Mediacorp VP of trade marketing Frances Koh leaves for Sephora

Mediacorp’s vice president of trade marketing and communications, Frances Koh (pictured), is leaving the company to join Sephora (LVMH) as its head of marketing and e-commerce. In her new role, Koh will develop marketing and e-commerce strategies to build customer loyalty and drive differentiation for Sephora.Currently in Mediacorp, Koh is responsible for trade marketing and communications to increase brand awareness and preference among its clients and partners. Over her five-year tenure, she implemented many new initiatives within the trade marketing unit to drive efficiencies and top-of-mind to Mediacorp’s trade partners.A Mediacorp spokesperson has confirmed the departure in a statement adding, “We wish her the very best as she takes up her next challenge."Prior to Mediacorp, Koh was with McDonald’s Singapore marketing where she headed the launch of new products through first-ever digital campaign and integrated marketing initiatives. She was also responsible for repositioning the McCafe business and reworking the marketing strategies to hit sales targets.Koh began her career in hospitality branding and communications with luxury hotels such as Wynn Resorts, Hilton and Pan Pacific where she has accrued substantial experience both locally and regionally including China, Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand.As director of brands at Pan Pacific Hotels Group, corporate head office, Koh assumed a corporate regional role to provide marketing and public relations support. This extended to the group’s 25 properties in Asia and North America, including pre-opening hotels in China, Malaysia and Thailand.Her exit follows management shuffle news in the media organisation, which saw the appointment of Debra Soon as chief customer officer (CCO) as Chang Long Jong, who holds the dual role of deputy CEO and CCO steps down. According to an internal memo seen by Marketing, a replacement will not be named for his deputy CEO role.Chang will take on the role as group CEO of mm2 Asia on 3 April 2017. He will be responsible for overseeing and managing the business operations, especially the production division as well as sourcing new business opportunities for the group. Meanwhile, Melvin Ang will continue to be the CEO until Chang’s appointment takes effect.Most recently, Mediacorp hired former CEO of the South China Morning Post, Robin Hu as a director on its board. It also built up its operations hiring Jack Lim as chief commercial officer in 2014 to oversee all commercial relationships and fulfilment, including advertising sales, go-to-market partnerships and creative services. In 2015, the corporation also announced a major reorganisation, in a bid to move away from traditional media lines towards a focus on specific consumer groups.