FutureBrand promotes new SEA lead

FutureBrand has promoted Australian lead Richard Curtis (pictured) to the role of chief executive officer, Australia & Southeast Asia.Adding to his responsibility for FutureBrand’s growth in Australia, Curtis will now also lead the company’s growth in Southeast Asia.He will be supporting a range of key client relationships, including General Motors, Lend Lease, Nestlé and Unilever. According to the agency, Singapore will continue to function as its regional hub, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne and Sydney in the region.Earlier, Marketing understands FutureBrand scaled down its Singapore operations. However, in a statement to Marketing, Susie Hunt, chairman of FutureBrand APAC, said that there will not be a closure in FutureBrand operations in Singapore but rather the agency will be “refocusing its operations as a regional strategy hub for key regional and global clients such as Unilever and Nestle.” (Read also: FutureBrand tipped to scale back Singapore operations) Marketing has reached out to the agency with queries on staffing out of the Singapore office.Susie Hunt, Asia Pacific chairman said: “I am delighted to see Curtis’ continued progress at FutureBrand. He and his teams are creating world-class partnerships with our clients in Australia. I look forward to their further collaboration with our Singapore-based regional team to support our key clients throughout Southeast Asia.”In Australia, FutureBrand has grown significantly over the past 12 months, building the team and winning new client relationships, including Bankwest and BCG Digital Ventures among others. As a result, FutureBrand’s offer in Australia has expanded with new team members joining FutureBrand in Sydney.Curtis said: “It’s been a significant 12 months for the team here at FutureBrand. We have built a valuable platform to help our clients grow their brands and business, and I’m excited about the broader opportunities now available as we continue to bring the best of future brand thinking from around the region to our clients.”