Tag: Marketing

Australia – Digital marketing and automation platform Constant Contact has appointed Gerard Smith as its new APAC head of partnerships, shortly after the recent appointment of Sam Whitmore as its new APAC head of commercial.

In their new roles, both Smith and Whitmore will be supporting the company’s commitments to rapid growth and the support of small businesses across the APAC region.

These appointments also follow Constant Contact’s recent designation of their new vice president for APAC.

Smith joins from WP Engine where he held the role of APAC head of agency partnerships. In that role, Smith was responsible for fostering greater growth among digital marketing, web development, e-commerce, and media agencies across the region, and engaging and growing the company’s reseller community.

Based out of Constant Contact’s regional headquarters in Brisbane, Smith will focus on providing support to the hundreds of resellers currently driving new business across Australia and New Zealand.

Whitmore on the other hand, held numerous executive roles at Salesforce in the United Kingdom, largely focused on SMB customers, most recently as the regional vice president for the travel, transport and hospitality industries.

Speaking on his appointment, Smith said, “I’m excited to join Constant Contact and look forward to unlocking new growth opportunities and fostering stronger collaboration with our partners across the APAC region.”

Talking about her appointment as well, Whitmore also mentioned, “I’m thrilled to have joined Constant Contact in APAC at this exciting phase and to be driving strategies that will support our customers and their own growth journeys.”

Meanwhile, Renee Chaplin, vice president Asia Pacific, Constant Contact, commented, “Our agency partners continue to be important drivers of expansion and we intend to double down on our commitment to them in-region to help their businesses be more successful in 2024. Bringing Gerard Smith on board as our APAC Head of Partnerships further demonstrates how important this region is to Constant Contact.”

“To add, Sam Whitmore is a commercial powerhouse and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring her on board to lead our customer success, customer support and inside sales functions for Constant Contact in APAC,” added Chaplin.

Hong Kong – HSBC has partnered with MSL to launch its newest brand campaign, “Make Your Next Move. Make Your Mark.” Under the campaign, HSBC will orchestrate the latest advertising endeavour, which will act as a rallying call for Hong Kong residents. 

Involving locals in every facet of the campaign, it serves as a visual representation of the city’s continued progress and the achievements of people from various backgrounds making their mark on the globe.

Several parts of the movie’s scenes were even filmed by Hong Kong residents, while others drew inspiration from actual HSBC clients. The Hong Kong film director Jack Ng selected and further directed these moments. The film deftly combines HSBC’s history and worldwide reach with the diversity, tenacity, and resolve of Hong Kong.

More than 70 distinct sounds from Hong Kong are featured on the original soundtrack, which also includes narration from the locals. Every frame pulsates with the authenticity and dynamism of Hong Kong’s diverse society, from the “ding ding” of trams to the colourful MTR announcements and the rhythmic beats of lion dancers. 

As part of the campaign, HSBC ventures into the world of film for more than two months, starting in March, on an atypical and creative marketing journey. A gala premiere held at K11 Art House to commemorate the launch was held in addition to several online and offline marketing initiatives. The campaign displays its tagline through newspaper wraps, editorial alliances, TV commercials, and tunnel billboards. 

Enhancing its involvement, HSBC reached out to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) across a range of industries on social media, including travel, sports, entertainment, art, culture, film, and more. With each post featuring a cinematic clapperboard image and a personal reflection on the user’s goals and aspirations, they invited the public to submit their #NextMove on Instagram.

Speaking about the campaign, Luanne Lim, chief executive officer, Hong Kong, HSBC, commented, “HSBC and the local film industry in Hong Kong have grown alongside its people. Our latest advertising campaign involves a collaboration with a talented director to capture the essence and vibrancy of Hong Kong, while also emphasising our bank’s vision and global reach. As a steadfast supporter of the Hong Kong economy, HSBC is proud to sponsor the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards, which celebrate Hong Kong’s creative industries and highlights its allure as a global city.”

Meanwhile, Alexis Chiu, group managing director of Saatchi & Saatchi and MSL expressed, ” We are thrilled to collaborate with HSBC and Jack to bring this extraordinary campaign film to fruition. A true local product, directed and shot in the heart of Hong Kong, capturing the unique sounds and visuals of our city. This film truly reflects the energy, diversity, and cultural richness that define Hong Kong. It has been an incredible journey to celebrate the spirit of this dynamic city and create a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.” 

Seoul, Korea – Tinder has unveiled its latest local brand campaign in Korea, which celebrates and caters to the authentic self-expression and choices of Gen Z’s.

Building on Tinder’s “There’s no wrong choice, Tinder.” brand message in Korea, the campaign focuses on Gen Z’s quest for honesty and authenticity through real-life stories of one of Korea’s rising stars, in addition to real stories of actual Tinder users.

In the campaign video, Korean actress Jeon Jong-seo unapologetically showcases her distinct personality with a promise to share all aspects of herself as an actress and as an individual. 

https://youtu.be/JO0Q0d2-CEk?si=9JA0O9cxK2FkgHoS

Whether it’s love, friendship, or an undefined relationship, the subsequent three campaign videos showcase real-life stories of Korean users who have found new connections on Tinder, illustrating the possibilities of anyone finding a significant other or friend on Tinder.

The campaign takes inspiration from the new generation of Gen Z daters who are known for expressing themselves more and being authentically honest in showing who they truly are to others, according to Tinder’s 2023 “Year In Swipe” report.

The campaign in Korea will run through April 30, and four campaign videos, including one by Jeon will be available on Tinder’s official channels for Korea, including the Tinder app, YouTube, and Instagram.

Talking about the campaign, Daniel Kim, VP of Marketing, Asia at Tinder, said, “Tinder’s latest brand campaign in Korea celebrates this generation’s self-expression and authenticity. At Tinder, we are passionate about creating a space where every individual can showcase their true selves fearlessly, knowing that they’re embraced and celebrated just as they are. With this new local campaign, we’re proud to champion authenticity as the cornerstone of meaningful relationships.”

With this campaign in mind, Tinder continues to connect  strongly with Gen Z singles across the APAC region. “There’s no wrong choice, Tinder,” in Korea follows Tinder’s first local “It Starts With A Swipe” campaign in Southeast Asia that debuted in Vietnam, illustrating how this generation of young adult singles are looking for endless possibilities. The “Love Is With Others” brand campaign in Japan similarly celebrates young adults seeking new possibilities and encourages them to look for joy, laughter, and sadness with someone else to make every day special.

Australia – SLIK, an independent creative agency, has added Paralympics Australia to its client portfolio after a successful pitch. They got the opportunity to help Paralympics Australia meet its fundraising goals by developing a unique virtual experience that will debut before the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

The platform, which aims to improve lives by the force of sport, will act as an online fundraising portal to support both existing and future Paralympians in achieving their athletic goals. 

Speaking about the partnership, Cameron Murray, Paralympics Australia’s head of commercial, communications and brand, said, “We’re excited to be working with SLIK to build on the success of our existing fundraising programs,” he said. “This innovative solution will deliver a new experience that will bring messages of support to athletes and engage audiences through content and a unique virtual experience – all while delivering essential funding for our organisation.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Bennett, SLIK co-founder and head of technology, stated, With a focus to put digital accessibility at the heart of the experience, we’re working with Paralympics Australia to gain vital insights from Australia’s Para-athletes, as well as useability and accessibility consultants, to ensure that accessibility is a priority. We’re excited about working on such an iconic event in the global sports calendar and feel the challenge ahead is a perfect fit for SLIK’s strategic combination of creativity and technology.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Independent media and communications consultancy network GO Group just got bigger with the latest addition of Australian strategic communications firm Banksia.

This collaboration with Banksia marks a pivotal moment as the GO Group marks its foray into the Asia Pacific and Australasia regions, solidifying its position as one of the largest networks of independent agencies in the world.

The inclusion of Banksia into the group cements the network’s commitment to foster collaboration and cross-pollination of skill sets within the global communications industry, from public relations, crisis communications, and public affairs to total branding, even within the digital sector.

Furthermore, the addition of Banksia heralds a pivotal moment for the GO Group as it sets its sights on expanding even further, particularly into Europe and North America. The network plans to appoint more partner and affiliated agencies in these continents to enhance its global presence and offer comprehensive PR solutions to clients worldwide.

Talking about this development, Peter de Kretser, chairman of the GO Group, said, “This collaboration signifies an exciting synergy between our agencies that will propel the group towards even greater success. I am especially proud to be working together with Steve, not only because we’ve known each other for many years, but the value that he and his team of highly competent associates bring to the GO Group is truly second to none. Their combined extensive experience, particularly in public affairs, adds a strategic component to the GO Group.”

Meanwhile, Steve Michelson, founder and director of Banksia, commented, “We are buoyed by the opportunity to join the GO Group and are humbled by Chairman Peter de Krester’s interest in our specialised services. Until now, our team has focused on driving strategic results for Australian businesses and organisations determined to deliver a positive social impact across key industries. Joining the GO Group connects us to a network of specialist agencies and opens the door to international partnerships for the benefit of the Group’s existing and prospective clients.”

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Creatives for Climate, a non-profit global network dedicated to climate action, has appointed Antonia Estall, a youth change agent, as the Asia-Pacific chapter lead. Estall’s appointment is tasked with taking action across the region, encouraging professionals to oppose greenwashing and build a climate action movement among their peers. 

Estall’s main focus will be on New Zealand, where nine out of ten New Zealanders prioritise checking a product’s green claims before making a purchase, according to research by Consumer NZ. Furthermore, according to UK research conducted by CIM in October 2020, 40% of marketers admit they do not possess the credentials required to communicate sustainability in an effective manner. 

Estall worked at ECG Consulting Firm before taking on her present positions, where she honed her research, creativity, and social media marketing talents. Additionally, she is part of Designers Collection NZ, expanding her knowledge in these domains. Estall is a motivated climate activist who emphasises an intersectional approach to climate justice. 

Joanna Kelly, chief executive at the Centre for Sustainable Finance, said, “The stories we tell about the net-zero transition are fundamental to the pace of progress toward our 2030 targets. The climate transition has huge implications for New Zealand, where access to markets, customers, and capital is at stake. The launch of the global Creatives for Climate non-profit in Aotearoa offers creative industries much-needed tools for advising clients on how to communicate with credibility. It’s a great way for NZ creatives to get in the game on sustainability.” 

Meanwhile, Gemma Rasmussen, head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, stated, “The reality of the New Zealand market is it’s very easy for a company to make a false or misleading sustainability claim about a product or service and go unchecked because greenwashing is essentially unmonitored. Shoppers can find it hard to differentiate between what is legitimately sustainable versus what is greenwashing, so the creative industry plays a crucial role in holding the line when it comes to genuine sustainable communication. Any efforts to empower more truthful advertising and marketing are very welcome.” 

Furthermore, Matt Haliday, senior lecturer in advertising and brand creativity AUT, expressed, “It’s exciting to see Creatives for Climate in Aotearoa. Having an organisation calling out greenwashing in the industry and helping creatives draw a line in the sand is important. We can all see which way the wind is blowing. Creatives for Climate are trying to help us prepare for the storm.” 

Singapore – Southeast Asian used car platform Carro has announced its acquisition of Beyond Cars, effectively expanding its reach towards the Hong Kong market. 

With Hong Kong under its belt, Carro is now present in a total of 7 markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan.

Through this partnership, Carro will be working towards expanding Beyond Cars’ network of partnerships, and further develop ancillary services across insurtech, financing and aftersales in Hong Kong.

Furthermore, the Beyond Cars team will continue to helm the business in Hong Kong, and will integrate Carro’s data-driven platform and its full-suite tech, including proprietary technologies and AI capabilities across pricing, inventory management, and inspection process.

Talking about the acquisition, Aaron Tan, Carro co-founder and Group CEO, said, “We have our sights set on big things in Hong Kong – beyond buying and selling cars. With Carro’s strong expertise in automotive technology and Beyond Cars’ wide network and trusted reputation in Hong Kong, I have no doubt that we can scale operations and take the brand to new heights.”

Meanwhile, Garry Yu, co-founder and CEO of Beyond Cars, commented, “Since our launch in 2016, our mission has always been to give our customers a seamless and transparent car-buying and selling experience. With Carro in the mix, I am sure we’ll be able to transform Hong Kong’s used car market and become the number 1 choice for customers in their used car ownership journey.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Wonda Coffee, a coffee brand under beverage manufacturer Etika, has collaborated with Malaysian film and entertainment studio Astro Shaw to bring back Malaysia’s beloved superhero, Keluang Man, to life.

Iconic to many Malaysians, Keluang Man comes from an animated television series aired in Malaysia from 1998 to 2005, and is cherished in Malaysian culture as someone who portrays bravery, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Through this collaboration, WONDA Coffee and Astro Shaw will further support local talent and entertainment in Malaysia, and will be aiming not only to entertain, but also to instil values to the younger generation.

Following this partnership, Wonda Coffee will also be bringing Malaysians an exclusive experience at KidZania, where Wonda and Astro Shaw connected visitors and members of the media to take part in the wall climbing activity with Keluang Man lead actor, Nas Muammar Zar himself.

Nas Muammar Zar as Keluang Man
Wonda’s wall climbing activity

Talking about this initiative, Amy Gan, vice president of marketing at Etika, said, “Through our collaboration with Astro Shaw for Keluang Man, we wish to reiterate our support for the local entertainment industry, backing the gifted Director, writers, talented cast, production and post-production efforts that go into bringing this legend to the silver screen.”

Meanwhile, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, vice president, head of Astro Shaw & Malay Nusantara Business, commented, “This collaboration marks a strong beginning for Astro Shaw in setting new standards for innovative marketing strategies in the film industry. We believe that Keluang Man and Wonda Coffee share a common focus on local elements and are both near and dear to all Malaysians.”

Jakarta, Indonesia – Global marketing and advertising agency dentsu has appointed Elvira Jakub as CEO of dentsu Indonesia, taking over the baton from Prakash Kamdar, who has led the network’s Indonesia business since February 2022.

In her new role, Jakub will be delivering growth to dentsu in the Indonesian market, and will be supporting the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy and in uplifting the communities within it. 

Jakub enters her role as a  marketing transformation veteran with over 23 years of experience in the Indonesia market. She joins dentsu from Google where she was head of industry, helping traditional businesses in auto and tech/telco thrive during and post-pandemic through innovative transformation.

Speaking on her appointment, Jakub said, “Indonesia’s market is rapidly evolving, and our clients need adaptable, integrated solutions to meet their business goals. I am thrilled to join dentsu Indonesia at this pivotal moment. Our team has been pioneering an integrated approach to creative, media, and CXM, empowering our clients to become innovation powerhouses in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.”

“I am grateful to be taking on the helm of dentsu Indonesia from what Prakash has built with the entire team here and I look forward to charting new grounds with the foundations that have been laid,” she added.

Singapore – Online delivery platform foodpanda has announced the appointment of Jaslin Goh as its new vice president of marketing for APAC. 

Based in Hong Kong, Goh will be taking over from Anna Znamenskaya, and will be reporting to John Fang, CEO of foodpanda. 

In her new role, Goh will be heading the regional marketing function and will be working closely with local marketing directors to drive growth and brand love across Asia.

Taking up this role with over 20 years of experience, Goh was previously the chief marketing officer for mobile payment service PayMe at HSBC, heading the marketing, design and customer experience functions. 

Prior to that, she also held senior marketing positions in HSBC’s Wealth & Personal Banking function, WeLab, and Shangri-La Group.

Speaking on her own appointment, Goh said, “I’m super excited to join the Foodpanda family with its unique blend of Tech x qcommerce x F&B across 11 strong and flavorful markets. Food reflects the soul and unique idiosyncrasies of each market. I’m proud to become part of a business where we bring food and people together, through technology, yet in a grassroot, grounded way and is the glue for the cultural fabric for Asia’s best cities.”