Carat APAC names Kevin Walsh CEO as Sean O'Brien takes on new role

Dentsu Aegis Network has appointed Sean O’Brien, CEO of Carat Asia Pacific, as the CEO for the group’s lifestyle and experiential marketing agency MKTG and out of home specialist Posterscope in Asia Pacific. Simultaneously, Kevin Walsh will be promoted from managing director to CEO of Carat Asia Pacific.The move will see O’Brien accelerate the digitisation of Posterscope, including the roll out of “Liveposter” whilst expanding MKTG’s presence across Asia Pacific and ownership of assets in the sports, music, events and activation space. According to a press statement, this is to accelerate Dentsu Aegis Network’s capabilities in marketing to consumers whilst out of the home.Meanwhile, Walsh has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, 15 of which in digital roles. He joined the Group with global digital performance marketing agency iProspect and moved internally to Carat to take on the role of chief digital officer for the region. Last year he was promoted to managing director of Carat Asia Pacific.Nick Waters CEO Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific said, “Under O’Brien's leadership Carat has delivered exceptional growth and has developed a high quality product in markets across the region. Sean will now focus on the development of two agencies with outstanding growth opportunities in Asia Pacific – MKTG and Posterscope. Posterscope is a pioneer of out of home advertising and MKTG a leader in experiential marketing.  We need strong leadership to maximise the opportunities the digital revolution is creating in both businesses.  Walsh’s promotion represents the smooth execution of the Carat leadership succession plan.”O’Brien said, “It has been a privilege to help build Carat over the last six years, working with some of the best talent in the region, both agency and client side. The business is in great hands with Walsh, who will continue our growth and momentum and use his outstanding digital credentials to position us well for the future. I’m looking forward to working with the MKTG and Posterscope teams to further scale our business across the region and drive business value for our clients.”“With the digital economy disrupting all industries, Carat needs to remain at the forefront of convergence so as to help our clients navigate what is a tremendously complex landscape. I’m looking forward to stepping into the new role and continuing the rapid growth ambitions while working closely with the outstanding talent we have in the business across the region,” said Walsh.