MediaCom names Singapore MD as Archana Ram helms WPP role

MediaCom has promoted Ashish Williams (pictured) to managing director, Singapore. He replaces Archana Ram who has been promoted to global client leader, hydration for The Coca-Cola Company at WPP, according to her LinkedIn. In his new role, Williams will lead the Singapore business and build on the recent momentum, building the agency’s capabilities, with a focus on people, client solutions and product development. 

Williams has spent 14 years at MediaCom across markets, from China to South Africa, and has over 22 years of experience in the industry. He was most recently CEO at MediaCom South Africa. Under his leadership in South Africa, the agency climbed to first place in the market via a methodical focus ensuring talent and technology strategies paved the way to create consumer connections by driving relevant and revolutionised digital products, the agency said in statement. He has also previously worked as associate VP, marketing, media at HSBC India.

Rupert McPetrie, APAC CEO, MediaCom said that Williams is a great leader, who has delivered terrific results over many years across many markets, with a track record of taking care of people and client businesses with a very clear vision. “I couldn’t be more pleased that this leadership appointment has come from within our global organisation. Our "People First, Better Results" ethos means we put people at the centre of our client relationships, and that we provide long-term growth opportunities within the network globally,” he added.

Meanwhile, Williams added that he looks forward to leading the agency’s teams and working with its clients to deliver sustainable growth and help its people thrive. “Taking over the leadership of MediaCom Singapore, which is also the home of our regional hub in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions, is incredibly exciting,” he said.

Separately, MediaCom promoted its regional chief product officer Josh Gallagher to the newly created role of APAC chief operating officer in February this year. According to the agency, the role was designed to provide additional senior support for the network’s teams and enhanced leadership to clients. Also, the decision to create this role by newly appointed APAC CEO Rupert McPetrie reflects the extraordinary growth the agency has experienced over the last year. His brief for the new role includes ensuring that MediaCom builds on the business momentum by scaling the agency’s capabilities, through MediaCom’s distinctive and differentiated offering of Seeing The Bigger Picture, and by consistently delivering for the agency’s clients across the region.

That month also saw Mars reappoint MediaCom to handle global media duties, alongside Essence which manages biddable media. The contract runs until the end of 2025. Last November, The Coca-Cola Company appointed WPP as its global marketing network partner. The bespoke, integrated team OpenX has been briefed to become a catalyst for the transformation of Coca-Cola’s marketing effectiveness and efficiency.

Additionally, in September of last year, Bayer consolidated global media planning and buying with MediaCom. The agency has been tasked to drive Bayer’s modernised marketing strategy, with best-in-class data and content integration as a key driver for business growth.

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