Tag: promotion

London, United Kingdom – Committed to global expansion and future growth, global integrated communications agency WE Communications has announced two regional executive roles for APAC and EMEA, promoting Avian WE group CEO Nitin Mantri to regional executive managing director for APAC, and WE’s UK managing director Ruth Allchurch to regional executive managing director for EMEA.

Mantri and Allchurch will both help in strengthening the agency’s operations in APAC and EMEA by overseeing client retention and business development, nurturing the teams of talents, and driving strategic growth initiatives through the development of new client services and capabilities. 

The two new hires will report to the president of International and global chief operating officer Kass Sells, who oversees WE’s eight international markets and its affiliate network. 

Speaking on Mantri’s appointment, Sells said that he has demonstrated his ability to develop teams and business operations that fuels the agency’s growth. Meanwhile, Sells considers Allchurch as a leader of action who will extend her knowledge to EMEA, after seeing her as an instrument for growth in their UK Business.

Sells added, “I’m proud of how each of these leaders has evolved at WE, developing their teams, building successful relationships with clients, all with an eye toward the future.”

Meanwhile, Melissa Waggener Zorkin, global CEO of WE Communications, said, “Our sector and services growth, expanded client partnerships, and acquisitions in these international markets have created an exciting inflection point for our business. We are well positioned to make strategic changes to our broader international leadership team that will enable us to build our blueprint for future growth.”

Mantri will maintain his Avian WE Group CEO title while Allchurch will continue to manage WE’s recent acquisition of Hopscotch Consulting.

Australia – Global brand and customer experience agency VMLY&R has announced the promotion of current client service director Vanessa Tout to the role of managing partner. In her new role, Tout will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Melbourne-based team and will work closely with the client engagement team to deliver best-in-class work for the agency’s existing client partnerships and prospects.

Before joining VMLY&R, Tout has also led teams at Digitas UK, Isobar Australia, and Versa Agency.

Sarah Bailey, managing director of VMLY&R Melbourne & Sydney said that she loved working with Tout for the past 12 months. She also expressed that Tout’s character and experience connected the agency and the people across its global network.

Bailey added, “Her positive impact on our team and client partnerships such as Monash and Ford is evident and I’m really excited about working with Ness to drive further creativity and innovation in 2023 and watch her build on our strong offering in Melbourne.”

Speaking on her new role, Tout said, “I’m excited to be stepping into this new role to support the continued connection and growth of our culture, our team and our client partnerships.”

Tout added, “Since joining VMLY&R I have been so impressed by our team’s passion, talent and commitment to doing truly connected work. This really is the most connected global network I’ve been part of. Our proposition of Creating Connected Brands and the specialist capability we offer to deliver on that – brand experience, customer experience and commerce – is really resonating with our clients. It resulted in some excellent growth across our existing partnerships in 2022, as well as a number of brilliant new business wins.”

Singapore – With the reopening of borders and easing of travel restrictions globally, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to celebrate the return of travel through the extension of the ‘Stay Longer, Save More’ campaign until September 30 2022. The promotion allows for savings of up to 20% off for three or more consecutive nights’ stay by 30 September 2022 and other exciting discount opportunities.

Further sweetening the resumption of travel, members can earn Wyndham Rewards points when they complete their stay by September 30, 2022. Wyndham Rewards is one of the world’s best hotel rewards programs with more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals with a plethora of enticing perks and points.

Under the ongoing ‘Stay Twice and Earn a Free Night’ promotion, members can stack their rewards and will be awarded 7500 bonus points after completing 2 qualified stays when they register and book on the Wyndham Hotels website by September 2, 2022, and complete their qualified stays by September 6, 2022. Valid for four years, Wyndham Rewards points can be saved for use or redeemed anytime to satiate members’ thirst for travel.

Some featured hotels by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts include the Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket Auckland, the Wyndham Bangkok Queen Convention Centre, the Wyndham Garden Cam Ranh Resort, and Wingate by Wyndham Sanya Luhuitou, and many more.

Singapore – Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has announced the elevation of Chloe Neo, to the role of chief executive officer of OMG Singapore. In her new role, Neo will be tasked to oversee all aspects of OMG Singapore’s business operations, championing the Group Vision, building capabilities, driving greater purpose and measurable success among its agencies in Singapore namely, OMD and PHD and the Group’s data and analytics division, Annalect. Neo will continue to report to Tony Harradine and will officially assume her new role immediately.

Neo’s promotion is an acknowledgement of her stellar track record for nurturing strong client relationships, elevating the agency’s capabilities, and fostering a people-first culture within the agency network. 

Neo’s boasts 14 years in playing an instrumental role in growing OMG Singapore’s business and regional hub services from strength to strength. Under her leadership as chief operating officer, she has established OMG Singapore and its affiliate agencies as the national and global media business partner for notable brands such as Scoot, Income, Razer and Poh Heng, retained major accounts such as Singtel and McDonald’s in multi-year partnerships, and increased Singapore’s business by 30% year-on-year.

On top of propelling business growth, Neo’s client-centric mindset has led the team to launch an array of specialised services and products across digital, commerce, investment, and data analytics. These market-leading solutions are dedicated to fostering healthy client relationships and expanding clients’ capabilities in support of their business transformation journey. While Neo’s commercial vision has allowed her to drive overall business growth, her visionary and talent-focused approach have nurtured a collaborative and people-first culture in the agency network.

Tony Harradine, CEO of Omnicom Media Group, APAC, said that over the years, Chloe has shown her unrelenting commitment to bringing transformative momentum to OMG Singapore. 

“She is a visionary leader, one with a strong track record of accelerating growth and expanding the agency network capabilities into one of the best in the market. Guided by empathy for her team and a passion for fostering rewarding client relationships, I am confident in Chloe’s ability to steer OMG Singapore towards a new era of growth,” Harradine said.

Yokohama, Japan — Automobile manufacturer Nissan Motor has announced a senior management change in its communications division as it appoints Lavanya Wadgaonkar, current divisional manager in charge of global communications, to now become the vice president of global communications, effective as of April 01, 2022.

Wadgaonkar holds an extensive understanding of the industry with over 27 years of international experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand management, marketing and sustainability. Prior to joining Nissan in 2012, Wadgaonkar worked at a printing company, Lexmark, petrochemical conglomerate, Reliance and diversified power management company, Eaton in various leadership roles in communications and marketing.

Wadgaonkar previously spearheaded and developed the communications and external and government affairs functions for Nissan Asia and Oceania. Now in the new role, she is tasked with the responsibility to lead all of Nissan’s communications including building the company’s reputation globally, engaging the internal and external audiences and driving sustainability communications.

Wadgaonkar will continue to report to Sadayuki Hamaguchi, corporate vice president for Nissan Global Communications.

China — Creative and CRM agency Wunderman Thompson in China has announced that Joyce Ling has been promoted to chief transformation and strategy officer.

In her new role, Ling will take on additional responsibilities to drive client growth and innovation through digital and business transformation opportunities. Working closely with Wunderman Thompson’s global network, Ling’s vast understanding and the role will allow brands to fully maximise growth opportunities and impact future developments.

Ling will continue to report to Carter Chow, chief executive officer of Wunderman Thompson China.

Ling shared her thoughts on the essence of her new role, saying that in this ever changing market, where customers’ behaviours evolve with the change of hyper ecosystems, and their experiences alter with the speed at which touchpoints appear and disappear on daily basis, it is of no surprise that cookie-cutter marketing solutions can no longer work for brands.

“This is the perfect opportunity where Wunderman Thompson can tailor solutions for brands in order to achieve sustainable marketing and business results. This is already a reality in our industry and I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead this conversation for Wunderman Thompson here in China,” Ling said.

Commenting on this new appointment, Chow said, “We are all extremely pleased that Ling will be leading our business transformation. There is no one in the industry more suited or qualified than Ling to elevate Wunderman Thompson China’s current offerings of strategy, data, and experience, and inspire design-thinking mindsets in our team to create tailored solutions for our client.”

Recently in January, Wunderman Thompson saw the return of Joe Dy as its new chief creative officer for their Philippine division.

Singapore — The Singaporean arm of automobile manufacturer Audi has unveiled that their premium mobility concept, Audi on demand, has announced its latest initiative – AOD advantage. This new initiative is Audi on demand’s solution to monthly car bookings and offers exclusive savings advantages when cars are rented for longer periods of time.

With AOD advantage, customers can choose their preferred Audi models for periods longer than one month, accompanied by greater convenience and significant cost savings. AOD advantage keeps salient features from the Audi on demand concepts, namely the seamless online interface and complimentary concierge services – and adds to this with affordable, long-term car bookings.

On the Audi on demand website, customers can access the AOD advantage section and select a car, rental dates, as well as delivery and retrieval locations according to preference. AOD advantage rates come inclusive of insurance, regular servicing and maintenance, as well as 24-hour roadside assistance. Longer-term rentals also feature periodic checks on car mileage, with complimentary car pick-ups and replacements as and when servicing is required.

Markus Schuster, managing director of Audi Singapore, said, “Since its launch in 2018, Audi on demand has been well received in Singapore, offering the latest Audi models for our fans and customers here to experience our cars on their own terms. We are excited for the launch of AOD advantage, which will provide our customers with more flexibility and options to immerse themselves in the Audi experience of premium mobility.”

The longer rental periods offered by AOD advantage allow customers to test a variety of Audi vehicles across an extended period of time as the previous offer only lasted 28 days. The exclusive Audi service also allows additional authorised drivers to participate in the promotion as long as the driver is over the age of 23, has a valid Singapore driving license and has at least two years of driving experience.

Those who have an interest in Audi’s new AOD advantage initiative can schedule a booking or learn more about it at Audi Singapore’s website (sg.audiondemand.com.sg/Vehicle/AODAdvantage).

Last February, Audi Singapore also announced the appointment of Jasmine Toh as public relations manager.

Sydney, Australia – Creative transformation company WPP has promoted Rose Herceg, former chief strategy officer at WPP ANZ, as the company’s new president for Australia and New Zealand. Through her new role, she will be leading WPP’s business in Australia and New Zealand, supporting agency CEOs, promoting WPP’s collective capabilities and bringing together people and resources on behalf of clients.

As part of her promotion, Chris Rollinson, previously WPP ANZ’s chief financial officer, becomes the chief operating officer, and Tim Matheson will lead WPP’s technology strategy in the market as the new chief technology officer.

Herceg was the founder of Pophouse, an Australian agency for innovation, social trends and business strategy, which she sold to communication company STW Group in 2007. She joined STW as a strategic consultant, and became chief strategy officer of WPP AUNZ following the WPP merger with STW in 2016.

During her stint as WPP ANZ’s chief strategy officer, she has led client-facing activity at the WPP level, helping to deliver the company’s integrated offer of communications, experience, commerce and technology across its network of agencies. She has supported many WPP agencies in successful pitches for new clients, including The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Bankwest, Star Entertainment Group and Vodafone.

Speaking about her appointment, Herceg said, “Our people and agencies are what makes WPP the industry leader. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work with them to continue building a culture of loving what we do and always reaching for outstanding results. I’m also thrilled to be working alongside Chris and Tim – two of the finest colleagues anyone could hope for – and all our fantastic agency CEOs.”

Meanwhile, Mark Read, CEO of WPP, commented, “[Herceg] is among the industry’s most respected leaders and I am delighted she has taken up this important role in one of our largest markets worldwide. We have fantastic agencies and thousands of talented people in Australia and New Zealand, and Rose’s job is to help them thrive so they can do great work for our clients. Her extensive marketing and agency experience, as well as a collaborative leadership style, will ensure we bring the best of WPP to our clients.”

China – Integrated communications agency in China, WE Red Bridge, has elevated Nicky Wang, former managing director and head of strategy, to be its new CEO for China. 

Wang joined the agency in 2009 as managing partner where she spearheaded the agency’s integrated capabilities expansion in creative, digital, insights and analytics, and planning. Wang has also led teams within the agency that deliver creative, integrated campaigns that drive business results.

Commenting on her new role, Wang said that operating in this dynamic and competitive market requires constant evolution, and she is absolutely honored to lead the team to relentlessly push the boundary of communications.

“I look forward to building on our momentum as the go-to integrated communications partner for brands in China,” said Wang.

Coinciding with Wang’s promotion, Penny Burgess, WE Red Bridge’s former CEO, will step into the role of executive chairman for China. Burgess will support Wang and the agency team through the transition, handing over day-to-day business operations, and continue as a senior advisor to WE Red Bridge clients.

Burgess said, “I am incredibly proud to hand over the reins to Nicky to take the business into the future. Together, we grew the agency from humble beginnings at my kitchen table to the remarkable team we have today of over 120 across Beijing and Shanghai.”

Meanwhile, Kass Sells, WE Communications’ global COO and president of international, commented, “I look forward to the continued partnership with Nicky and her leadership team as we strive to be the best agency in China.”

The elevation of Wang and Burgess will be effective from 1 January 2022.

Tokyo, Japan – Global data and measurement-driven media agency Essence has elevated current associate vice president for client services for Japan Kota Murakami to the role of managing director for Essence in Japan.

He will be responsible for leading continued client-centric innovation in data, analytics and technology, as well as business growth and company culture for Essence in the market.

In his previous role as AVP for client services, he headed the agency’s client services and drove business growth for the agency in Japan, as well as overseeing key client services in Korea. Previously, he served as global account director at Tag in the United States, streamlining creative production processes for major brands and agencies through software as a service.

He will be reporting to T. Gangadhar, CEO for APAC at Essence as part of the agency’s APAC leadership team; and Michael Beecroft, CEO for Northeast Asia at GroupM as part of GroupM Japan’s executive committee.

“Kota has done an excellent job in spearheading, in collaboration with the leadership team, Essence’s growth and development in Japan over the past few years. In addition to global and local industry experience, he has a deep understanding of our business, product offering, clients, work, people and culture. I am excited about his vision for Essence in Japan and how he will take the agency to new heights,” Gangadhar said.

Meanwhile, Beecroft commented, “Kota’s contribution to Essence’s growth has been clear. With his appointment to GroupM Japan’s executive committee earlier this year, and now as the confirmed leader of Essence Japan, his impact on the Essence and overall GroupM business will only increase.”