Tag: Managing Director

Jakarta, Indonesia – Global integrated communications firm, Edelman appointed Nia Pratiwi as managing director for its operations in Indonesia, poised to partner with the firm’s clients to navigate and enhance their organisational and brand reputations in today’s increasingly complex environment, signifying a strategic step towards growth and expansion. 

Pratiwi is a seasoned industry specialist with over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs, and government relations. Having held leadership positions at renowned firms such as Burson Cohn & Wolfe, Burson Marsteller, Fleishmann Hillard, and Pfizer, she will now steer Edelman Indonesia’s next stage of strategic business growth in the rapidly growing, vibrant socio-economic climate of Indonesia.

Commenting on the appointment Warren Fernandez, CEO, Edelman APAC, said, “Indonesia’s economic growth story continues to draw interest around the world and remains core to Edelman’s growth for the region. We are excited about the many inspiring Asian hero business stories coming out of Indonesia.”

Speaking on her own appointment Pratiwi commented, “I am truly excited to be a part of Edelman Indonesia,” she stated. “With the group’s industry-leading position, Edelman is well-positioned to provide clients with exceptional results and continue to stay ahead of the industry.”

In her remarks she commended Edelman’s consecutive wins of the Campaign ‘PR Agency of the Year’ award for three years, underscoring the team’s dedication to excellence.“I’m amazed at how the firm continues to retain its Campaign ‘PR Agency of the Year’ title now three years in a row, a true testament to the team’s determination and resolve to be the best-in-class.

Edelman is credited for over two decades of industry leading research on public trust in societal institutions with the Edelman Trust Barometer Pratiwi’s appointment is effective immediately, signalling Edelman’s commitment to strengthening its presence and capabilities in Indonesia’s vibrant market.

Singapore – Tilt, a through-the-line and digital marketing agency based in Singapore, has announced the appointment of Madina Kalyayeva as its new managing director and partner as the agency aims to evolve into a regional creative powerhouse, poised to deliver innovative solutions to clients across diverse industries.

Part of the plans involved in Kalyayeva’s appointment would be the establishment of a dedicated social media and content production arm for the agency. In a press statement, Tilt shared that this strategic move aims to provide both existing and new clients with a holistic set of offerings, eliminating the need to tap into external partners for these services. 

MARKETECH APAC recently caught up exclusively with Madina Kalyayeva to learn more about this move and hear her insights on the outlook of the digital marketing industry in Southeast Asia.

Embodying an ethos on innovation, agility, and client-centricity

When asked about this expanded service lineup, Kalyayeva believes that this new service will help provide Tilt’s clients with unparalleled support in navigating the evolving digital marketing landscape.

“Tilt is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients, offering consistent support and deeper partnerships. These new offerings will enable us to produce high-quality content quickly, optimising it for maximum impact. Social media, in particular, plays a crucial role in today’s digital landscape, and our dedicated arm will ensure that our clients have access to top-tier social media strategies and content production,” she told MARKETECH APAC.

She also added, “Having successfully set up an SM department & lead social media initiatives at M&C Saatchi, including regional clients like DFI and Epson, I understand the importance of social content in driving brand visibility and engagement.”

Prior to joining Tilt, Kalyayeva was previously the managing director of M&C Saatchi Singapore for almost two years. She also had experience working with agencies such as R.S.V.P., Indochie Media, GREY Singapore, amongst others.

During her time at M&C Saatchi, she played a pivotal role in acquiring clients such as Epson SEA, WWF Singapore, Maybank, and SMU. Her strategic vision and leadership have significantly contributed to expanding the agency’s offerings to social content production and PR and furthering relationships with existing clients.

By embodying the agency’s ethos on innovation, client-centricity, and agility; Kalyayeva believes that the agency is capable of harnessing the power of creativity and technology to drive meaningful impact for their clients and respective audiences, setting the standard for excellence in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing and media solutions.

“We are committed to pushing creative boundaries, adapting swiftly to industry changes, and placing our clients’ needs at the forefront of everything we do. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that we consistently deliver exceptional results and build enduring partnerships,” she stated.

What digital marketing trends, challenges, opportunities await SEA marketers this 2024

When asked of the key digital marketing trends that await marketers in SEA this year, Kalyayve shared that it would be artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality, adding that it will aid in aiding innovation for digital marketing strategies by brands.

“While AI garnered significant attention in 2023, its true impact is yet to be fully realised. However, it has sparked conversations around its potential to streamline processes and enhance creative output. At Tilt, we’re excited about the possibilities AI presents and are integrating various AI solutions into our operations,” she said.

She added, “Today we have a headset & a power-bank, what will be interesting is when that will all be packed into lenses we can all wear – what we see today (AR sets) is not what we’ll see in the near future AR offers immersive and interactive experiences, providing agencies and brands they are servicing with unique opportunities to engage their audiences in novel ways.”

However, Kalyayeva expressed that a key challenge now for digita marketers this year is how they can adopt to these rapidly changing consumer behaviours while also operating on limited marketing budgets.

“In 2024, brands in Southeast Asia will encounter a myriad of digital marketing challenges and opportunities. As consumers adjust to the constantly evolving nature of the Internet, the pressure is on for brands to transform their strategies to keep pace. Tighter budgets, changing consumer behaviour, and the need to navigate cultural and linguistic diversity pose significant challenges. Moreover, with last-minute budget releases becoming more common, marketers are faced with shorter planning cycles and smaller budgets released in spurts,” she explained.

She added, “This dynamic landscape demands agility from both marketers and their partner agencies. At Tilt, we understand the importance of agility and stand ready to assist our clients, even with last-minute opportunities. By leveraging our dedicated social media and content production arms, we can produce high-quality, bite-sized content quickly to accommodate the fast-paced nature of digital marketing in Southeast Asia.”

Co-owners William Chan, CEO of HM Too in Hong Kong; and Stuart Helmore, Tilt’s CEO, expressed their excitement about Madina’s appointment, sharing, “We are delighted to welcome Madina to the Tilt family. Her extensive experience and proven track record in the industry align perfectly with our vision for Tilt’s future. We are confident that Madina’s leadership will not only contribute significantly to Tilt’s success but will also enhance the overall synergy within the HM family.”

The move also comes as Tilt continues its trajectory of growth following the acquisition by HM Too and Agile Media in October 2021, cementing its position as a leading creative force in the South East Asian region.

Jakarta, Indonesia – SCOP3 Group has announced the appointment of Mike Forster as its new managing director, following the company’s recent acquisition of clients in Indonesia

Mike Forster brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record in his role at SCOP3 Group. Before joining the agency, Forster played a pivotal role in launching ShopEx for M&C Saatchi Indonesia, showcasing his innovative approach to brand activation and commerce marketing.

With a distinguished career spanning over 19 years, Forster has held various leadership positions within WPP agencies, demonstrating his expertise in brand building and fostering client relationships. 

Notably, he spent 12 years in the APAC markets, contributing to the growth and success of the region. Forster’s career has taken him across the globe, with significant roles in the UK, Netherlands, Russia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Korea. 

Throughout his career, he has also worked with renowned brands such as Chanel, Dunhill, Diageo, Google, and Porsche. His extensive experience in diverse markets and industries positions him as a strategic leader capable of driving SCOP3 Group’s continued success in the dynamic world of public relations. 

Speaking on his new role, he said, “I am thrilled to be a part of the SCOP3 Group family during this exciting phase of growth. Together, we aim to elevate SCOP3 Group’s standing in the industry and introduce innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our esteemed clients in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.” 

Meanwhile, Rene Mayer, co-founder and CEO at SCOP3 Group, commented, “SCOP3 Group has always been committed to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence. With our recent partnerships and the addition of Mike Forster as our managing director, we are confident in our ability to expand our service offerings, particularly in branding and digital marketing. This marks a significant step forward in our aspiration to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions to our esteemed clients in Indonesia and the broader APAC region.”

SCOP3 Group has further strengthened its leadership in the industry by securing the representation of AYANA Hospitality. Moreover, its recent accomplishments go beyond its collaboration with Pan Pacific Hotels Group, where it manages global PR activities for Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, PARKROYAL Collection Hotels & Resorts, and PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, it also oversees the launch of Pan Pacific Hotels Group in Jakarta, located in the prestigious Thamrin Nine Complex.

Melbourne, Australia – CommerceHub has announced its appointment of Gordana Redzovski as managing director for the Asia Pacific region to lead the company’s plans of expansion.

With a specific focus on the Asia Pacific region, Redzovski will be employing her expertise to provide strategic guidance and direction in support of the company’s expansion plans. 

Based in Australia, she brings 15 years of experience in high-growth industries. Most recently, Redzovski was VP retail APAC at Lightspeed Commerce where she successfully developed new revenue streams during the pandemic, launched Lightspeed Payments in Australia and led the integration of Vend and Lightspeed Commerce retail teams in APAC. She has also served in senior leadership roles at Deliveroo, Catch.com and iSentia.

Speaking on her appointment, Redzovski said, “I’m thrilled to join the talented, flagship team at CommerceHub during this exciting period of transition and growth. Retailers and brands in APAC continue to seek out innovative partners to support their focus on enhancing the customer experience, and indeed business outcomes, through utilising a unified omnichannel approach.”

Meanwhile, Pete Elmgren, CRO at CommerceHub, commented, “As someone who is known for her ability to engage stakeholders and deliver outstanding results by making data-driven decisions and galvanising teams, Gordana is an outstanding choice to lead APAC. She’s a seasoned executive who is passionate about driving operational efficiency and helping customers experience profitable growth.”

Singapore – Independent creative agency GOVT Group has officially launched MINISTRY, a hybrid consulting and agency model, and has appointed Kelvin Koo as its new managing director and partner.

MINISTRY is a digital consultancy dedicated to driving digital growth and transformation tailored to the contemporary needs of business owners and marketing leaders.

The newly launched agency will focus its offerings on ensuring growth for its clients. It is committed to a holistic approach to digital growth and transformation, providing strategic consulting and execution across diverse domains, including social and content, UI/UX, tech, digital media, CRM, and data analytics.

And to lead the MINISTRY, GOVT has brought in Koo as its managing director and partner, who was back in the agency world after a brief hiatus.

Earlier this year, Koo joined GOVT as a consultant, contributing to the agency’s strategic efforts to bolster its digital capabilities. This collaboration has culminated in the assembly of a robust team of specialists adept at delivering comprehensive digital marketing solutions, including data analytics, digital product planning, and expert consultation for seamless digital ecosystem integration and implementation.

His decision to return was sparked by the compelling vision and ambition of the partners at GOVT Group and the unique opportunity to construct an agency model with a distinctive culture.

Koo’s wealth of experience comes from his previous roles, serving as CEO at FALCON Agency and managing director at ADK Connect.

MINISTRY will leverage Koo’s extensive expertise as it aims to integrate strategic advisory and data with creative storytelling, design, tech, and digital performance to deliver tangible, impactful results.

Together with Koo, GOVT also appointed Foong Min Mei as the new growth director and partner at MINISTRY. Prior to her appointment, she worked as a digital and social lead at GOVT Singapore.

Leon Lai, co-founder and CEO at GOVT Group, said, “Our vision has stayed the same since Day 1: create a company that has longevity, possesses ambition, and champions foolish bravery. It has been 11 years since we started this journey, but we’re still not done or content with what we have built. As a partner-led business, we’re excited to attract someone of Kelvin’s calibre onboard this journey as we take deliberate steps towards fulfilling our mission of being a leading Asian communications company.” 

Also commenting on the appointment, Alvina Seah, group managing director at GOVT Group, said, “Kelvin’s leadership and proven track record in building agencies and delivering results-driven digital solutions to clients make him the ideal figure to spearhead MINISTRY. His commitment to growth and culture aligns perfectly with our mission, making this collaboration strategic and synergistic.” 

Meanwhile, Koo commented, “Our game plan at MINISTRY is straightforward: marry sharp strategic advice with creativity, the latest tech, and strong digital know-how. This way, we can get into the nitty-gritty of what CMOs and business owners are up against and offer them insights and solutions that hit the mark.”

India – Snap Inc., a technology and social media company, has announced the appointment of Pulkit Trivedi as its new managing director to handle the company’s operations in India. 

In his new role, Trivedi will report directly to Ajit Mohan, APAC president at Snap Inc. He will be responsible for leading the organisation’s Indian operations, including driving revenue, supporting partners, and nurturing the creator ecosystem. 

Meanwhile, under the new operational structure, the growth, market development, partnerships, content, and creator ecosystem teams will report directly to Trivedi. 

This new, highly localised structure reinforces Snap’s commitment to India to further build unique experiences for the company’s growing user community.

Trivedi brings with him over 23 years of experience working for top technology companies like Meta and Google in India. 

Prior to his new appointment, Trivedi served as the director of Google Pay’s India business team. He spent the past five years as part of the leadership team,  where he was responsible for building strategic plans for the business, forging key partnerships, and leading the monetisation agenda for Google Pay in India. 

Ajit Mohan said, “Pulkit’s deep expertise in building and scaling businesses and finding ways to drive outsized growth for partners will enable us to continue delighting our surging community of over 200 million Snapchatters in India.”

He added, “Unifying our local teams under this new structure will set the right stage for making accelerated investments in India and enable us to further fuel the growth of our community and partners.”

On his appointment, Trivedi shared, “Snap has a reputation for being a true innovator and has built a thriving community in India with a product that has connected with so many young Indians.”

“India is one of the world’s fastest-growing internet economies, giving  Snap an exceptional opportunity to actively contribute to the expansion of our community and businesses,” he added. 

Sydney, Australia – Hotwire, the global technology communications and marketing consultancy, announced the appointment of Melissa Cullen to the new role of managing director of communications for the Asia-Pacific region. 

In her new position, Cullen will be responsible for Hotwire’s business in Australia and will expand its reputation and relationship services footprint across APAC. 

Cullen will work alongside Anol Bhattacharya, managing director of marketing in APAC, to deepen the consultancy’s offerings in communications strategy, public relations, media relations, digital marketing, crisis and issue management, content production, executive thought leadership services, account-based marketing, corporate narrative platforms, and influencer management. 

Heather Kernahan, global chief executive officer of Hotwire, said, “We were looking for an experienced tech communications leader with the drive and ambition to expand our communications and public relations services in both capabilities and reach as we build with clients across Asia Pacific.”

“Mel’s experience in running her own agency for more than a decade, her work as a senior communications strategist with global tech brands and her leadership role in the PR industry are a fantastic combination that bring value and expertise to Hotwire clients and our team,” Kernahan continues. 

Prior to her appointment, Cullen worked in senior roles at Icon Agency, Finchco and Ogilvy, leading on major clients including Salesforce, Westpac and Microsoft. She was also the co-founder and managing director of Res Publica, where she spent fifteen years designing and delivering successful communications programs for some of Australia and the world’s best-known brands and businesses, including Lion, Unilever, Westpac, Jurlique, Priceline and Gatorade.  

Throughout her career, Cullen also held several leadership roles within the Australian public relations industry, including Chair of the Public Relations Council and Board Member of The Communications Council.

On her recent appointment, Cullen shares, “I am thrilled to be joining Hotwire to lead our communications services across APAC into an exciting new growth chapter.  Hotwire is a truly global agency with deep expertise in technology communications and marketing and I am really looking forward to partnering with our clients to share their stories of success and deliver real commercial impact.” 

Dallas, USA – Global data company Dynata has appointed Mark Lepine as the new managing director of its Asia-Pacific (APAC) business. Lepine, who has extensive experience in both the region and market research, will be in charge of managing the company’s APAC operations, fostering Dynata’s market presence and growth.

Lepine brings nearly 30 years of regional expertise to his new role, including four years as managing director of APAC at Survey Sampling International (SSI), which merged in 2017 with Research Now and later rebranded as Dynata. Previously, he served in regional management positions at Gartner, WGSN and Forrester.

Speaking on his own appointment, Lepine expresses that he is thrilled to join Dynata and lead the APAC team during this phase of growth.

“Our unmatched capabilities and advanced solutions are truly differentiated assets, presenting us with endless opportunities to drive innovation, unlock transformative insights and deliver unparalleled value to clients across the vibrant and diverse APAC market,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chris Watson, the international managing director of Dynata, said, “At this pivotal moment in our industry, Dynata stands proudly at the forefront of the first-party data ecosystem and Mark’s market research experience, abilities to lead and drive growth align perfectly with our strategic goals. Mark will have a pivotal role in expanding our reach, elevating our market position and driving continued success across the APAC region. We have complete confidence in Mark’s ability to deliver outstanding results for our clients.”

Singapore – Oddie Randa has been appointed as the regional managing director for Asia-Pacific by Gushcloud International. In his new role, Randa will manage the income and profitability of Gushcloud’s brand agency division in the Asia-Pacific area in his position as regional managing director. This section caters to a wide range of clients and brands. 

The agency’s expansion in all key markets in the region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Australia, and China, will be made possible by Oddie’s strategic approach to generating revenue.

All country managers in the APAC will now report to Randa, who will work together with them to identify and develop new income opportunities in the creator and influencer marketing industry. Oddie’s goal is to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between artists and businesses using Gushcloud’s extensive network of influencers and content producers.

Regarding his new position, Randa said, “I am grateful for the trust that Gushcloud and Althea have put in me. The growth of the creator economy has yet to reach its peak in Asia Pacific and it is exciting to take the front seat in watching it unfold. It is also exciting as I take the captain seat to drive more growth for our stakeholders – our brand clients and influencer clients in the next upcoming years. I am looking forward to working closely with our clients and partners in the region to deliver exceptional results, forge new opportunities and grow newer businesses together.”

Meanwhile, Althea Lim, co-founder and group CEO at Gushcloud International, commented, “Oddie and I have worked together for close to a decade. His wisdom and charismatic leadership alongside his wealth of experience and deep understanding in digital marketing, creator economy, and business management has allowed him to rise to this position to assist us in managing a large region of the overall Gushcloud business. 

She added, “With his exceptional strategic thinking and visionary mindset, I am confident that he will assist to expand our business, our revenue potential, and add more value and services to our brand clients and influencer clients across this region.”

Singapore – Eve Solomon has joined the team at Outbrain as its managing director of publisher business development in Asia-Pacific. In her new role, Solomon will be in charge of enhancing Outbrain‘s APAC supply operations by bringing her nine years of experience to the company.

She led a cross-functional team for four and a half years that was in charge of managing Outbrain’s international strategic accounts. Her strategic perspective and consultative style played a role in expanding the alliance beyond typical native placements and clearly demonstrating her contribution.

Speaking on her appointment, she said, “It’s truly a welcome return for me to be back in my home country and join the Outbrain APAC team.” She also stated, “Outbrain’s commitment to innovation while providing publishers the ability to maximise the impact of user engagement and loyalty is consistent across all markets. I’m excited to continue driving growth and building strategic relationships that deliver results for our publisher partners across APAC.” 

Solomon will also take on the duty of building the development of Outbrain’s APAC supply business as part of her new role. She will accomplish this by establishing alliances with current, credible publishers. Solomon will also give proper resources and support a higher priority in order to strengthen Outbrain’s current APAC business.

Amrita de la Peña, managing director APAC at Outbrain, said, “Eve’s extensive experience and deep understanding of Outbrain’s operations will undoubtedly strengthen our collaborative efforts across APAC. Together, we will drive strategic partnerships, deliver exceptional services to publishers, and ensure mutual success in the dynamic digital advertising landscape.”

Meanwhile, Stephanie Himoff, EVP global publishers at Outbrain, commented, “Eve’s dedication, expertise, and passion for the industry make her a valuable addition to the APAC team. Her extensive experience on the publisher side, combined with her strategic mindset, will truly strengthen our relationships with publishers in the APAC region and drive mutual growth.”