People on The Move

TBWAGrp appoints digital head to further drive digital agenda in Asia Pac

TBWA emphasizes its aim to become a global powerhouse in digital space with Brent Farrell as its new Digital Managing Director. The announcement follows the recent appointment of Charles Clapshaw as President of TEQUILADigital for Asia Pac.

Farrell also assumes the role of MD on the Visa account, responsible for the strategic planning and go-to-market execution in Singapore and 13 offices across the region.

A digital veteran, he comes to Singapore from TBWAToronto, Canada, where he forged relationships in the digital arena for 12 years, integrating analog and digital teams within international advertising agencies. Most recently, he led some of TBWAToronto’s largest international accounts, including Visa and Nissan. Commenting on his digital integration background, Farrell said "It’s not simply about having a digital practice; it’s about having everyone practice digital that will drive the agency in years to come."

MediaCorp appoints new Board of Directors

Mr Venky Krishnakumar, Mr Rajiv Wahi and Ms Elim Chew are included in MediaCorp’s Board of Directors wef 21 July.

Mr Krishnakumar, 60, has over 30 years’experience in Citibank and retired as COO/CFO Asia in 2005. He held senior advisory positions with McKinsey & Company and Barclays Bank and is currently Chairman of Oracle Financial Services Software.

Mr Wahi, 57, has more than 30 years’ experience in the food industry; his last appointment being President, Cadbury Asia Pacific.  He currently chairs The Prince of Wales Bhumi Vardaan Foundation.

Ms Chew, 45, is Founder and President, 77th Street, a retail outfit that has revolutionized street wear fashion and accessories in Singapore.  Ms Chew also co-chairs the Programming Committee for *scape (under MCYS).

MediaCorp bade farewell to 3 Directors - Mr Ho Kwon Ping (outgoing Chairman), Mr Dennis Siew and Mr Soo Kok Leng - who stepped down at the MediaCorp Annual General Meeting on 20 July 2010, each having served 6 years with the Board. With Mr Ho’s retirement, Mr Teo Ming Kian takes over as MediaCorp Chairman with effect from 20 July 2010.

Leo Burnett Group invests in Talent for Digital & Appoints Suresh Ramaswamy to Director, Digital Business

Suresh Ramaswamy’s responsibilities cover both Singapore and Malaysia. With over 16 years’ combined experience across Direct, Data & Direct Marketing working in the U.S., Singapore, Bangalore and Hong Kong, he joins Leo Burnett from BLUE Interactive in Singapore where he ran the global consulting practice, conceiving and delivering innovative marketing solutions for regional blue chip and start-up clients. Prior to BLUE Interactive, he was with Ogilvy & Mather in Asia and Modem Media working across Asia and the U.S. 

Apart from being a qualified Electronics & Telecomms engineer, Ramaswamy also holds a MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Omnicom Group Appoints Director, Corporate Comms

Ms. Clara So’s appointment demonstrates Omnicom’s active engagement and investment in the world’s fastest growing region and reflects the group’s commitment to further enhance its presence and operations across the APIMA region.

Based in Singapore, Ms. So’s prime responsibility is to develop and spearhead the group’s regional communications, enhance its brand values and support business growth. She bring her 20 years’ experience in corporate communications, media and industry relations, as well as more than 10 years of regional leadership experience in the airline and aviation industry.

New Head for Fleishman-Hillard

Senior communications veteran Mark Lee leads the firm’s Singapore operations as Senior VP and GM. Lee also oversees its corporate & financial communications practice across SEA.

Prior to joining Fleishman Hillard, Lee was Director of Corporate Affairs at global investment firm Temasek Holdings, where he helped establish and manage a communications agency network across 16 markets and was responsible for building the investment company’s presence and reputation worldwide. 

Kelly Khoo promoted as Clear Channel restructures for growth         

With a strong first half and a healthy forward book, Clear Channel Singapore is taking the opportunity to restructure its Sales and Marketing functions to position itself for what it sees as a strong period of growth ahead.

Kelly Khoo, previously Clear Channel Marketing Director, takes on the combined role of Sales and Marketing Director, and the reorganising of the Sales and Marketing teams into a single aligned department, under her command.

Congrats from the AdLib team!

TBWA Appoints Senior Account Director

Daniel Wilson is responsible for driving digital communication strategies globally for Standard Chartered Bank. "As part of our vision to be a leading integrated digital agency in Asia, we’re committed to finding & investing in the best talent for our digital media practice," Dan Paris,TBWA.

On his appointment, Daniel says, "This is a fantastic opportunity for me to extend my skills in a new market, especially in an integrated agency that has adopted such a vibrant personality, and has shown high quality digital thinking and execution."

4As names Valerie Cheng CCA 2010 Chairman

Valerie Cheng, Executive CD of Publicis Modem is Chairman of the Creative Circle Awards (CCA) 2010.

With over 14 years’ experience in digital, CRM and integrated creative solutions, she has worked across global, regional and local accounts. She now leads Publicis Modem to provide a fully integrated core offering across both Publicis and Modem portfolio of clients. She is also a member of the 4As Creative Advisory Panel (CAP).

Cheng is a rare gem in an industry largely dominated by men. Her appointment as CCA Chairman celebrates ‘a first’ on many fronts - a woman chairperson since its inauguration three decades ago and the choice of a digital advertising creative marks a fresh change in the selection of the chairman which typically comes from traditional advertising space.

Linda Locke, Chairman of the CAP says, "Great ideas know no boundaries, especially in the digital age. Valerie is an excellent choice of CCA Chairman, having raised the bar for Singapore in the digital arena garnering international accolades in the process. Under her leadership the CCA will be back stronger and more exciting than ever."

Ogilvy PR appoints Shalu Wasu  Director of 360° Digital Influence

"Shalu brings exceptional qualities and unique experience to our fast-growing Social Media team," says Thomas Crampton, Asia-Pacific Director, 360˚ Digital Influence, Ogilvy PR. "All of our Social Media practitioners have real-world experience and Shalu's happens to include using Social Media to help his sister win a reality TV programme in India last year. Thanks in part to blogs and social media properties created by Shalu, his sister Mona won the US$200,000 top prize in the Indian version of ‘I'm a celebrity, get me out of here’."

Wasu has been charged with leading Ogilvy PR’s 360˚ Digital Influence consulting team. At the same time, he will help to drive the use of social media within Ogilvy PR, and spotlight the practice by driving thought leadership.

Briq Communications launches operations in Singapore

Media communications industry veteran Pat Lim has launched Briq Communications, a new full-service agency in a strategic alliance partnership with Dentsu Asia Network. 

Together with long-time team mates, Ray Pak and Russ Lai, a penchant for strategic thinking and out-of-the-box executions will surely impact clients’ bottom lines. What’s interesting is that as a team, they bring a collective 29 award wins and countless accolades from the marketing and advertising industry.

Tapping on Dentsu Asia’s established infrastructure and network, Briq offers an integrated communication service which includes creative solutions, digital, sports marketing, content development and activation.

Currently, the new agency has already kicked off operations on a positive note with a portfolio of clients. There are plans in the near future to roll out Briq across the region.