Tag: Leadership

Australia – Unified retail media platform Zitcha has appointed experienced retail media sales leader, Jim Kane, as global vice president of sales, as the company accelerates its expansion across key international markets. 

In his new role, Kane will be responsible for defining and executing Zitcha’s global sales strategy, driving revenue growth and expanding the company’s international footprint. He will lead and develop a high-performance sales team, and foster relationships with key retailers, brands, and advertising partners. 

In addition, he will refine the company’s go-to-market strategy, and leverage data analytics and market intelligence to optimise sales performance and drive product innovation.

With an extensive career across shopper marketing, retail media, and adtech, Kane led sales for Walmart’s Sam’s Club division at WPP’s Triad Retail Media, playing a key role in its integration following Walmart’s acquisition. 

He also helped launch the first retail media network in the sporting goods sector at DICK’S Sporting Goods and has advised C-suite executives on retail growth strategies.

Speaking on his new role, Kane said, “Retail media is evolving quickly, and Zitcha is uniquely positioned to support retailers in building networks that have real impact, for themselves and their brand partners. Built from the retailer’s perspective, the Zitcha platform is a game changer for its ability to unify retail media across multiple environments.  I’m looking forward to working with the team to further establish Zitcha as the partner of choice for retailers and brands around the globe.”

Meanwhile, Nick Hinsley, Zitcha’s chief revenue officer, commented “After meeting Jim, the decision to bring him on board was an easy one. His firsthand experience with the internal challenges and relationships within a retailer when considering or scaling a retail media network is invaluable.”

He added, “He has broad and deep knowledge of global retailers – those already operating networks and those looking to fast-follow with their own. Importantly, he is passionate about Zitcha’s platform, its market position, and long-term vision. He will be a trusted advisor for our team and partners, and is an important addition as we continue to grow Zitcha around the world.”

His appointment follows Zitcha’s recent addition of Debra Berman (former Chief Marketing Officer at Yahoo and JCPenney) and Jonathan Waecker (who held senior marketing and global executive roles at Yahoo, The Walt Disney Company, Zynga and most recently at The Warehouse Group, New Zealand’s largest retail group), to senior advisory roles as the company accelerates its global ambitions. 

Singapore – Eugene Lee, who was most recently the international chief marketing officer (IDL) at McDonald’s, has announced his departure from the company after spending 15 years with it. 

In a LinkedIn post, Eugene stated that it is time to step out of his comfort zone and explore a world beyond McDonald’s, using the skills he has learnt at this brand to build new things.

“I still remember my very first campaign as a young Marketing Executive – the 2009 Coke Glasses, and the excitement of seeing customers lining up for it at the restaurants. Who would have thought this Malaysian would eventually end up leading Marketing for 80x markets across the globe, spanning Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia as International CMO,” he stated.

He added, “When I reflect on my time with the brand, I realize that it’s the genuine relationships I’ve built with my teams that I’ll miss the most.”

In a quick conversation with MARKETECH APAC, Eugene reflected on his 15-year journey with McDonald’s, stating, “Over my 15-years, whether it was my days as a young marketing executive, or during my time as International CMO, I’ve learnt that “People will forget what you tell them, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. And this applies the most to marketing, where it isn’t about shouting about how cheap, how great, or how amazing your product is… it’s about making them feel something to create an impact.”

When asked for his reason for stepping down, Eugene noted that as he had just turned 40 in December, and after careful reflection, 15 years with a brand is a long time. At a personal level, he opened up how his prolonged travels was taking toll on his personal time with his family.

“I’m excited to be taking some time off for now to spend with family and friends, and be thoughtful about my next step. I’m [also] excited to explore different industries – especially my own passion points like e-sports, music or automotive,” he stated.

Prior to his international role, Eugene served as the regional chief marketing offcer at McDonald’s, and was responsible for the regional rollout of the highly-anticipated BTS x McDonald’s collaboration in April 2021.

Eugene joined the global fast-food chain in 2009 as a senior marketing executive, and has rose to the ranks over time, until he took on the role of marketing director for Malaysia in 2016. He was then promoted to senior director of marketing, strategy & insights in 2019 and then to regional director of marketing and menu for Asia in 2020.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Star Media Group Berhad has promoted Lydia Wang as its new chief operating officer, effective 1 March 2025.

Lydia brings with her over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including finance, retail, telecommunications, and education, with the last 11 years dedicated to SMG. Prior to her promotion, she served as SMG’s chief revenue officer, where she played a key role in driving corporate growth and leading business transformation initiatives. 

She is also the founder of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (AEPIC), the first of its kind in Asia, which unites media leaders from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to champion sustainability through media. 

Additionally, she has been serving on the Council of the Malaysia Digital Association (MDA) since 2020 and will continue her tenure through 2026, advocating for digital transformation and innovation within the industry. 

Speaking on her promotion, Lydia said, “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Star Media Group. As the media landscape continues to evolve, I look forward to working closely with our talented teams to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiencies and unlock new growth opportunities. Together, we will build on SMG’s strong legacy, deepen audience engagement and deliver greater value to our stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Chan Seng Fatt, CEO at Star Media Group, commented, “We are pleased to announce Lydia’s appointment as chief operating officer, a role that capitalises on her extensive experience and strategic acumen. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving SMG’s growth path, strengthening revenue diversification and unlocking new avenues for expansion. With a focus on operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and profitability, she will spearhead innovation, amplify value creation and reinforce SMG’s position.”

He added, “Her appointment underscores SMG’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence and business growth, ensuring the Group remains at the forefront of an evolving media landscape.”

Indonesia – Hakuhodo International Indonesia (HIID) has elevated Farhana Eldini Devi Attamimi to group CEO, entrusting her with leading the organisation’s next phase of development and operational strategy.

Previously serving as a director at HIID, Devi will continue in her role as institute director at the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living ASEAN while taking on her new responsibilities as group CEO. 

Devi’s leadership will prioritise enhancing the organisation’s strategic direction and internal collaboration. One of her initial initiatives is to improve coordination within the HIID group—which includes Hakuhodo Jakarta, Hybrid-H, H-Three, Hakuhodo Digital, I-DAC, and H+—through the implementation of the Modular Organisation concept. This approach is intended to increase flexibility and responsiveness to industry challenges.

With a background in strategic planning, Devi sees Hakuhodo’s Sei-katsu-sha Insight philosophy—which centres strategy around people—as key to shaping HIID into a “Sei-katsu-sha Value Design Company” that benefits both clients and society.

Commenting on her appointment, Devi explained, “Alongside Yuzuru Iguchi as the country director for Hakuhodo Japan, I aim to build a flexible organisation within the group to create the best solutions for clients, the society, and the industry. My predecessors have built a strong foundation over the past 22 years, and moving forward, we will experiment more boldly and dive deeper into data.” 

Devi’s appointment coincides with a leadership transition at HIID, as the company’s founders shift to commissioner roles within their respective firms while continuing to support the group. Irfan Ramli will serve as chairman, with Ferti Wiratih and Mahendra Suyono as co-chairpersons at the group level.

“This industry is like a racetrack without a finish line. Technology, AI, and data-driven creativity continue to evolve at an extraordinary pace. Devi’s task is not just to ensure business continuity but to take HIID beyond what we ever imagined,” said Ramli.

He continued, “HIID has successfully navigated various dynamics and challenges and achieved many milestones. We see enormous potential for the accelerated growth of the group, and in the near future, we might welcome 2 to 3 new companies into our group.” 

“We have long invited Devi to be at the forefront of strategic decisions, learning from us, and understanding how this organisation operates. We are proud to have found a leader from within our organisation—someone who understands the values and culture of HIID. Though part of a global network, uniquely, we are known more as an Indonesian company with an international standard,” added Ramli.

Meanwhile, Shuntaro Ito, director & senior corporate officer of Hakuhodo Inc. and president & CEO of Hakuhodo International, acknowledged HIID’s role in Indonesia and its influence within the broader Hakuhodo network.

“What Irfan, Ferti, and Mahendra have built over 22 years is not just a strong foundation but also a dream for something bigger. They have proven that creativity rooted in Sei-katsu-sha can lead to industry change, not merely follow trends. Now, it is time to carry this legacy further with a new vision and build something that has never been done before. We believe Devi and Yuzu have the audacity and acuity to take HIID to the next level,” said Ito.

Singapore – Matthieu Muniz, most recently the regional chief marketing officer for Asia-Pacific at Reckitt, will be stepping down from the company in April in favour of a new opportunity in the United Kingdom. It is worth noting that this marks the end of Matthieu’s 11-year streak with Reckitt.

In a LinkedIn post, he said that he will be seeking a new leadership role in the UK, and he is grateful to work alongside his Reckitt colleagues.

“Driving transformational growth has been my true north. It has been incredibly rewarding: leading teams and steering business units across consumer healthcare, personal care & medical devices, globally, regionally and in market. We reshaped growth trajectories in ways that seemed impossible! To all my Reckitt colleagues, and agency partners, I have been so privileged to lead and be led, work with, for and alongside you all,” he stated.

During his most recent role, Matthieu oversaw the end-to-end marketing function for a diverse portfolio for Reckitt, managing across FMCG, OTC, consumer health, and HCP-led categories. He also handled the P&L for Reckitt’s health division and report directly to the APAC SVP, playing a key role in regional and global leadership teams.

He also served as the company’s marketing director for the Philippines between 2018 to 2020, where he led a 36-member team across marketing, media, consumer insights, HCP, and performance marketing. He was also fully responsible for P&L, market share growth, and digital transformation. Moreover, he reversed a 5-year business decline of the brand, turning the Philippines into a high-growth market for Reckitt.

Moreover, he also served as the brand’s global marketing director for white space innovation. In it, he built and led a high-growth startup within Reckitt, leveraging digital innovation for transformative growt. He also led new category entries, developing a diverse portfolio of products, services, and digital solutions; as well as leading a multidisciplinary team across marketing, digital, SaaS, R&D, medical, regulatory, and commercial.

Reckitt recently partnered with GrabAds to elevate brand visibility and drive sales across Southeast Asia by harnessing GrabAds’ retail media network (RMN) capabilities.

Through GrabAds’ RMN capabilities, Reckitt brands can precisely target high-value Grab consumers while tapping into Grab’s broader online-to-offline (O2O) ecosystem, including GrabMart and its delivery network, for instant product delivery to consumers.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Dentsu has appointed Bala Pomaleh as CEO of Media at dentsu Malaysia. Effective 3 March 2025, Bala will report to Audrey Chong, CEO, dentsu Malaysia.

A revered media leader in Malaysia with 20 years of management experience under his belt, Bala returns to dentsu after close to nine years at IPG Mediabrands, where he was pivotal in establishing the network as its CEO. Prior to that, he was with Carat Malaysia, part of dentsu media brands, for four years. 

Speaking on his appointment, Bala said, “It is great to be able to come back to the familiar sense of excellence and community that make up the very essence of our dentsu network. This is a winning formula that sets dentsu Malaysia apart as we continue to innovate to impact our clients, our people and our society in an ever-changing landscape. I can’t wait to break new grounds together with our one integrated dentsu team going forward.”

Meanwhile, Chong commented, “There is no better leader to take on this elevated role as CEO of our Media business in Malaysia than Bala. As a well-respected and award-winning industry veteran, Bala combines acute business acumen with a grounded passion for talent development. I am therefore delighted to welcome him back to the dentsu network where he will undoubtedly be a transformational force for our clients and our people.”

She added, “We are building a future-ready agency of tomorrow so that we can be the game-changing partner for our clients today. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, I am excited that we have a reinforced leadership team that will take dentsu Malaysia to new heights for our clients while staying committed to nurturing our talents to be the future of our industry.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Fariz Yusof, most recently the head of customer marketing at Lotus’s Stores Malaysia, has joined L’Oréal as its head of CRM for Malaysia and Singapore at L’Oréal Luxe MYSG. In an interview with MARKETECH APAC, Fariz stated that he is responsible for shaping and executing the brand’s data-driven digital marketing strategy for the two aforementioned markets.

“My role is at the intersection of data, technology, and customer experience, ensuring that we are connecting with consumers in the most relevant and impactful way possible across all digital touchpoints,” he said.

Understanding consumer behaviour through data and personalisation

Fariz also highlighted that in his role, they work closely with the brand teams to ensure that their digital strategies are fully integrated with L’Oréal’s overall marketing objectives, ensuring that their efforts align with business goals.

“Essentially, we aim to deeply understand our consumers – their needs, preferences, and behaviours – through data. This understanding informs everything we do, from personalized content creation and targeted advertising to optimised e-commerce experiences and engaging social media strategies,” he explained.

He spent over six years at Lotus’s Malaysia, where he led customer marketing efforts, focusing on loyalty, engagement, and personalisation. Prior to Lotus’s, Fariz held key roles at Lazada Group, including head of strategic brands (FMCG) and head of commercial Planning & PMO, where he leveraged business insights and analytical skills to drive growth.

For Fariz, his experiences at Lotus’s Stores and Lazada have provided him with a valuable perspective on the evolving retail landscape and the power of data-driven decision-making.

“My experiences at Lotus’s Stores and Lazada have provided me with a valuable perspective on the evolving retail landscape and the power of data-driven decision-making,” he explained.

Given this expertise, Fariz stated that he applies this past expertise at L’Oréal by prioritising customer-centricity, data-driven decision-making, and innovation. In his role, he ensures digital strategies provide value and foster consumer relationships while leveraging data to optimise marketing impact. 

Moreover, He promotes agility by encouraging experimentation with new technologies and emphasises collaboration across teams to align digital strategies with business goals. Additionally, he focuses on performance marketing, tracking, and optimising campaigns across multiple platforms.

“Ultimately, my goal is to leverage my past experiences to help L’Oréal MYSG build a strong digital presence, drive sales growth, and enhance customer loyalty,” he said.

What CRM trends lie ahead for 2025

Fariz highlighted several CRM trends for brands in Singapore and Malaysia in 2025, including data-powered strategies and personalised ones, which ultimately build up to personalised experiences for customers.

In terms of hyper-personalisation, he highlighted that consumers will expect even more personalised experiences, with brands using data to tailor every interaction to their individual needs and preferences.

Moreover, AI-powered CRM strategies are still very much needed, with him stating, “Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in CRM, enabling brands to automate tasks, personalise interactions, and gain deeper insights into customer behaviour.”

Another point to consider is privacy-centric CRM, with Fariz stating that with growing concerns about data privacy, brands will need to adopt privacy-centric CRM strategies that prioritise transparency and respect for consumer data.

There is also a rising trend for personalised CRM trends, including experiential and omnichannel CRM, as well as launching loyalty programs.

“Brands will focus on creating memorable and engaging experiences that build emotional connections with customers and drive loyalty. [Moreover], consumers will expect a seamless experience across all channels, with brands providing consistent and personalised interactions regardless of how they choose to engage,” he said.

Fariz added, “Consumers will want to be rewarded for their patronage of brands and products they use, as well as for referrals.”

Lastly, he also mentioned that brands will enhance their CRM strategies by integrating social media for real-time engagement and community building while optimising mobile CRM to ensure seamless customer experiences on the go.

In response to these trends, Fariz stated that the brand is investing in data analytics and AI to enhance customer insights and personalisation while prioritising a privacy-first CRM strategy to build trust. Additionally, they are also focusing on creating engaging experiences and strengthening omnichannel capabilities for seamless customer interactions across all touchpoints.

Blending online and offline channels to elevate CX

When asked about how to successfully blend online and offline channels for enhanced customer experiences, Fariz stated that successfully blending offline and online experiences requires a strategic and, most importantly, a customer-centric approach.

“Brands must understand that customers don’t think in channels. They simply experience a brand, regardless of whether it’s online, in-store, or through a mobile app. This means removing siloed thinking is crucial,” he stated.

As part of his advice, Fariz says that brands should start by mapping the entire customer journey, ensuring a seamless transition between online and offline touchpoints. For him, a unified brand message and consistent service across all platforms help build trust and engagement. Moreover, leveraging data for personalisation allows brands to tailor experiences, using insights from digital interactions to enhance in-store visits and vice versa.

“Map out the holistic customer journey, from initial awareness to purchase and beyond, identifying all touchpoints and opportunities to create a unified experience. Think beyond just online or offline; consider how the customer moves between these worlds,” he said.

There is also an importance on investment, with Fariz highlighting that staff training and technology investment is crucial to support this blended approach, enabling employees to assist customers at any stage of their journey. In addition, continuous measurement and optimisation help identify friction points and improve the overall experience.

“[Always] ensure that the blended experience provides value to customers, whether it’s through personalised recommendations, exclusive offers, convenient services, or simply a more enjoyable and efficient shopping experience,” he said.

He added, “Ultimately, the goal is to create a holistic and engaging customer experience that builds brand loyalty and drives sales growth. It’s not just about being present on multiple channels, but about creating a connected and meaningful experience for the consumer, wherever they are and however they choose to interact with your brand. The key is to think like a customer, not like a marketer operating within a specific channel.”

Sydney, Australia – Adform has announced that it is strengthening the leadership team in APAC to support continued growth in the region. Amy Jansen-Flynn has been promoted to vice president for APAC, while Juozas Petravicius and Finley Matheson step into the roles of director of technical solutions and regional account director respectively.

With these strategic appointments, Adform marks the next phase of its growth in APAC, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for regional brands, agencies, retailers and publishers eager to scale performance.

Petravicius will lead Adform’s technical consulting for APAC, delivering the design and implementation of tailored solutions, ensuring growth and success for Adform customers. He brings extensive experience in technical consulting and solutions architecture across the full programmatic supply chain, along with a deep understanding of the Adform platform. His expertise in identity ecosystems and significant experience working with customers across APAC will be invaluable to Adform’s growth in the region. 

Meanwhile, Matheson will lead strategic growth of Adform’s key accounts in the region and strengthen relationships with global agency holding groups. Prior to Adform, he spent nearly four years at MediaMath, where he led agency development across Europe. His expertise in digital strategy and business development will be instrumental in expanding Adform’s market share and fostering long-term client success in APAC.

Speaking on the appointed, Jansen-Flynn, commented, “I’m excited to take on the role of VP and continue driving Adform’s success in APAC. I couldn’t be happier to have Finley and JP stepping into their new roles, it’s a privilege to have such impressive talent in the team. I’m looking forward to continuing our great work with clients in the region and delivering ongoing growth for Adform.”

She added, “This year will be a big one with some game-changing releases, a focussed effort on retail media solutions, and our ongoing delivery of the world’s most powerful and safe media buying platform.”

Meanwhile, Bartosz Malinowski, regional president, CEE, MEA & APAC, commented, “Adform remains committed to recognising and nurturing outstanding talent within the organisation. Amy’s promotion is a testament to her significant contributions and strategic vision, as well as her ongoing commitment to innovation. Her leadership, combined with Juozas and Finley’s technical and commercial expertise, will be pivotal as we continue to accelerate growth in the APAC region and support clients to optimise their advertising in a post-cookie world.”

Jakarta, Indonesia – Leverate Group is doubling down on its commitment to innovation and client success with the appointment of Fauza Istighfareva as client partnership officer (CPO) and the promotion of Dylan Setiawan to chief operations officer (COO).

Fauza brings extensive experience in account management and sales excellence, and a renowned name in Leverate Group. Having held key roles at Leverate for more than 7 years, she has grown with the company not only in the business but also in company’s management. 

Prior to coming back to Leverate, she worked in Tokopedia and Tiptip for Sales excellence and business partnership. Known for spearheading large account teams and ensuring consistent revenue growth, she will oversee strategic partnerships and client engagement at Leverate Group. 

In her new role, Fauza will focus on elevating the agency’s offerings and delivering high-impact solutions that address evolving market demands.

Meanwhile, Dylan’s promotion to COO reflects a proven track record in operations, account management, and integrated strategy. He honed his operational expertise at one of Southeast Asia’s largest retail groups (MAP). He also expanded his account and strategy proficiency at agencies managing clients across finance, FMCG, luxury, and pharmaceuticals. 

During the past five years at Leverate Group, Dylan served as head of account strategy and was part of the management team, gaining a holistic view of the agency’s capabilities. This experience equips him to seamlessly oversee Leverate’s operations, drive cross-departmental collaboration, and maintain the agency’s momentum in a competitive market.

These leadership appointments reflect Leverate Group’s continued evolution as a strategic marketing innovation & consultancy partner. Both Fauza and Dylan will work closely with the executive team to maintain Leverate’s momentum in Southeast Asia and beyond. 

Marlina Lim, CEO at Leverate Group, said, “With Fauza’s client-first mindset and Dylan’s operational expertise, we’re confident that Leverate Group will continue to thrive and grow in today’s highly competitive market.”

Hong Kong – VML Hong Kong has elevated Sandra Gin and Edward Ha to executive directors, entrusting them with spearheading regional and local market growth, respectively.

Gin, who joined the former Wunderman Thompson in 2020 as client services director, has been involved in expanding the regional and global business from the Hong Kong office. She has worked closely with major clients such as HSBC, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Nikon. 

Originally from Canada, Gin has experience at agencies including BBDO Toronto, FCB Toronto, Digitas Hong Kong, and Golin Hong Kong, with expertise across industries such as gaming, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality, and finance.

Commenting on her new role, Gin said, “I’m incredibly excited to step into this expanded role at VML to further ignite our growth across Asia and beyond. We have the depth and breadth of capabilities to help our clients succeed and a brilliant team at VML ready to make it happen. I’m energised by the opportunity to further shape the future of our agency.”

Meanwhile, Ha brings two decades of advertising experience, blending entrepreneurial insight with multinational agency expertise. Before joining VML, he co-founded and led a boutique agency for eight years.

Ha’s experience across Hong Kong and mainland China has contributed to VML’s work with clients such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Endowus, and HSBC.

Talking about his new role, Ha said, The agency landscape is evolving rapidly with ongoing technological and societal changes. Leveraging my experience running a boutique agency, I aim to foster greater agility and maintain a sharp focus on clients’ needs, driving the agency forward alongside the VML leadership team.”

Both Gin and Ha will remain part of the leadership team, reporting directly to Maggie Wong, CEO of VML Hong Kong.

Commenting on the promotions, Wong shared, “Sandra and Edward are invaluable members of our management team. Their passion, commitment, and leadership have been crucial to our success, and I am thrilled to see them advance within the company. They have both laid a robust foundation for our growth in 2025 and beyond.”