McCann Worldgroup elevates Brandon Cheung to SEA CEO

McCann Worldgroup has promoted Brandon Cheung (pictured) to CEO, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia. Formerly the chief global client and growth officer of McCann Worldgroup, Cheung brings over two decades of strategic and digital expertise across brand building, performance marketing and customer experience to the role. 

With over 12 years within the network, Cheung is familiar with the Southeast Asia region where many of McCann Worldgroup's global clients have their APAC headquarters. In his new role, Cheung will report to Ghassan Harfouche, the president for McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and will be responsible for the continued development of capabilities to drive impactful growth for clients in the region, including McCann Content Studios (social/influencer), audience intelligence and production automation solutions. 

Prior to his stint at McCann, Cheung worked at agencies Tribal DDB as regional digital strategy director and strategic planning director at Isobar. 

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In tandem, Nick Handel will be taking the helm at MRM UK as CEO after 18 years based in Singapore. He previously led teams across Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Under his leadership, the group consistently garnered industry acclaim, including an unrivaled 10+ years of Agency of the Year award recognition.

Cheung and Handel have been working together closely for over 10 years, overlapping in a transitionary period, with the full changes coming into effect at the end of April. 

“Cheung is a truly visionary leader, who brings a hybrid skillset of strategist, growth driver and a proven record of building high-performing teams and fostering strong value-driven cultures. Combined with his rich experience of the region and client brands, his leadership equips the business to help grow, evolve and build enduring brands for our clients," said Harfouche.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Handel for everything he has delivered for our clients and people and wish him all the best in his new chapter within the McCann Worldgroup family”, he added. 

To his new role, Cheung said that he looks forward to building on the current momentum with the agency's teams to create strategic and impactful creativity that drives true business value for its clients.

Meanwhile, Handel said that it is "bittersweet to be leaving Asia". 

“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented teams in the industry, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. However, I leave knowing our offices are in great hands," added Handel. 

Last month, McCann Singapore expanded its creative team in response to several recent business wins and portfolio growth, ahead of the agency's 50th anniversary in the country. The expanded teams sees the addition of Martin Coppola as its creative director, Wynn Gray as art director and Seth Low as McCann's newest junior art director, while Luna Teo joins as McCann's newest copywriter. Jodi Ong will also be working with McCann Content Studio team across both Singapore government and MNC clients as its new junior copywriter. 

Additionally, Valerie Madon, chief creative officer (CCO), McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific (APAC) now takes on the expanded role of CCO, McCann Worldgroup Singapore.

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