Spikes Asia announces new festival director

The Spikes Asia Festival of Creativity has appointed Joe Pullos as festival director, effective next Monday.

Pullos has 17 years of experience in senior sales and marketing leadership roles in the region, including both client and publisher-side experience. He joins Spikes Asia from Event Cinemas, Australia and New Zealand’s largest entertainment business, where he was director of sales. Prior to that he was head of trade marketing for News Corp Australia, where he was also the official representative for the Cannes Lions and Spikes Asia festivals.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to lead the premier creativity event in Asia Pacific," Pullos said. "It’s exciting to be charged with the continued evolution and growth of Spikes Asia and I’m really looking forward to working closely with the creative, media and client communities throughout the region. I’m committed to delivering an awesome festival that not only celebrates the best in creativity and effectiveness, but also delivers the unforgettable experiences our audience deserves.”

Joe Pullos

Tim Waldron, co-chairman of Spikes Asia and managing director of Haymarket Media Asia, said that given the "seismic" changes taking place in the industry, the festival's role as a place where the industry comes together has never been more important. "Joe’s experience in the industry and connections in the region make him a natural choice to lead the next exciting chapter of the Spikes Asia story,” Waldron said.

Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential Events, said Pullos' experience and knowledge of the region will ensure that Spikes continues seamlessly. "I’m confident that Joe’s energy and enthusiasm for Spikes will build on the strong legacy left by [former festival director] Andrea Hayes and take Spikes to the next level,” Thomas said.

Spikes Asia, taking place this year from 26 through 28 September, is a joint venture of Haymarket Media Asia (publisher of Campaign Asia-Pacific) and Ascential Events, the organiser of Cannes Lions.