Tag: Leadership

Singapore – McCann Singapore is excited to announce expansion of its creative team in response to several recent business wins and portfolio growth. The bolstering of the creative department includes the hiring of five talented creatives, each bringing unique skills and experiences to enrich the team’s offerings.

The new hires include Martin Coppola as creative director, Wynn Gray as art director, Seth Low as junior art director, Luna Teo as copywriter, and Jodi Ong as junior copywriter.

A multi award-winning creative originally from Uruguay, Martin joins McCann after an illustrious career at global agencies such as VML, Ogilvy, and Mullen Lowe, and most recently, the LEGO Group in Denmark. Martin’s visionary leadership will be focused on the agency’s regional DHL and Ferrero accounts. 

Meanwhile, Wynn is a multifaceted art director and tattoo artist with a passion for transforming concepts into impactful visuals. With experience working on high-profile brands such as SK-II, The Faceshop, Samsung, and Fairprice, Wynn will be working on Singapore Government business, Ferrero and DHL.

Though McCann is Seth’s first full-time position, he has already made his mark in the creative landscape through internships at Dentsu and Publicis. His early accolades, including recognition in the AKQA Future Lions and the Crowbar Awards while still in school, reflect his potential and creativity. Seth was the creative behind the agency’s recent festive campaigns – “Yapping Paper” for SOSD and “Phone Shui”. 

On the other hand, Luna joins McCann from Goodstuph, where she created compelling copy for clients such as MCCY and UOB. Having previously collaborated with agencies like Havas and Ogilvy, Luna brings a wealth of experience in crafting social-led campaigns and will be working under the agency’s McCann Content Studio offering. 

Lastly, Jodi began her career at Goodstuph, gaining valuable exposure to both art and copy. Her talent was recognised when she won the One Club 2023 All-Star Competition. She will be working with the McCann Content Studios team across both Singapore Government and MNC clients. 

These new hires join Dan Parmenter, who joined the agency back in October as a creative director leading the McCann Content Studio offering, as well as the agency’s ECD, Alfred Wee. 

Additionally, given the importance of Singapore to the region, Valerie Madon, chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific now adds the title of chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup Singapore to her remit.  

Speaking about the new appointees, Madon said, “We believe that these significant new hires, will not only enhance our creative offering but also position us for future growth. These colourful talents inject new energy to our team, and their diverse experiences will shape our agency’s future.”

Meanwhile, Nick Handel, President, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia commented: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of McCann in Singapore. We’re investing in this strategic growth to enhance our ability to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients, allowing us to further strengthen our position in the industry.”

Sydney, Australia – Media agency Initiative has announced its new strategy team lineup, a combination of well-earned promotions and new appointments, built with the sole purpose to elevate Initiative’s strategy and product offering for client growth.  The announcement follows the recent appointment of Tom Dodd to the national chief strategy officer role.

Ali Coysh takes on Dodds’ previous role of national head of strategy, Coysh was previously Sydney, Head of Strategy; newly appointed Clare Graham joins the agency as Sydney strategy director bringing a creative mindset to the team; Tom Davies takes on an expanded role adding product to his remit, becoming the newly appointed Sydney head of strategy & product (the role previously held by Coysh); following stints at Mutinex and Thinkerbell, Tate Nalen joins in the role of Melbourne strategy director, working alongside Graham plus Charles Dangibeaud, Perth’s head of strategy.

With an immediate remit to design and lead the next evolution of Initiative’s strategy offering the new national team will focus on prioritising adaptive strategies for its clients leveraging data-driven insights and emerging technologies, including AI.  

Dodd said the establishment of the national strategy team reflects Initiative’s commitment to driving growth and transformation for both the agency and its clients; and he was immensely proud to be working with some of Australia’s brightest minds, reflecting the deep bench of strategic talent across the agency.

“In an era defined by rapid transformation and heightened client expectations, Initiative’s strategy team will push the boundaries of what media can achieve. Our new team will focus on building adaptive, insight-led strategies that harness the power of AI, data intelligence, and cultural fluency to unlock growth for brands,” he said.

Dodd continued, “Since taking on the CSO role I have been wholly focussed on finding the right people to drive the business forward that embody the strong strategic culture we have built as an agency. I’ve known Ali for many years, he is an exceptionally talented thinker & brilliant human to work alongside, so I’m delighted to have him helm of our national strategy offering.”

With an agency career spanning 15 years, Coysh has held senior agency roles in both London and Sydney and is renowned for his leadership and business skills. “Ali’s ability to take a brief and challenge it in the right ways to deliver the best client outcomes, has always been his sweet spot,” said Dodd.  “It’s rare to find a person who truly understands audiences and business problems and how they merge for growth like Ali does; watching his brain start to tick when he’s given a new brief is a lesson for us all…he’s the perfect person to help me lead Initiative’s strategy offering.

Coysh said, “Initiative has always been a strategic powerhouse, known setting up its clients for success. I’m excited to have our team take Initiative into a new era, we have such a wealth of talent across all markets it’s a formidable position to be in. With a strengthened strategy and product offering, and a proposition underpinned by market leading technology, tools and talent we are in a unique position to cement our proposition as the Cultural Experience agency. 

Coysh added, “We are laser focused to help our clients navigate a challenging market, putting media at the forefront to deliver business growth with our distinct brand of strategic creativity. It’s an exciting time to be part of a team with a shared ethos to do things differently.”

Dodd concluded “With a deep understanding of audience behaviour and business challenges, Initiative’s strategy offering is built to future-proof client growth and success—connecting brands to culture in meaningful ways while ensuring measurable business impact. This evolution reinforces Initiative’s reputation as a leader in strategic media thinking, ensuring its clients stay ahead in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.”

These appointments follow recent new business wins including Netflix and Volvo plus recent contract extensions including Goodman Fielder and Fantastic Furniture.

Singapore – foodpanda in Singapore has recently announced the appointment of Bhavani Shankar Mishra as its new managing director. Formerly the senior director of operations at foodpanda, Bhavani will oversee all aspects of foodpanda Singapore’s operations in his new capacity. 

Moreover, he will lead the company’s commitment to innovation and service excellence, ensuring customers continue to have access to diverse choices and services at competitive prices.

Bhavani holds eight years of regional leadership experience at foodpanda, driving large-scale business transformation across APAC. Since joining in 2018 as part of the logistics team in Thailand, he has played a key role in optimising operations, enhancing customer experience and implementing solutions to improve efficiency. In addition to his tenure at foodpanda, he held prior roles at multinational corporations in tech.

He also held logistics and operations roles in foodpanda since 2018 where he took care of fleet management, warehouse operations, and customer satisfaction in Thailand and various APAC markets. He also has over a decade of experience working in multinational corporations like Amazon and ABB.

With extensive experience leading team teams across all 11 markets, Bhavani is well-positioned to guide foodpanda Singapore’s efforts to enhance customer experience, strengthen support for merchants and delivery partners, and boost industry competitiveness.

Speaking on his new role, Bhavani said, “foodpanda is more than just a delivery platform, it’s a service that is part of everyday life in Singapore. As we navigate changing consumer behaviors, a dynamic market, and evolving technologies, my focus is on enhancing the consumer experience on the platform through greater convenience, accessibility and reliability. I look forward to steering foodpanda’s continued growth and driving exceptional experience for all in our delivery ecosystem.”

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.”