Tag: Managing Director

Singapore – Global brand experience agency Jack Morton has appointed Phil Boyle, former vice president of marketing partnerships for Asia at Live Nation, to be its new SVP, managing director for Asia.

In his new role, Boyle will be moving to Singapore and championing innovative brand experience work for clients, including Unilever, Meta, Riot Games, and HSBC, amongst others. He will also continue to promote collaboration across IPG agencies in the market.

Aside from his recent stint at Live Nation, Boyle has also previously held a leadership role at Jack Morton in Shanghai as SVP, client services for Asia, working across multiple industries from automotive to entertainment.

Commenting on his appointment, Boyle said, “Extraordinary work that makes people think, feel, and act excites me. I’m incredibly passionate about it, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the experience game. Returning to Jack Morton feels like I’m coming home. The team and agency culture is exceptional, and I’m thrilled to once again be a part of their epic journey to reimagine what a brand experience can be.”

Meanwhile, Julian Pullan, Jack Morton’s vice chairman and president for international, shared that the marketplace in Asia has faced unprecedented challenges over the last couple of years, so helping brands navigate the landscape and find the best channels to reach their audiences is critical right now. 

“Phil is the right leader to help guide our clients and teams. He understands the nuances of all the local markets – from China to Southeast Asia – and has the breadth of expertise and the strategic vision to drive growth. Not to mention that he’s a team player who embodies our core values of passion, agility, and respect at every turn,” said Pullan.

Mumbai, India – Campbell Wilson, formerly the chief executive officer of Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary Scoot, has been appointed by Indian conglomerate Tata Group to be Air India’s new chief executive officer and managing director. The Air India board approved the appointment of Wilson subject to requisite regulatory approvals.

He brings into Air India 26 years of aviation industry expertise across both full service and low-cost airlines. 

Wilson was the founding CEO of Scoot, which he led until 2016. He then served as the senior vice president of sales and marketing of SIA, where he oversaw pricing, distribution, e-commerce, merchandising, brand and marketing, global sales, and the airline’s overseas offices, before returning for a second stint as the CEO of Scoot in April 2020.

Speaking about his appointment, he said, “It is an honour to be selected to lead the iconic Air India and be a part of the highly respected Tata group. Air India is at the cusp of an exciting journey to become one of the best airlines in the world, offering world-class products and services with a distinct customer experience that reflects Indian warmth and hospitality. I am excited to join Air India and Tata colleagues in the mission of realising that ambition.”

Meanwhile, N Chandrasekaran, chairman at Air India, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Campbell to Air India. He is an industry veteran having worked in key global markets cutting across multiple functions. Further, Air India would benefit from his added experience of having built an airline brand in Asia. I look forward to working with him in building a world-class airline.”

New Zealand – Consumer brands giant Unilever has elevated Cameron Heath, former general manager at Unilever Baltics, to be its new managing director for New Zealand.

Heath joins the New Zealand team after seven years with Unilever. Aside from his previous role as the general manager in Unilever Baltics, Heath has spent four years as the company’s marketing director of food & beverages in Prague, during which time he built a passion for brands with a purpose such as Hellmans and Lipton. Prior to joining Unilever, he has also spent seven years with Procter and Gamble (P&G), spanning a number of customer development and category strategy roles, including time working in the New Zealand market.

In his new role, Heath will bring his extensive marketing and category management experience, as well as his passion for delivering superior product experiences that generate value for people and business.

Heath, who is originally from Sydney, started the role remotely from Australia in November 2021, and has joined his team on the ground in New Zealand last 20 April 2022.

Commenting on his appointment, Heath said that he is thrilled to take the reins of the New Zealand business, which has consistently delivered strong results under the leadership of Nick Bangs. 

He further shared that beyond their environmental footprint, he is also deeply passionate about the role businesses can play in creating a fair, diverse, and equitable world, and he is looking forward to better understanding the melting pot of cultures that makes up New Zealand and finding opportunities for them to scale change.

“I understand first-hand the pressure retailers and consumers are facing as we deal with supply chain disruption and increased cost of production across the board. I am committed to building constructive relationships with our retail partners and consumers to ensure the grocery sector is fair for all,” he said.

This elevation comes after Heath’s predecessor Nick Bangs moved to Sydney to take on the role of general manager of home, beauty and personal care at Unilever ANZ.

Singapore – Integrated communications agency APRW has announced the launch of its new business unit Digital Studio by APRW in a bid to meet the clients’ burgeoning needs in all things digital and for the web. As part of the new business launch, Sharon Koh has been appointed as managing director for Digital Studio by APRW.

The new business is an end-to-end digital solutions outfit, which will have deep capabilities in various technical areas to enhance its value-add to all digital stakeholders’ communication needs. In addition, the new business will drive its suite of digital services alongside APRW’S thriving PR practice. The plan to elevate the digital business is not a surprise, as technology and digital communications is the nervous system that links corporate strategy, finance, innovation, operations, and talent in today’s organisations.

“Digital Studio by APRW will comprise of professional specialists leading several functions – including performance and influencer marketing, video production, design and creatives, content marketing, account servicing, strategy and business development,” Koh said.

The new business unit is also a strategic move to attract and retain talents. It provides present and incoming team members with many career and growth opportunities – including different career pathways for the various functions, either a specialist or generalist track; and the possibility of job rotation. 

“Digital Studio by APRW will groom aspiring young talents under the guidance of senior colleagues who will provide mentorship and training to build upon their expertise, and nurture them to become experts in their respective practice. They will also be encouraged to deepen their expertise through continuous learning programmes,” the agency said in a press statement.

Koh further explained that the vision for Digital Studio by APRW was birthed when she first joined APRW to start its digital practice, with a strong focus on social media and Content Marketing. She noted as well that it has been an exciting, rewarding yet challenging journey over the past eight years and APRW’s existing digital practice has grown from strength to strength. 

“We are grateful to have gained trust and confidence from clients across multiple industries, establishing a solid foundation to pave the way for Digital Studio by APRW. With the various specialty functions in place, dual goals are achieved – value-add to our clients with expanded integrated digital solutions, and expand the knowledge base and capabilities of our team members,” she concluded.

London, United Kingdom – Hybrid Theory, a data-driven digital services partner for brands and agencies, has announced the appointment of Sean Badlishah as its new managing director for Asia-Pacific.

Badlishah brings an illustrious career spanning two decades in the media and advertising industries. After launching his career at Leo Burnett Worldwide in London, he returned to Singapore to hold multidisciplinary roles at some of the most prestigious agencies in the world, including Ogilvy & Mather, M&C Saatchi, 3M, and Y&R. 

Prior to Hybrid Theory, Badlishah also headed up three other successful agencies, the most recent of which was Zoo Group, a boutique strategic creative agency.

Speaking about his appointment, he said, “I have ambitious plans for Hybrid Theory in Asia Pacific and look forward to the challenge of growing and fast expanding its footprint. I spent many years in the Creative industry and believe that the learnings I gleaned in that space, coupled with Hybrid Theory’s audience discovery and data insights capabilities make for a powerful and unique combination in APAC, one that the region is craving for, and I look forward to exploring further with both our agency and brand clients.”

Meanwhile, Patrick Johnson, CEO at Hybrid Theory, commented, “I have ambitious plans for Hybrid Theory in Asia-Pacific and look forward to the challenge of growing and fast expanding its footprint. I spent many years in the creative industry and believe that the learnings I gleaned in that space, coupled with Hybrid Theory’s audience discovery and data insights capabilities make for a powerful and unique combination in APAC, one that the region is craving for, and I look forward to exploring further with both our agency and brand clients.”

Hybrid Theory has also announced the promotion of Inês Martins to the role of global head of product.

On Martins’ promotion, Johnson commented, “In her new role, Hybrid Theory and its clients will benefit from Ines’ instinctive understanding of business dynamics and prescient ability to predict changes in the industry, skills that are imperative to furthering our company’s product and technology vision at pace and offer innovation in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.”

Singapore – Southeast Asia-wide digital property marketplace PropertyGuru Group has appointed Shyn Yee Ho-Strangas, former director of product management at online travel company Expedia Group, to be its new managing director for data and software solutions (DSS) business. 

Ho-Strangas brings deep domain knowledge in travel and technology. In her most recent role at Expedia Group, where she has extensive experience devising strategies and software solutions for enterprise players in the travel space, Ho-Strangas has led large teams driving global strategic and cross-functional workstreams, focusing on global market expansion and local optimisation.

In her new role at PropertyGuru, Ho-Strangas will be joining PropertyGuru’s Group Leadership Team and will be responsible for driving the vision, strategy, and execution of innovative and game-changing data and software solutions and services, with a focus on enterprise customers in the property sector. Supported by her team within the DSS business unit, Ho-Strangas will also be leading the charge to identify and accelerate opportunities to pursue PropertyGuru’s quest to build the property trust platform in Southeast Asia.

Commenting on her appointment, Ho-Strangas, said, “I am thrilled to join PropertyGuru Group at such an exciting and defining juncture in the company’s journey. Their laser focus on customer needs and vision to become the trusted advisor resonates with me, and I look forward to joining.”

Meanwhile, Hari V. Krishnan, PropertGuru’s CEO and managing director, shared that the appointment will be a critical asset as they build out their software products and expand their data solutions. 

“Over the last 15 years, our growth and success have been due to constant investments in technology, providing solutions that solve customer pain points. I am confident that she will be an invaluable leader to push forward our agenda for data transparency and bring solutions that the industry needs,” said Krishnan.

Singapore – Media Publishares, the publisher of Esquire, Robb Report, and Vogue Singapore, has elevated Natasha Damodaran, former marketing director at Media Publishares, to be its new managing director (MD), and Alexander Trefilov, former general manager at Media Publishares’ Philippines office, which was previously Indochine Media, to be its new chief operating officer (COO). 

In her previous role as marketing director, Damodaran has played an instrumental role in the launch of Esquire and Vogue Singapore, while simultaneously leading partnerships, marketing, communications, and events. Since August 2021, with the launch of Vogue’s September NFT collection, she has been spearheading the implementation of NFT strategies and metaverse related activities for Esquire, Robb Report, and Vogue Singapore. 

As the new MD, Damodaran will be working across all divisions in the Singapore office, managing the day-to-day business, as well as new business opportunities alongside the publishers and editors-in-chief, while continuing to lead the marketing teams. 

Commenting on her elevation, Damodaran said that she looks forward to the next phase of growth at Media Publishares, and in her capacity as the new managing director, he aim is to grow the print, digital, social, and Web3 offerings within their current portfolio, while working alongside their creative and editorial teams to bring world-class content to their readers.

“With the strength of the brands and the breadth of talent that we have, there are tremendous opportunities ahead,” added Damodaran

Meanwhile, Trefilov has previous experience in international publishing, having worked at Partners Media Group for Kazakhstan, publisher of titles that include Harper’s BAZAAR, Esquire, and Men’s Health.

In his new role as COO, Trefilov will be overlooking corporate finance, legal, internal procedures, and communication with licensing partners and stakeholders. He will also oversee the financial reporting of the regional offices in Vietnam and Malaysia. 

Trefilov commented, “Keeping the high pace of the company’s growth both in media and new crypto business, I am excited to fine-tune and amplify the business processes to strengthen the company’s position in the Southeast Asian market.”

Both will be based in Singapore and will report to Michael von Schlippe, Media Publishares’ president.

Von Schlippe shared that Damodaran has been involved in all parts of scaling the business in Singapore, showing skills and accomplishments on the management and commercial sides of the business, and she also has a sharp eye for editorial quality in both print and digital.

“In addition, Alexander brings with him 17 years of international media experience with a focus on Asia. He has been effective not only in setting up and running media organisations, but also in shaping and implementing strategies whilst managing diverse business operations,” he added.

Hong Kong — Global media agency Wavemaker has announced the appointment of Matt Hofmeyer, the former managing director of Wavemaker Adelaide, to his new position as managing director of Wavemaker Hong Kong.

Hofmeyer has worked for Wavemaker for nearly two decades, playing an instrumental role in developing long-standing client partnerships with Mitsubishi Motors, the Government of South Australia, Bridgestone, and South Australian Tourism, among others.

Hofmeyer commented on his appointment, saying, “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to continue my career with Wavemaker in the Asia Pacific, joining our talented team servicing in Hong Kong. I’m driven to experience and learn new things, working with our Hong Kong team and clients represents a fantastic new challenge for me. My ambition is to help our team stretch themselves to unlock the vast, diverse talent we have at Wavemaker, and become a vital business partner for our clients.”

His move is an example of Wavemaker’s talent development strategy through enabling mobility, following the recent move of Ann Lim from CCO of China to managing director of Japan and Korea. This is a key part of the agency’s vision of creating a truly diverse and inclusive environment that builds exceptional careers.

Hofmeyer succeeds Stanley Ngai, who is moving to start another challenge in a new place after his 15 years of service in the agency. Hofmeyer reports jointly to Caroline Chan, CEO of GroupM Hong Kong and Gordon Domlija, CEO of Wavemaker APAC.

Chan commented on Hofmeyer’s appointment, saying, “I am very excited to have Hofmeyer joining the Hong Kong team. He has tremendous experience within the network, and I am sure he will help Wavemaker Hong Kong to advance the practices on performance-led media and unlock more opportunities for both our local and international businesses. I sincerely want to thank Stanley for his 15 years of service helping build Wavemaker (and previously Maxus) into the network it is today. I wish him the best of luck in his new adventures.”

Meanwhile, CEO of Wavemaker APAC Gordon Domlija shares that at Wavemaker they build exceptional careers. Domlija added that their learning and mobility programs ensure every individual has a safe and inclusive environment to develop as leaders and grow as human beings.

“Hofmeyer is a proven home-grown talent, and I am absolutely delighted he has taken on the challenge of delivering our ambition for the Hong Kong office, by leading the integration of our local, international, and outbound businesses in this hugely important hub. I have no doubt he will be a sensational success,” Domlija said.

With clients such as Colgate-Palmolive, Huawei, FrieslandCampina, Kimberly-Clark, Honor and PrimeCredit, coupled with a network committed to supporting infrastructure and talent in the market, the Hong Kong business is already well established and poised to meet the proposition of being a major global hub for Wavemaker.

Last January, Wavemaker launched the automation software technology ‘Intelligence Engine’ within its own network.

Tokyo, Japan – Global communications network Publicis Groupe has appointed Tomoko Akizawa, former executive vice president and client growth leader at global communications company Edelman, to be its new managing director of MSL Japan and new business director of Publicis Groupe Japan.

In her new roles, Akizawa will further develop and deepen MSL’s presence in Japan. She will also lead the MSL team in strengthening its service capabilities to drive greater impact for their clients under the Publicis Groupe’s Power of One offering, which is a frictionless collaboration between all of Publicis Groupe agencies that are able to better service their clients and people. 

Akizawa brings with her 20 years of experience in communications. Aside from her most recent roles at Edelman Japan, she has also held the director of technology and digital practices role.

Commenting on her appointment, Akizawa said that she is excited to join MSL especially as it looks to strengthen its positioning in both corporate and integrated communications in the Japan market.

“Given how MSL is so closely connected to the different solutions under the Publicis Groupe, I strongly believe that MSL is uniquely positioned to contribute and deliver integrated communications solutions as part of the Power of One partnership,” she added.

Meanwhile, Gareth Mulryan, the CEO of Publicis Groupe Japan, believes that Akizawa’s senior appointment will enable them to offer a stronger suite of communications services to their clients via the Publicis Groupe’s service offering of Power of One. 

“I look forward to working with her as part of the Publicis Japan executive team and am confident that she will help to continue our growth in Japan,” said Mulryan.

Margaret Key, MSL’s CEO for APAC and AMA, commented, “With her extensive experience in public relations and integrated communications, MSL Japan will have greater prowess in delivering impact and influence for our clients. I look forward to working closely with Tomoko to scale MSL business in this key growth market.”

Manila, Philippines – Ray Berja, currently the chief finance officer of AirAsia Philippines, has been appointed as the first managing director for the airasia Super App in the Philippines. He will be leading the overall operations of the company’s local footprint – expanding its lines of business (LOBs) and driving in users.

Berja is taking on the role starting 1 March ahead of the official launch of the airasia Super App in the Philippines, which is set to happen in the third week of this month. Additional LOBs are expected to be announced during the event along with the roadmap of the Super App.

He brings in over 18 years of experience working with external audit firms and multinational companies, including ABS-CBN, Jollibee, PLDT Global, and Mynt GCash. He started his career with AirAsia three years ago as a CFO in its airline business in the Philippines.

Speaking about his appointment, he said, “Airasia, as a global leader in attainable travel and lifestyle experience, has always been an early adopter of innovations that benefit its customers. Now that we are fully geared to join the robust Super App market here in the Philippines, I am excited to lead and work with my team in establishing an integrated travel and lifestyle ecosystem for Filipinos. Frictionless connection with needs is the lifestyle of the future – and we are glad to be ushering it in here.”

He will be reporting to Amanda Woo, chief executive officer at airasia Super App.

Woo stated, “As we work towards our vision of becoming the top ASEAN Super App, we are finally making our footprint in the Philippines, and Ray will be taking the lead in managing all operations for the Super App in the country. He will be helping drive the growth of the subscriber base and growth across all lines of businesses in collaboration with our regional business group heads.”