Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Public relations and content marketing agency Mutant in Malaysia has appointed branding communications veteran Archana Menon to be the new country head of Mutant Malaysia.

Through her new role, Menon will be responsible for overseeing and growing Mutant’s business in Malaysia, offering specialist services in branding, content development, PR, and digital marketing to both existing and new clients and driving results that boost sales, leads, and customer retention. 

Prior to her recent appointment, she was formerly the country head for the Malaysian arm of communications company Ruder Finn. She has accumulated more than 14 years of experience in integrated communications, media planning, and branding to the agency. 

She has also worked across a variety of sectors, including property, healthcare, technology, and telecommunications, and also includes a diverse track record that includes strategic counsel and crisis management for local and regional SMEs, startups, and government bodies.

“Mutant’s ability to pair strong storytelling with public relations has helped clients successfully navigate the transformation we’re seeing in the media landscape. I’m excited to now take things a step further by combining content, PR, branding, and digital marketing to attract a strong roster of clients, and help them stand out and drive business goals,” Menon commented regarding her appointment.

Her recent appointment comes as Mutant plans to expand regionally in Asia, including its goal of becoming a full-service, integrated agency, with new digital marketing and branding offerings. 

Menon will report directly to Joseph Barratt, founder and CEO of Mutant.

Barratt said, “Mutant is redefining how PR, content, digital marketing, and branding come together to help businesses succeed, and I’m excited to see how Archana will take her depth of knowledge, strong leadership, and passion for the job to solidify and grow Mutant in Malaysia.”

Australia – Australian-based independent creative agency, Special Group has appointed Abigail Dawson to the newly created role of brand director

In her new role, Abigail will be responsible for steering the Special Group narrative, overseeing the agency’s business development and PR strategy and management. 

Prior to joining the agency, Dawson spent the last four years as a journalist at the marketing publication Mumbrella, where she held positions including senior content journalist, senior reporter, and advertising and comms reporter. 

Abigail will report to CEO Lindsey Evans. Evans said, “Despite the rollercoaster challenges of COVID -19, we are incredibly fortunate to be in a position to invest in our own brand’s development. We are thrilled to welcome Abigail to the Special Group family. She brings deep industry knowledge and fierce passion and we can’t wait to see that manifest at Special Group.” 

Meanwhile, Dawson shared that the move was part of her plan to fully live out her passion.

“I am incredibly grateful to the team at Mumbrella. The growth and development I have made over the last four years will stay with me forever, but now feels like the right time to follow my passion for advertising and explore new opportunities,” said Dawson.