Mongoose taps former DDB Asia partner Neel Chhaya to lead Asia

Mongoose has appointed Neel Chhaya as managing director, Asia, as the integrated sports, lifestyle and experiences agency looks to expand its regional offering following its merger with Bray Leino Events.

Based in Singapore, Chhaya has been in the role since the beginning of October. He will lead Mongoose’s Asia team and oversee the expansion of its sports and experiences business across APAC, reporting to group CEO Chris O’Donoghue.

Before joining Mongoose, Chhaya spent nine years at DDB Asia, most recently as regional managing partner and client director from April 2022 to April 2026. In the role, he led regional growth strategy and integrated client solutions, working across brand strategy, creative, media, data and technology, according to his LinkedIn.

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He previously served as regional business director for APAC at DDB, overseeing accounts including ExxonMobil and Red Bull Racing. Earlier in his career, he held digital leadership roles at OgilvyOne Worldwide and McCann Worldgroup, and worked at The Bonsey Design Partnership.

O’Donoghue said Chhaya’s experience across holding companies and independent agencies made him well placed to lead the expanded APAC business and help regional clients tap into Mongoose’s global expertise.

"Chhaya was the standout candidate to lead our expanded business in APAC, as his fully integrated experience in the region was second to none. Chhaya's expertise is well-rounded from is time at holding companies and with independent agencies, which makes him well-positioned to lead our next phase of growth and help local clients access our global expertise. We’re delighted to have him join the team," said O'Donoghue. 

Commenting on his appointment, Chhaya said the agency’s strengths in communications, sports and live engagement would be key as brands increasingly seek closer integration between culture, media and business outcomes.

"Mongoose sits on an exceptionally strong value proposition across APAC, particularly through our footprint in high-value communications, sports, and live engagement. As brands demand tighter integration between culture, media, and real business outcomes, we are positioning Mongoose as a strategic catalyst for market expansion and commercial success. I look forward to helping unlock our next phase of regional growth," he said. 

The appointment follows Mongoose’s merger with Bray Leino Events, which the agency said has strengthened its offering to clients across the region. The expanded business spans creative, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, consumer and corporate experiences.

In APAC, Mongoose has offices in Singapore and Malaysia and supports clients across markets including Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia. The expanded business aims to build bespoke teams for integrated campaigns and sponsorships, combining local market knowledge with international creative and delivery capabilities. The merger has also expanded its events capabilities in the UK, US and Middle East.

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