Experience agency Freeman names new APAC MD

Brand experience company Freeman has appointed Debbie Evans as managing director of Freeman Asia Pacific (APAC). This is in line with its APAC growth strategy into a growth-oriented and customer-centric brand, according to a press release.

Based in Singapore, Evans will be responsible for providing strategic insights and growth strategy to continue growing the Freeman business in the APAC region. This includes encouraging a collaborative culture between offices to create the best experiences for its clients. Evans will be reporting to Adam Charles, executive vice president, corporate brand experience. According to Charles, Evans will be leading the charge to grow its business sustainably, as well as identifying new opportunities for the brand to evolve and innovate within the industry.

With almost 30 years of international experience in the exhibition and events sector, Evans boasts strength in building and leading high performance and diverse teams to drive strategic goals. Prior to this appointment, Evans was president of event services provider Reed Exhibitions (RX) in Southeast Asia and Australia, a company she has been in since 2000. According to the press release, Evans joined as a manager of Reed Gift Fairs, got promoted to group exhibition director, and then managing director for RX Australia, before becoming president in 2014. Under her leadership, RX gained high growth and market leadership status in the industry. Evans proceeded to take on the role of director of admissions at the Australian International School in Singapore after her time at RX, before joining Freeman.

According to a release, Evans' appointment follows a period of reportedly strong growth for Freeman, having grown its base of new clients over 50%, and executing events across 14 different countries. Freeman currently has four offices across Asia Pacific, located in Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Some of the brands it has worked with are Singapore Tourism Board, Porsche, Harley Davidson Asia, and Microsoft China. Marketing has reached out for additional information.

Evans said she is looking forward to take Freeman to the next level in her new role. “The way that brands are connecting to customers is rapidly changing, as the power of integrated digital and live events continues to connect people and drive growth,” she added.

Charles said he is "extremely proud" of the progress and success that Freeman APAC has made thus far. He added that he is excited for Evans to join the team, and confident that she will take the team forward and beyond.

In line with the agency's APAC growth strategy, Freeman Singapore recently appointed Sunny Lai as its new executive creative director. Lai previously served as executive creative director at Leo Burnett Shanghai, and in his current role, oversees and spearheads the agency’s strategy and creative teams in Singapore while aiding the team with his experience in advertising to drive innovation in client’s brand experience campaigns.

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