| Campaign compiles a new 'Move and win roundup' as each week progresses. This edition will cover February 2 through February 6, 2026. Catch up on past people moves and business wins. |
McCann Singapore has unveiled a refreshed leadership team post-Omnicom-IPG merger, blending McCann and MullenLowe strengths to unify creative, strategy, and operations under Paul Soon as CEO and Gonzalo Olivera as president. Key appointments include Daniel Kee (creative), Robin Nayak (strategy), Mikael Perhirin (CRM/loyalty), Julie Chua (production), Aishah Haroon (digital), Irene Xu (operations), Nicole Guiogue Golloso-Kazemi (HR), and Shilpa Sinha (expanded chief strategy officer role). The move emphasises deeper strategy, bolder creativity, proactive client challenges, and integrated solutions leveraging AI, data, and in-house research for stronger business results.
The Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) has appointed Emily Poon as its new CEO, succeeding Terence Quek on 1 May 2026 after joining as CEO-designate in March. Formerly president, Asia Pacific at Ogilvy Public Relations, Poon brings over 20 years of industry experience and active involvement in governance and advisory roles across business, academia and the public sector. SID Chair Yeoh Oon Jin said her leadership and stakeholder expertise will help advance SID’s mission to strengthen governance standards. He also thanked Quek for his four-year tenure, during which SID’s membership, initiatives, and global partnerships significantly expanded.
Communications agency Burson has been appointed to lead integrated communications for the Norwegian Seafood Council in Japan following a multi-year competitive pitch. Expanding on its existing partnership in Korea, Burson will provide strategic counsel and execution across media, influencer marketing, industry relations, and brand activations to boost awareness and consumption of Norwegian seafood in two major Asian markets.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has appointed Asia-based agency COMPANION Communications as its regional PR partner, tasking it with public relations, marketing communications, strategic advisory, storytelling, partnerships, content creation and crisis support for the brand across Asia.
Iconic British culture and fashion magazine THE FACE will debut its China edition in Q1 2026, marking a new chapter that connects the brand’s global creative legacy with China’s modern cultural scene. Operated by Xin Fengmao Culture, Taiyu Zhang has been appointed editor-in-chief and publisher, overseeing the editorial vision, content framework and overall development of the China edition.
Social media agency Battenhall has launched Battenhall Labs, a global innovation unit designed to bridge the gap between AI, data, and communications. Led by chief innovation officer Phil Sheard, the unit brings together technologists, analysts, and communications professionals across the US, UK, and APAC to experiment with emerging technologies and turn complex data into practical, measurable insights for brands.
Global Rev Gen has appointed Bosco Anthony as CEO to lead its expansion in domestic and international media operations, following his years steering growth from performance marketing to full-service media, creative, and technology offerings for education, government, travel, and enterprise clients. The agency has grown its media buying in Australia, Southeast Asia, and North Asia, while investing in proprietary AI-driven tools for creative intelligence, targeting, and automation.
Havas People has launched Havas People APAC, a dedicated regional arm of its global talent communications network to help brands strengthen employer branding, employee experience, and internal culture across Asia Pacific markets. The move formalises existing services in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and Taiwan, with Fiona Warren leading expansion beyond current hubs in the UK, US, and Australia, focusing on speaking to candidates, employees, and managers who shape brand culture. The platform promises regional perspectives with global work and local impact, amid Havas’ broader growth strategy including recent AI-driven global partnerships.
Independent Auckland agency misterwolf has appointed Susie Darling, formerly general manager at Saatchi & Saatchi, as its new partner and general manager, marking the next stage of growth as the agency enters its second decade. Darling brings over 20 years of leadership experience across major brands including Toyota, McDonald’s, Volkswagen and Tourism Fiji, following long tenures at both Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB. Darling, who starts in March 2026, will focus on strengthening long-term client partnerships and guiding brands through an evolving marketing landscape.
Prophet has appointed Rachel Scott as its new head of marketing science. Previously manager of marketing science at Suncorp Group with over 20 years in data-driven marketing, analytics, and market mix modelling across financial services, Scott joins the AI-powered platform (prophet.ml) to enhance real-time marketing insights, optimisation, and ROI measurement amid growing demand for advanced analytics solutions.
Singapore-based creative agency Tilt has been appointed by MSIG Insurance (Singapore) to lead creative direction for its year-long marketing campaigns, developing digital assets such as online video and display to support key product lines and boost performance marketing. The partnership aims to build a more agile, responsive content engine that simplifies complexity and drives clearer communication across every consumer touchpoint.
Pinterest has appointed ex-Meta executive Damian Kim as VP of APAC enterprise sales, effective end-February 2026, reporting to Cecile van Steenberge to drive regional growth. With 20 years in digital sales—including leading Meta’s APAC product development and Microsoft’s Surface launches in the region, Kim will strengthen partnerships with brands like Kao, Panasonic, Kia, and Flight Centre.
Former Clemenger and Monks leaders Marie-Celine Merret and Vinne Schifferstein have launched MC&V AI Creative Production (mcandv.com), an AI-native agency emphasising human judgement and craft for modern advertising. With nearly 40 years of experience, they founded Monks in Australia/New Zealand, built MADE THIS at Clemenger, pioneering high-end Creative AI, and delivered campaigns for brands like Adidas, KFC, and Samsung. They're also founders of the AARON Awards, the first global show celebrating AI advertising craft.
Hisense has appointed Sydney-based independent media agency Bench Media as a key partner in its ANZ agency village to drive integrated full-funnel media strategy, planning, and buying for brand and performance growth. Bench will connect Hisense’s global scale, bolstered by FIFA partnerships and momentum in home entertainment and white goods, with local execution across digital, retail media, and sponsorships.
Independent agency JOY has appointed John Clements as CFO, succeeding Robyn Hayward who departs after four years to join Singapore’s MASH Brands. Clements arrives from 14 years at IPG, most recently as group CFO in Australia.
Australia's first surf park operator URBNSURF has appointed independent agency It’s Friday as its strategic and creative partner following a competitive pitch, tasking them with developing a new brand positioning, design identity, and platform to support growth. Operating in Melbourne and Sydney, URBNSURF delivers up to 1,000 authentic ocean-like waves per hour in a safe environment, fostering inclusive surfing through lessons, events, and communities.
Dentsu Indonesia has appointed Rachelle Raymundo as CEO, Creative, Dentsu Indonesia. With over 25 years of track record in driving growth across the marketing spectrum, Raymundo was most recently managing director at Red Comms Indonesia. Previously, she worked for Mindshare, Group Indonesia and Carat Philippines. Reporting to Elvira Jakub, country CEO, Dentsu Indonesia, Raymundo will oversee a consolidated creative leadership team. Raymundo’s appointment follows a refreshed leadership lineup announced in September 2025, with Lucky Handoko returning to the network as general manager of DC, and Defri Dwipaputra and Rangga Immanuel elevated to dual chief creative and experience Officer positions.
Omnicom Media Australia has appointed Stephanie Douglas-Neal (Stevie) as chief executive officer of UM Australia, succeeding Anathea Ruys, effective 2 February 2026. Douglas-Neal returns to Omnicom after three years in a senior leadership role at EssenceMediacom, following seven years with Omnicom in leadership roles at PHD Australia. She brings deep experience across media, clients and teams, and will lead UM through its next phase. Ruys joined UM Australia in 2021 as its CEO, having previously served as managing director, Midwest & West, at Dentsu Carat USA.
Meta has appointed Lau Sook Ping as its new country director for Malaysia. In her new role, Lau will lead Meta’s operations in Malaysia, oversee strategic partnerships with brands, agencies, and creators, and support the adoption of Meta’s advertising and commerce solutions among local businesses. Lau was most recently chief digital and marketing officer for Malaysia and Singapore at L’Oréal, where she spent more than a decade in senior leadership roles. Before L’Oréal, she also worked for Henkel and P&G.
Anak, global brand practice, has been awarded the remit to develop the brand strategy and launch campaign for the soon-to-be-established National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS), following a competitive public tender in 2025. To be formed on 1 April 2026, NSAS is set to be an autonomous agency under the Ministry of Trade & Industry, building upon the work of the existing Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) to propel Singapore’s national space ambitions. As NSAS’s appointed brand & creative partner, Anak’s remit includes brand discovery, strategy and visual identity development and application, and creative direction for the launch campaign of the new NSAS brand.
Citra Marina has been promoted to head of marketing for Southeast Asia at Spotify. She was most recently the marketing lead, serving as an associate marketing director and managing SEA, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Previously, she held the role of regional marketing manager for SEA. Marina spent a decade in Unilever before joining Spotify in August 2022.
Designworks, New Zealand’s brand design agency, has appointed Megan D’Audney as its new managing partner. D'Audney is returning home to Auckland to take up the role, tasked with leading Designworks’ talented brand strategy, creative and client service teams, while fostering collaboration with other WPP businesses located within its new Auckland campus. She brings extensive global experience gained in London, Singapore, Melbourne, New York, Miami, and New Zealand to the Designworks role.
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand has elevated its general manager, Annabel Rees, to general manager- clients to lead client services in an expanded remit. With experience at agencies across the UK and New Zealand, including TBWA, Special, Colenso BBDO, and DDB, Rees has been with Saatchi & Saatchi as group business director since 2021.
Saatchi & Saatchi Australia has appointed James Cowie as executive creative director and promoted Piero Ruzzene to the same role. The newly created positions are effective immediately. In a career spanning more than 20 years, Cowie has worked in New York City across major global accounts before returning to Australia. His work has been recognised at every major international advertising award show, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, and The One Show. Ruzzene joined the agency more than 11 years ago as a creative and was most recently a creative director before his promotion.
Starcom Australia has appointed Adam Steward as its national head of digital and solutions, replacing Mark Duffy, who left last year. Reporting to Starcom CEO Matt Houltham, Steward will oversee the Publicis-owned agency’s digital and data strategy, as well as product development. Previously head of performance and commerce at Hatched, Steward brings 15 years of experience in ecommerce, performance, search, and digital, with prior roles at Havas Media and APD.
Source: Campaign Asia-Pacific
