Airbnb on the hunt for global media agency, Asia markets included

Airbnb has called for a global media review. Marketing understands that the Singapore office is involved in the regional pitch. The incumbent on the account globally, Marketing understands, is Starcom. Increasingly, Airbnb is turning its focus on Asia. The company recently invested an undisclosed amount in India’s budget hotel startup OYO. However, according to media reports, the number was said to be as high as US$150-US$200 million. Meanwhile, the company also appointed Mike Orgill as GM of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In his role, Orgill will be responsible for building long-term growth in some of Airbnb’s fastest growing markets. In the last year alone, Airbnb welcomed more than nine million guests to Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Orgill brings a wealth of experience in his previous role as the director of Public Policy for Asia Pacific at Airbnb. Before that, Orgill led Google’s public policy efforts for emerging markets in Asia. He was previously at the US-ASEAN Business Council in Washington D.C. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Airbnb is looking to create a slew of original shows and aims to "whet customers’ appetite for travel" with a studio curating travel content, the article said. Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb is said to be leading the move, and that the company has been working around the idea for close to three years. Founded in 2008, Airbnb runs in over 1,000 markets around the world. In 2017, Airbnb appointed independent agency Wieden+Kennedy as its global creative agency, following a pitch. Airbnb and Wieden+Kennedy will collaborate on a new product launch and also work on campaigns for travel season. Marketing has reached out to Airbnb for comment.