Danny Searle replaces Ali Shabaz as Spikes Asia jury president

SINGAPORE - Ali Shabaz, chief creative officer of Grey Group Southeast Asia, has stepped down as Outdoor and Radio jury president at this year’s Spikes Asia, due to the recent diagnosis of a critical illness of a family member, according to Spikes organisers.

In his absence, Danny Searle, vice chairman and chief creative officer, BBDO Asia, Asia Pacific has accepted the role of jury president, while Sandipan Bhattacharyya, chief creative officer of Grey Group, India, will take a position on the jury.

"We are deeply saddened to hear the unfortunate news and wish Ali and his family all the best at this difficult time," said Terry Savage, chairman of Spikes Asia. "The mantle of presidency has been passed to Danny and I have no doubt that he will be a fantastic representative, guiding the jury members to award the best work from the past year."

The Spikes Asia Festival of Creativity will take place from September 21 through 23 at Suntec in Singapore.