Move and win roundup: Week of April 22, 2024

Red Havas, has expanded its capabilities in the Philippines by introducing the influencer marketing platform called Sway. Chief executive Jos Ortega and head Dayniel Garcia will lead Sway in the market. 

Distillery, a global creative agency, has named Mila Sedivy as the new managing director for the Asia-Pacific region. Bringing over 15 years of leadership experience at agencies like IPG Mediabrands and OMD, Sedivy will focus on driving growth, expanding client bases, and enhancing creative solutions throughout APAC. 

Ad industry digital delivery platform Blutui has appointed Amir Mireskandari to its board. He has served as Ogilvy's chief delivery officer for APAC region for 6 years, preceded by group operations roles at M&C Saatchi Australia and Leo Burnett Australia for 4 and 3 years, respectively and now is beginning a global leadership role with the independent agency network HHGlobal.

CJ CheilJedang, the Korean food brand, has selected Art of the Possible as its strategic and creative agency of record across the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia, after several competitive pitches. Art of the Possible will lead strategy and creative initiatives focusing on social, digital, and influencer activities in these markets. Notably, in Australia, the agency will launch a campaign for a new locally produced kimchi product.

Viddsee has appointed media veteran Ricky Ow to its board of directors. Ow, known for his roles at WarnerMedia, Turner, and Sony Pictures, has experience in market development, content production, and IP investment. His appointment is part of Viddsee's strategic transformation to enhance its platform and further support regional talent. This includes expanding its original content production and refining creator-scouting processes to nurture emerging filmmakers across Asia. 

Temus, who specialise in digital transformation services, has expanded Marcus Loh's remit. Previously director and head of Public Affairs, his responsibilities will now include the business leadership of Temus’ talent conversion program, Step IT Up, where he will also serve as director. Loh's role encompasses strategic communication, public affairs, and marketing. Loh has an extensive background in public relations and corporate philanthropy, having served as president of the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore and actively engaging in various philanthropic and community initiatives.

Mastercard Australia has appointed Florencia Aimo as the new head of marketing following Kirsty Redfearn’s departure earlier this year. Aimo will be vice president of integrated marketing and communications in Australasia. In her new role, she will lead marketing efforts across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Aimo will report to Richard Wormald, division president of Australasia, and Julie Nestor, executive vice president of integrated marketing and communications, Asia Pacific. She joins from Marriott International, where she was senior area director of marketing for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

I&CO APAC has opened its second office in Asia, the Singapore office, following its Tokyo office in 2019. It will spearhead business development in the Asian market. Norikuni Takamiya, formerly the creative director and co-head of Tokyo at I&CO, has been appointed as the head of I&CO APAC in Singapore. Additionally, Kyohei Takeuchi joins as the business development manager, further strengthening the team. 

In a LinkedIn post, Philip Chau, former vice president and group head of marketing for Regal Hotels International, announced that he left the hotel group and joined Sun Life as regional director of marketing performance and operations in Asia. He will oversee the Asia markets including Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam to drive data-driven marketing strategy and performance excellence. As a digital marketing veteran, Chau worked for Great Eagle Holdings and Blue HK before Regal Hotels. He moved to Hong Kong from Canada to join MRM/McCann in 2013. 

Grey Hong Kong recently won a competitive pitch and was named the long-term creative agency for the Lee Kum Kee food business in Hong Kong. The agency was chosen for its creative prowess and excellent craft with a bold, authentic and unique approach. Watch Grey's work in a recent campaign. 

Green Hat, a B2B full-service marketing agency, has appointed Shawn Low to spearhead growth across APAC from its new Singapore office as Singapore director. In addition to this role, he will also lead as global account director for long-term client Korn Ferry. He re-joins Green Hat after nearly three years as head of social and digital at Grey Group Singapore. Low has also held leadership roles at King Content and Immedia in Singapore.

The Marketing Society has announced key leadership changes within its Hong Kong hub as it strengthens its commitment to inspire, accelerate and unite a community of marketers to raise marketing's positive impact across the Asia-Pacific region. Nellie Chan, director of Google Hong Kong, takes on the role of chair of The Marketing Society Hong Kong. In addition to this leadership transition, the association names David Kim, group chief marketing & strategic business development officer at Vitasoy, as a new member of the Hong Kong board. 

Havas Worldwide India has enhanced its creative team by appointing Arjun Jetly, Neharika Awal, Ajitesh Verma, and Monish Gupta as executive creative directors. Based in Gurugram, they will report to chief creative officer Anupama Ramaswamy and focus on elevating the agency’s creative services.  Jetly, rejoining from Cheil India, is noted for his impactful work on brands like Durex and Cadbury and has received numerous awards. Awal, transitioning from an eight-year tenure at Dentsu, has a history of working with top brands like Honda and Dominos and is recognised for her award-winning campaigns. Verma comes from a diverse background with significant experience at agencies like BBDO and McCann, working with clients like Meta and Pepsi Foods. Lastly, Gupta, joining from Leo Burnett, has managed major brands in auto, consumer electronics, and hospitality. 

TriOn & Co, a strategic communications consultancy based in Singapore, has appointed Hannah Nwaozuzu as content manager to enhance its content and research capabilities. Nwaozuzu will oversee content ideation and development, as well as client research. With a background in various aspects of content strategy across different media and industries, including high-profile clients like Microsoft and Bayer, Nwaozuzu's experience will be key to TriOn's growth as the consultancy celebrates its first year.

• Katrina Calvi has been appointed as account director to spearhead Sefiani's expanding digital marketing sector, supported by global teams and Sydney-based Alice Spraggon. With her broad experience across various sectors, Calvi will strengthen Sefiani's digital strategies.
• Georgia Swindley and Rochelle Abdallah have joined the agency to bolster its corporate and public affairs dimensions.
• Nick Owens and Iain Waterman, have been promoted to president of Corporate and Crisis Communications and vice president, respectively, acknowledging their contributions particularly in crisis management and client relations.