Vero appoints Laura Spence as Senior Advisor for ASEAN growth strategy

Thailand – Communications consultancy Vero has appointed Laura Spence as Senior Advisor for ASEAN, where she will support business growth, client experience, and talent development across the region.

In the role, Spence will work with teams from both Vero and government relations consultancy Vero Advocacy across Southeast Asia. She will also collaborate with business units on integrated communications and advisory work, drawing on her background as a certified organisational coach.

Spence brings more than 15 years of experience in integrated communications and corporate reputation across the Asia Pacific, having worked with global brands on campaigns spanning PR, stakeholder engagement, and social impact. Her previous work includes Dove Thailand’s Cannes Lion-winning #LetHerGrow campaign.

Commenting on her new role, Spence said, “I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our incredible teams across Southeast Asia. Vero’s growth trajectory is nothing short of impressive, and with that momentum comes the opportunity to raise the bar on the impact we create for our clients.”

She added that what drew her to Vero is its energy and culture. “I’ve always believed that the best work comes from teams built on curiosity, kindness and trust. With our team’s collective strengths across integrated communications, strategy, creative, influencer marketing and government relations, I can’t wait for what lies ahead.”

The appointment comes as Vero expands its regional footprint, following its acquisition of a majority stake in creative communications agency Mad Hat Asia in Singapore and Malaysia.

Umaporn Whittaker-Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer, ASEAN, said, “Laura is passionate about culture, driving excellence in her work, and helping colleagues grow. Our edge comes from the strength of our people and the quality of the counsel we give clients. Laura is a trusted advisor to clients and mentor to teams, with a rare instinct for connecting innovation and culture with commercial growth. In addition, Laura’s coaching capabilities will help to empower the next generation of leaders, something that has never been more important to our future.”

“Effective advocacy in Southeast Asia demands more than government relations efforts. It requires the ability to shape narratives, build coalitions, and foster better understanding around complex issues among the public,” shared Pongsiri Poorintanachote, Managing Partner at Vero Advocacy. 

“Laura’s experience in corporate affairs and change campaigns strengthens exactly that. For clients operating in markets where business and reputation are interconnected with government and regulatory standing as well as public trust, this integration will add real impact.”

Vero currently operates across Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with teams spanning communications, government relations, and influencer marketing. The consultancy is B Corp-certified across all its offices and has been a signatory to the Clean Creatives pledge since 2022.