Maker Lab elevates John Marsden to head of growth

Maker Lab has promoted John Marsden (pictured) to head of growth, where he will lead the agency's global commercial strategy as it expands its AI-powered marketing operating model.

Effective August, Marsden will be responsible for driving Maker Lab's growth strategy, strengthening strategic client partnerships and expanding the agency's embedded operating model across its global client roster.

Marsden joined Maker Lab two years ago as business development director and has since played a role in diversifying the agency's client portfolio, sharpening its go-to-market strategy and identifying new commercial opportunities.

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He brings more than two decades of creative agency experience across London, Singapore and Shanghai. Prior to joining Maker Lab, he was group business director at VaynerMedia APAC, where he led client relationships across accounts including YouTube and Google social. He has also held leadership positions at LIONCAT Films and Iris Singapore, spanning client services, content and creative operations.

Alongside Marsden's appointment, Maker Lab has also promoted Reema Bhullar, currently talent experience director, to head of people. In the role, Bhullar will oversee the agency's talent strategy across markets, including workforce planning, capability development and organisational design.

Both Marsden and Bhullar will report directly to Intan Mokhnar, CEO of Maker Lab.

The promotion comes as brands increasingly seek AI-enabled workflows, embedded marketing teams and more accountable approaches to marketing delivery. Maker Lab said the move reflects its focus on building capabilities to support evolving client needs as it continues scaling its AI-powered marketing model.

"As AI reshapes how marketing organisations operate, our clients aren't just looking for better campaigns. They're looking for partners who can help them build faster, smarter, and more accountable marketing systems. That requires a different kind of leadership — leaders who think commercially and bring people with them," said Mokhnar.

"Bhullar brings strong judgement, a deep understanding of the business, and an unwavering commitment to our people and culture — building the foundations that allow us to scale without compromising who we are. Marsden has consistently turned strategy into commercial outcomes while building the client partnerships that fuel our growth. These promotions recognise the impact they've already made, and reflect the confidence we have in what's ahead," she added.

The leadership changes also follow Maker Lab’s recent promotion of Intan Mokhnar as chief executive officer. Mokhnar stepped into the role after three years as managing director, during which the agency expanded its client portfolio and strengthened its embedded marketing model with global brands. Under her leadership, Maker Lab secured new business wins including KFC Singapore, Grab, P&G, Samsung and Nike, while extending existing partnerships with clients such as Google and YouTube.

The transition also saw founder and former CEO Matt Shoult move into the role of executive chairman, where he will focus on long-term strategic direction as the agency scales its in-housing model amid growing demand for AI-enabled workflows.

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