ADK Connect nabs new CEO

Integrated agency ADK Connect has named Rie Otsuka (pictured) as its chief executive officer for Singapore and other emerging countries as well as the chief growth officer for ADK Global. According to a release, her dual roles herald ADK Connect's commitment to its clients in addressing the post-pandemic communication landscape and the company's goal of readying itself as a future-ready communications partner.

In both her new roles, Otsuka will be instrumental in charting the growth of the network as it navigates an increasingly hybrid business environment. Otsuka will also be responsible for unlocking the value of the markets in Australian India, Singapore, and other emerging markets while maintaining the network's continued success.

Otsuka joins ADK with over 30 years of experience in CRM, digital, and global marketing. Before ADK, she led digital and CRM practices at McCann Worldgroup, particularly the global teams for Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi, and Panasonic. She also played a key role in advocating for diversity and inclusion when she served as the co-chair for McCann’s women’s leadership network.

“At ADK Connect, our goal for the next two years is to reimagine the business while we navigate the headwinds of 2023, including a looming recession and potential industry disruptions through innovations such as generative AI," said Yasuyuki Katagi, the CEO of ADK Global. "To deliver on our goal, we need a bold leader to oversee the transformation and structure the change management processes to enable it.”

Katagi added that with Otsuka's pedigree in agency leadership and her rich experiences in digital, her dual appointment makes perfect sense. He noted that Singapore remains a prime market for many clients as a regional hub. “It also serves as a staging ground for ADK to massively grow its presence in Australia and India. I am excited with Otsuka at the helm of our growth journey, and I am fully confident that she will lead ADK into its next stage of growth.”

According to Otsuka, teamwork is a crucial strength of the ADK network. It may not be a new buzzword, but it is an old adage that is challenging to upkeep. "We must focus on fostering and empowering great talent to move forward in our highly competitive marketing industry. I want to make ADK Global the best place for the best people in the industry.”

“During the pandemic years, consumers' brand experiences were limited to the digital platform. It heralded the rise in digital preferences for brand experiences, purchasing behaviors, and a marked change in our way of life. However, we are human, and the tactility of physical brand experiences is still a vital component of brand success. Blending online and offline is an essential strategy for the foreseeable future," she said. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to ADK Connect for more information. 

Just last year, ADK Connect Singapore was appointed by Far East Hospitality for the sixth consecutive year. The agency will oversee PR duties, social media strategy and management and content planning for Far East Hospitality's corporate accounts. Ernawati Setjio, head of marketing communications, Far East Hospitality said that having an invaluable strategic partner that understands its goals and internal processes was an integral decision to continue its partnership with the ADK Connect team.

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