Ruparelia joins the PR-focused communications agency from Unilever, where he was most recently global programme planner of digital marketing. He was responsible for driving digital activities and initiatives across FMCG giant's global brands.
The newly-created position will see him leading Golin Harris' digital team in Asia-Pacific and is the first strategic hire under the network's new "G4" model, This contrasts with the traditional heirachial agency structure to instead have four global teams of specialists: strategists, creators, catalysts and connectors. Clients are served by integrated teams with representatives from each group.
Ruparelia's role lies with the "connector" team. He will serve as a channel expert working to engage consumer and business audiences through a range of touchpoints. Working across all Asia-Pacific offices, "connectors" merge social and mainstream media chanels to share stories, the agency said,
Jonathan Hughes, president, international, for Golin Harris, says Ruparelia's appointment represents the strategic importance that the network is now placing on digital communications. “Simon is an amazing talent with boundless drive and energy and has enviable brand credentials," he said. "He will make a significant contribution to the development of our global digital expertise and to the integrated work we are doing in Asia-Pacific.”
Ruparelia says GolinHarris offers a strong fit for his interests and expertise. “GolinHarris is already delivering first rate, strategic and creative digital campaigns,” he said. “The experience I have had at Unilever working on global and local brands means I can help accelerate the development of Golin’s digital capabilities in the region.”
Ruparelia signed on to GolinHarris late last month, and is currently based in Singapore. But the agency says that may not be permanent. "In the future, (he) will be based wherever the digital priorities dictate."
