Carat claims latest hires help “redefine media”

Both appointments are from within the network and are central to the agency’s objective to “redefine media”, Sean O’Brien, CEO of Carat Asia-Pacific told Campaign Asia-Pacific. Earlier this year Aegis Media and Dentsu Network combined to form the Dentsu Aegis Network. The company operates under one profit and loss centre. “This means we can deploy talents across all our businesses," O'Brien said. "So we need people who are collaborative and are able to leverage that.”

Developing a strong strategy and digital team is a big part of the network’s vision: “It’s the only way to deliver value to clients.”

O’Brien wants to ensure Carat is ahead of its competition in digital capabilities. And he’s betting Walsh, who was previously at sister agency iProspect, will deliver. “We’re investing in elements that keep us ahead,” he said.

Walsh spent 14 years in Australia as executive media director of NetX. He then helped open Neo@Ogilvy in Sydney and Melbourne. In 2010, he moved to iProspect and soon became MD for Asia-Pacific. 

Schouest will help support innovation and strengthen Carat’s strategic approach to planning. He has worked with top clients such as Coca-Cola and Unilever.

“Clay is a pragmatic innovator, a creative mind with strategy at its core," said O’Brien. "I have no doubt that these two additions to the regional team here in Singapore will take great steps to redefine media and push the boundaries to create effective and innovative work for our clients.”

Both Walsh and Schouest are in the process of expanding their respective teams.