Landor sets up KL office

Brand consultancy company under the WPP network Landor Associates has set up its local office, naming Dominic Twyford (pictured) as its client director.In his role, Twyford reports to Simon Bell, executive director of strategy for the Southeast Asia & Pacific regions of Landor Associates.The setup is seen as a next step to illustrate its long term commitment to the market and existing clients which include Malaysia Airlines, Axiata, UEM Sunrise and DRH.Currently, the agency works from its regional hub in Singapore and is looking at establishing a local design team to benefit its local clients.Twyford told A+M, despite the agency’s established clients, the setup marks its beginning, as the influence of a brand consultancy is fundamental to a business.“Considering the fact that traditionally Malaysian businesses have used their advertising agencies for branding and strategic design services, we will have to illustrate the benefit of what we do. A change in mindset is required but this process has begun, there is a realisation that advertising agencies are not brand builders, they are campaign creators. This step change in thinking and our first mover advantage bodes well for the future,” added Twyford.In addition to its existing clients, the agency is currently in talks with a number of multinational and domestic businesses about corporate branding, brand architecture, FMCG packaging and strategic design services.Twyford joined Landor from Fitch where he was the client director of Fitch’s Delhi studio and a member of the India management team.During his time with Fitch, Twyford opened, established and managed the day-to-day operations of the Delhi studio, and was responsible for all client relationships and the studio's strategic and creative output.Whilst in India, Twyford worked extensively with Nestlé India and managed to raise the profile of strategic design within the organisation.Landor has 26 global studios and 10 in the region, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Jakarta and Sydney.