Tag: Weber Shandwick

Singapore – Weber Shandwick has announced strategic leadership appointments to accelerate growth and innovation across its Asia-Pacific operations. They include Polka Yu as APAC chief integration officer (CIO) and managing director for Hong Kong and South China (Shenzhen); Carolyn Devanayagam as managing director of Singapore; and Robert Magyar as APAC head of healthcare.

Yu will work closely with the regional team to drive and execute integrated marketing communications strategies. She will focus on driving organic growth with top-tier clients while building new client relationships across the region. 

Additionally, Yu will lead the expansion of the Hong Kong market and oversee the China Go Global initiative, managing international communications for China-based clients from the agency’s Hong Kong and Shenzhen offices. Yu brings 20 years of experience in strategic consultation and planning for integrated global campaigns, business development, and team management in APAC, especially Hong Kong and mainland China. 

Meanwhile, Devanayagam will focus on accelerating the agency’s growth by enhancing its capabilities in key business areas. She recently celebrated 25 years of service with the agency, marking a distinguished multi-decade career spanning Southeast Asia, China, and the United States. 

In addition to her new role, Devanayagam will continue to serve as the Head of Corporate Affairs in the region, providing strategic counsel to key global clients, partnering with corporations, NGOs, and industry leaders to drive impactful initiatives.

Lastly, with over 20 years of experience advising senior executives in strategic communications and healthcare across multiple markets, Magyar will focus on driving growth, enhancing client relationships, and developing talent with the firm’s healthcare vertical. 

The trio will be reporting directly to Tyler Kim, CEO of Weber Shandwick APAC.

“These leadership appointments reflect our unwavering commitment to providing world-class services to our clients and partners. Polka, Carolyn, and Robert’s deep understanding of our markets and industry verticals will be instrumental in driving our strategy forward and ensuring we stay at the forefront of the communications landscape in Asia Pacific,” Tyler said.

He added, “As we enter the next phase of our growth, we are focused on embracing change and making strategic improvements to deliver exceptional results for our clients. These appointments, along with our increased focus on industry-specific expertise, position us optimally for continued success in the region.” 

Singapore – Albert Shu is stepping down from his leadership role at Weber Shandwick after two decades, the firm has confirmed to MARKETECH APAC when reached out to.

“Albert has served over 20 years with the Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific team. He has led his teams with dedication, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence. We thank Albert for his contributions and wish him all the best,” an agency spokesperson said.

Albert was most recently the president of Hong Kong and Singapore for the marketing communications firm, a role he held for more than three years since January 2021.

He has spent most his leadership career as the managing director of Weber Shandwick Hong Kong for sixteen years from 2004 to 2021. During his tenure, he was instrumental to the firm’s long-term business success in the local market, driven by the stability and diversity of its client and staff portfolio, brought together by a culture of collegiality.

During his Hong Kong leadership experience, the firm offers dedicated practices across six key sectors – including consumer marketing, corporate and crisis communications, financial services, healthcare, public affairs and technology–and can offer a multi-disciplinary approach to clients with a diverse range of business challenges and stakeholders.

Prior to his Weber Shandwick stint, he also served as the head of marketing and communications for Deloitte Consulting in Asia Pacific Africa from 1998 to 2003, as well as a manager to the Burson-Marsteller firm, which is now BCW–and will also be absorbed with Hill+Knowlton to form Burson.

Singapore – Weber Shandwick has announced the appointment of Robert Magyar as its new senior advisor to enhance strategic growth in the APAC region. 

Magyar brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, public affairs, and government relations. Based in Beijing, he has been advising senior executives and industry leaders worldwide, with extensive expertise in China, Indonesia, Japan, Switzerland, and the US. Last year, he was honoured with the Public Affairs Asia/PRCA Gold Standard Award for Professional Excellence.

He also served in senior roles at the Weber Shandwick Tokyo and Beijing offices from 2003 until 2011. 

In his new role, Magyar will collaborate closely with Tyler Kim, APAC CEO, to enhance the agency’s market positioning and client experiences, with a strong focus on healthcare and corporate affairs. 

Kim said, “We are happy to have Robert onboard. His appointment is a step forward in our commitment to delivering superior strategic solutions and accelerating our growth in the region. His extensive leadership experience and strategic vision will be invaluable as we navigate the next phase of our growth across all sectors, with a focus on healthcare and corporate affairs.” 

Speaking on his appointment, Magyar also commented, “The communications industry is going through an accelerated expansion in the APAC region, and strategic solutions are becoming increasingly crucial in shaping reputation and stakeholder perceptions. Weber Shandwick is well aware of these opportunities, and I am excited to support them in building strong relationships and staying ahead of the curve.” 

Singapore – Global communications agency Weber Shandwick has appointed Farah Zuber as new vice president and head of communications for Asia-Pacific (APAC), bolstering its regional leadership team.

Zuber brings 14 years of experience in marketing and communications, specialising in designing and activating comprehensive strategies across earned, owned, and paid channels. She has spearheaded multi-market campaigns for companies in APAC, the United States, and the Middle East.

Throughout her career, Zuber has specialised in corporate communications and reputation building across sectors such as technology, finance, and governance. She has collaborated with industry players like Ogilvy Public Relations, ARC Worldwide, and Edelman. Notably, she was the inaugural market leader for SPAG (SPAG FINN Partners) and a key member of the leadership team at Redhill.

Zuber’s strategic appointment underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its position in the industry and driving continuous growth across the region. 

In her new role, Zuber will report to Tyler Kim, APAC CEO, and will lead the firm’s strategic integrated communications initiatives across key markets, focusing on a wide range of stakeholders, including external and internal audiences.

Kim said, “Farah’s extensive regional experience in reputation management and her deep understanding of the business landscape are instrumental in driving our next growth phase. Her appointment demonstrates our commitment to delivering greater value to our employees, clients, and partners in the region. We are thrilled to have her with us.” 

Commenting on her appointment, Zuber also shared, “It is exciting and an honour to be part of Weber Shandwick, an agency renowned for delivering value-driven, earned-first work for decades. Additionally, the agency’s culture, which deeply embraces diversity and well-being, is truly refreshing. I strongly believe these two elements—the commitment to the work and to people—are what make a brand successful and meaningful. I look forward to contributing to the agency’s growth moving forward.”

Australia – Jack Morton and Weber Shandwick Australia have announced the launch of a new content agency called Vocal. The new addition to the agency alliance in Australia now expands the offering to three agencies under one roof, providing clients services across experiential, communications and content.

Spearheaded by Tom Abood, the new content studio will deliver social first, high-quality engaging content. With a decorated career, delivering for the world’s biggest content producers including, Disney, ESPN, National Geographic and social publishing giant LADbible, Abood’s experience is testament to the breadth and depth of experience the agency brings. 

Through Vocal, he will oversee the content studio and a team of professionals to deliver outputs across a content landscape spanning short-form, long-form, documentary, TVC and broadcast. 

Bringing a distinctive and elevated approach, Vocal will engage in consulting, guiding, and assisting its counterparts at Jack Morton and Weber Shandwick Australia. Vocal has hit the ground running already collaborating with household Australian names including Canva, Commonwealth Bank, BWS and Hawaii Tourism. 

Tom Abood, business director at Vocal, said, “We strive to create content that people talk about – whether it’s something short and snackable or in-depth long form. We’re storytellers of various disciplines and we want to build narratives that capture audiences through entertainment. We want people talking to their mates, family or community about what they saw. I am thrilled at the possibility of what we are going to create.”

Meanwhile, Helen Graney, CEO at Jack Morton/Weber Shandwick Australia and Vocal, commented, “We’re entering a new era of content creation and brand engagement. With Vocal as the latest addition to our family, we’re breaking new ground, delivering content that not only captivates but inspires positive change. A first of its kind in this market, this partnership brings the combined expertise of experiences, communications, and content together – all under one roof.”