced, especially with Uber and Uber Eats. So when the opportunity arose to be part of it, we couldn’t say no,” Wilson shared.

Defries added, “Leaving New York wasn’t a decision we took lightly—it gave us some of the best experiences of our careers. But the chance to come home and join this extremely talented team, pushing creative boundaries at a world-class level right here in our own backyard, was simply too good to pass up.”

Defries and Wilson will join Celia Garforth and Lauren Portelli as part of Special’s leadership team on the Uber account across APAC. Garforth and Portelli have played a key role in growing the agency’s strategic and creative remit with Uber and Uber Eats in the region.

The partnership now spans ANZ, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with all work led from Special’s Sydney office. In 2024, the team’s work was recognised with a Gold Effie for the ‘Get Almost Almost Anything’ campaign in ANZ. Special also operates an on-the-ground team in Tokyo to support the expansion of Uber’s business in Japan.

Tom Martin, partner and CCO at Special Australia, commented, “We’re pumped to have Pete and Alan boomerang back to Australia and back into Special. We’re at our best when we bring together top-tier humans who get what it takes to make great work and do it with care, craft and real collaboration.”

Cade Heyde, global partner of Special, added, “The magic of Special Group comes from the extraordinary people behind it. Celia and Lauren have been instrumental in building our creative reputation across APAC. And now, with Peter and Alan joining them, we believe we have one of the best, most exciting teams in the world.”

India – Havas India has named industry veteran Prashanth Challapalli as chief digital & innovation officer for Havas Creative Network India, a newly created role aimed at accelerating digital transformation and innovation across the agency’s operations.

In this newly created role, Challapalli will be responsible for integrating emerging technologies with creative strategy, with a focus on developing digital-first solutions and evolving brand storytelling across the network.

Challapalli brings over 25 years of experience across advertising, digital, entertainment, and consulting. His background spans digital transformation, content strategy, and brand innovation, having led teams, overseen business operations, and worked on campaigns for both local and global brands.

He was previously the founder and CEO of Gravity Integrated, a consultancy focused on business and marketing strategy, where he advised clients such as Amazon Pay, Google, and Tata Motors. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at agencies including Publicis, Leo Burnett Orchard, and iContract, where he led major digital initiatives.

Speaking on his appointment, Challapalli shared, “We live in the ‘Attention Economy’, where AI-driven content is reshaping brand narratives and business outcomes. While creativity remains key, innovation now extends beyond advertising. Havas’ integrated model fosters digital, media, culture, and creativity, with Converged, its AI-driven OS, further enhancing this synergy. I’m excited to join a network that pushes boundaries and sets new creative benchmarks, working with leadership to shape a fresh narrative for Havas, its brands, and its people.”

Challapalli will work closely with Sanchita Roy, chief strategy officer at Havas Media India, Rohan Chincholi, chief digital officer at Havas Media India, and other senior leaders across the network to support the adoption of Converged OS and its associated strategies within Havas Creative Network India.

Based in Mumbai, he will report to Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas India, SEA, and North Asia.

Barua commented, “Innovation is no longer an option; it is imperative. The creative industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology, data, and consumer behaviour. Prashant will work closely with network leaders to drive the convergence of creative, media, and health, powered by data-driven innovation and technology, while seamlessly integrating storytelling to enhance impact.”

India – Grey India has appointed multi-award-winning creative leader Harsh Kapadia as its chief creative officer, signalling a bold move to strengthen its creative leadership and drive innovation in the Indian market.

Mumbai-born and globally acclaimed, Harsh Kapadia joins Grey India from MRM New York (part of McCann Worldgroup), where he has served as chief creative officer since 2021. His appointment marks a return to the WPP network, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at VML and JWT.

Over the years, Kapadia has held senior creative positions at VML and JWT across New York, London, Melbourne, and Mumbai, working with leading brands such as Kleenex, Smirnoff, Rolex, and Nestlé. His ‘Drink Up’ campaign at VML earned recognition from Michelle Obama, and he played a key role in securing the agency’s first Pride of Cannes Lions. 

A multi-award-winning creative, his work has been recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clios, and Spikes Asia. He has also served as a jury member for top industry accolades, including Cannes Lions and D&AD Impact.

Kapadia’s return to India is particularly significant given his deep understanding of the local market and his exposure to global best practices. With experience spanning four continents, he has a proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns for global clients such as Google, Reckitt, Motorola, Lego, New Balance, and Diageo.

In his new role at Grey, Kapadia will be based in India and report to Grey’s global chief creative officer, Gabriel Schmitt. He will also collaborate closely with Anusha Shetty, CEO of Grey India, who brings over 25 years of marketing and advertising experience.

“I’m thrilled to continue my global journey while returning to WPP and lead Grey India at such a transformative moment. Partnering with Anusha and the exceptional team at Grey, I’m eager to harness the philosophy of Cultural MacGyverism—blending rich local insights with cutting-edge marketing—to create work that drives real business impact,” Kapadia said. 

Together, Kapadia and Shetty will lead Grey India’s next phase of growth across its Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore studios, focusing on delivering famously effective creative solutions that connect with local audiences and make a global impact.

“India presents a tremendous opportunity, both culturally and economically. We need to be at the forefront of marketing and communications, creating exceptional work for the remarkable brands we represent there,” Schmitt said. 

He continued, “Harsh’s experience in New York, London, Melbourne and India, coupled with his deep understanding of the local culture, makes him the ideal leader to drive lasting value for our clients. With Harsh and Anusha at the helm, our clients will gain a significant creative advantage and unparalleled client partnerships. Can’t wait to see the ideas flowing.”

“Harsh’s return to India is an extraordinary win for Grey. He is a well-known creative force with deep experience across brands and strongly believes in the application of technology to ideas and ideas to technology; we couldn’t have asked for a stronger addition to leadership,” Shetty added. 

Kapadia’s appointment highlights Grey’s dedication to elevating its creative excellence in the vital Indian market, leveraging his unique fusion of local insights and global expertise.

Sarah Trombetta, CEO of Grey APAC, said, “Bringing together the proven leadership of Anusha Shetty with the creative vision of Harsh, whose experience spans the spectrum from cutting-edge AI-driven technology solutions to time-tested traditional advertising, sets Grey India up for an exciting future.”

“This breadth of world-class expertise will allow us to craft uniquely effective campaigns that resonate with diverse Indian consumers across all platforms and touchpoints,” she added.

Australia – Accenture Song’s Droga5 has announced that its ANZ executive creative director Barbara Humphries and Droga5 Aotearoa chief creative officer Damon Stapleton will step into new roles as co-chief creative officers of Australia and New Zealand, working in conjunction with Matt Michael, CEO of Droga5 ANZ.

Meanwhile, Droga5 Australia chief creative officer Tara Ford has been named the chief creative officer of Droga5 London. Based in London, Ford will take on the creative helm, working closely alongside Droga5 London CEO Bill Scott and chief strategy officer Will Hodge.

The new ANZ creative line up is part of an orchestrated creative restructure to reinvent Droga5’s worldwide offering and reposition the expanding global network for its new phase of growth and ambition under Droga5 Global CEO Mark Green.

Speaking on this move, Damon said, “Droga5 has always been a bastion of world-class creativity, and it makes me proud to be able to work with all the great and talented people of Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne to add to Droga5’s story. Having the larger playing field of Australia and New Zealand with so many more Lego pieces to push creativity forward is always going to be fun. On top of that, I get to partner with somebody as massively talented as Barb which makes that journey even more special. I look forward to great ideas and making great stuff.”

Meanwhile, Barbara commented, “I’m really proud of the recent momentum as part of The Monkeys, Song and now Droga5, and learning from a creative force like Tara over the past few years has been invaluable. Now, with the opportunity to bring together more of our talented people across three offices, partnering with the brilliant Damon Stapleton and long-time collaborator Matt, I’m super excited about the opportunities ahead of us.”

It is worth noting that in 2024, Droga5 acquired award-winning Brazilian agency SOKO as well as welcomed The Monkeys in Australia and New Zealand – co-founded by Mark Green – to its network.

Matt Michael, CEO, Droga5 Australia & New Zealand, stated, “I’m excited for Tara and looking forward to seeing her make the incredible kind of impact she has made in Australia in another part of our global network. Her move to head up London further underscores the incredible regional and global opportunities available to our creative talent. Having worked closely with Barb and Damon over the years, I’m thrilled to see these two heavyweights unite, strengthening our creative firepower for clients across the region.”

He added, “This move reinforces our commitment to borderless creativity, driving transformative impact for our client’s businesses, brands, and reputations in a way that continues to lead the world. With the creative calibre of Damon and Barb leading the charge, the next phase of Droga5 ANZ is set to be truly exciting.”

Mark Green, global CEO at Droga5, said, “It is always great to see people you have worked with closely for many years take on new challenges. With Tara moving to London, we didn’t hesitate to elevate Barb and Damon, and it felt like the perfect opportunity for everyone to advance their careers and bolster the creative pedigree of Droga5 globally.”

Meanwhile, Pelle Sjoenell, worldwide chief creative officer, Droga5, commented, “We’re fortunate to have such extraordinary talent within the Droga5 global family. It’s an embarrassment of riches to have world-class creative leaders like Tara, Barbara and Damon. As we welcome Tara into a new chapter in London and unite Barbara and Damon’s creative firepower for ANZ, it allows us to work without borders — harnessing our people, capabilities, and influence to make a real impact for our clients and move us closer to our ambition of being the most influential creative company.”

Speaking on her new move to the agency’s London office, Tara said, “I’ve had an amazing time at The Monkeys, now Droga5 ANZ, working with some exceptional talent but the opportunity to take on my next big challenge of Droga5 London was just too alluring. Droga5 ANZ is in great hands with Barb and Damon at the helm and I have no doubt the agency will flourish under their leadership.”

Japan – Hakuhodo Inc., the integrated marketing and innovation company based in Tokyo, has appointed Akihiko Imai as the new president and CEO of Hakuhodo International, effective immediately.

With extensive experience in the marketing and advertising industry, Imai brings a proven track record of leadership and innovation to his new role. Succeeding Shuntaro Ito, his appointment signals Hakuhodo International’s focus on strengthening its global presence and continuing to deliver value to clients worldwide.

Imai began his career at Hakuhodo in 1989 and spent much of his professional journey at TBWA\HAKUHODO. He became a corporate officer of Hakuhodo in 2016 and was promoted to senior corporate officer in 2021. As of April 1, 2025, he will also serve as director and senior corporate officer of Hakuhodo.

Throughout his career, Imai has held key positions, including president & CEO of TBWA\HAKUHODO and director of both TBWA\HAKUHODO China and OMD HAKUHODO.

He has also received numerous accolades, highlighting his significant impact and influence within the industry and underscoring his commitment to excellence and innovation in marketing and advertising.

Commenting on his appointment, Imai said, “I am honoured to take on this role and lead Hakuhodo International into its next chapter. I look forward to working with our talented team to drive growth and innovation and to further strengthen our relationships with clients around the globe as a creative force for meaningful change with sei-katsu-sha*.” 

“Sei-katsu-sha” is a term Hakuhodo uses to describe individuals not just as consumers but as fully realised people with unique lifestyles, aspirations, and dreams.

Singapore – Yahoo has announced the appointment of Josh Line as chief marketing officer to lead the company’s global marketing strategies, brand positioning, user acquisition, and customer engagement initiatives. He will report directly to Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone.

A seasoned chief marketer, Line was most recently Paramount global’s chief brand officer, where he led enterprise-wide marketing efforts and played a key role in the launch of Paramount+ and the growth of the direct-to-consumer streaming business. 

He steered the company’s marketing transformation, building a multiplatform marketing capability across brands like CBS, MTV, Paramount Pictures, and Pluto TV. Line chaired the company’s marketing council, led the establishment of marketing centers of excellence in media, production operations, marketing technology and social strategy, and spearheaded the company’s rebrand from ViacomCBS to Paramount Global.

Before serving as Paramount’s chief brand officer, Line led marketing, creative and digital studios at Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and TV Land. His commitment to creative excellence and customer-centric innovation was cultivated at agencies Scratch, Droga5, and Anomaly, leading engagements with GM, BMW, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Disney, amongst others.

Speaking on his new role, Line said, “At 30 years young, Yahoo is one of the internet’s most storied brands, and its mission to be a trusted guide through the digital wilderness is as relevant as ever. I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to reignite love and cultural impact for this iconic brand and drive growth for its portfolio of leading products. I’m thrilled to join Jim and the team to help build the future of Yahoo.”

Meanwhile, Lanzone commented, “With a strong track record of scaling both emerging and iconic brands, combined with his ability to build and lead high-performance teams, Josh is the ideal leader to propel the Yahoo brand forward during this critical moment in our journey. I am excited to welcome Josh to Yahoo, where his expertise in driving brand strategy and fostering collaboration across every facet of marketing leadership will be crucial.”

Manila, Philippines – Havas Ortega has appointed Alex Pastor as the new head of Havas Red Philippines, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening its PR capabilities and driving innovation in the communications landscape. 

This strategic move marks a significant step in elevating Havas Red Philippines’ position, delivering dynamic solutions, and fostering meaningful connections for clients. 

Under Pastor’s leadership, Havas Red aims to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation while maintaining its commitment to excellence. The agency plans to adapt to the evolving media landscape, leverage digital advancements, and integrate data-driven insights to craft more effective communication strategies. 

At a time when public relations is crucial in shaping public perception and fostering brand loyalty, this leadership transition positions Havas Red for sustained success.

Guided by Pastor’s leadership, a key priority will be strengthening Havas Red’s digital presence, acknowledging the increasing influence of online platforms in consumer engagement. The team will focus on integrating social media strategies, content marketing, and influencer collaborations into its services. This comprehensive approach will not only expand brand visibility but also strengthen connections between brands and their audiences.

Moreover, Havas Red will align its strategies with contemporary values emphasising social responsibility and authenticity. Modern consumers seek brands that reflect their values and make positive contributions to society. Through authentic storytelling and brand transparency, Havas Red aims to build lasting trust and loyalty among consumers. 

Speaking on Alex’s appointment, Jos Ortega, chairman and CEO at Havas Ortega Group, said, “With over two decades of experience in public relations, corporate communications, and media, Alex Pastor has a proven ability to navigate complex challenges and develop impactful strategies that engage diverse audiences.”

He added, “With distinct PR offerings such as SWAY Influencer Marketing, Red Impact Sustainability, and PEAKS Executive Branding, along with a strong new business pipeline, I believe Alex will propel the Havas Red brand to its next phase of growth in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, Jay Lim, chief operating officer at Havas Media Network Philippines, commented, “In line with these strategic goals, Alex Pastor will also focus on expanding Havas Red’s client portfolio, exploring opportunities across key industries such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability to develop tailored communication strategies that address sector-specific needs.”

The appointment of Alex Pastor highlights Havas Ortega’s commitment to enhancing its PR capabilities through innovation, collaboration, digital transformation, and authenticity. With this strategic leadership shift, Havas Red is well-positioned to navigate the evolving market landscape in the Philippines and redefine excellence in public relations. As the agency continues to set new industry benchmarks and drive impactful brand communications, the future looks promising.

Paris, France – Media holding company Havas has appointed new executives to lead its global data and technology strategy. Dan Hagen and Jamie Seltzer are the new global chief data and technology officers for Havas and Havas Media Network, respectively.

In his promotion, Hagen is responsible for developing Havas’ AI-powered Converged strategy across the global holding company. The operating system aims to empower the group’s employees to work efficiently to deliver integrated solutions to its clients.

Additionally, he is set to spearhead Havas’ data, tech, governance, investments, and operational strategies across the company’s global units.

Prior to his appointment, Hagen held the same role at Havas Media Network. His experience spans 25 years in data and tech, including serving as the chief strategy officer at iProspect and Carat UK.

Seltzer succeeds Hagen, now responsible for developing the Converged media product for the growth of the network’s data capabilities. She is still overseeing CSA & Media Experience Analytics, which she most recently served as global executive vice president.

In her over two decades of experience, she has held roles at WPP and Publicis Groupe.

“Data and technology are the cornerstone of our Converged global strategy – giving our people the tools, insights, and means of collaboration to supercharge our positive impact for clients. With his experience developing the Media Network’s award-winning audience planning platform, and his collaborative work with partners to develop industry-leading data and insight capabilities, Dan is ideally suited to chart a powerful data and tech future that delivers for our people and clients,” Yannick Bolloré, CEO and chairman at Havas, said.

“Clients are demanding future-forward agency partners who are data-led and outcome-driven; Jamie has been critical to ensuring Havas Media Network is positioned to deliver on that promise. We look forward to seeing Dan and Jamie’s continued collaboration across the entire Havas ecosystem to accelerate the group’s broader Converged strategy and data and tech ambitions,” Peter Mears, global CEO at Havas Media Network, said.