Publicis Singapore names new GM

Publicis Singapore has promoted Frances Kong as general manager of Publicis Singapore and its luxury brand communications arm Publicis 133 LUX. She was last client service director for Publicis 133 LUX and replaces Jae Soh who was appointed in 2014.Kong (pictured), who previously held the role of client service director of Publicis 133 LUX, starts her new dual role this week. She reports directly to Publicis Singapore CEO Lou Dela Pena.Kong is tasked with leading brand transformation for clients such as AXA, Audi, amongst others. She will work closely with Nurun’s Joanne Theseira to integrate Nurun’s design thinking methodology across the agency’s portfolio of client brands. She will also be collaborating with incoming executive creative directors Troy Lim and Jon Loke, who are joining Publicis Singapore from Ogilvy.Kong’s client portfolio includes Pernod Ricard brands (Chivas Regal, Martell, and Royal Salute), Jaguar, Coca-Cola, adidas, L’Oreal’s Luxury Products division, Johnnie Walker, Heineken, Accor and Cartier. She had previously worked for Iris in Singapore, and spent five years in China at Euro RSCG and Leo Burnett.“I have known Kong for 10 years and worked with her on great brands like Singapore Airlines,” said Dela Pena. “She is a talented, seasoned, integrated brand leader and I am thrilled that she will be helping me lead the change at Publicis Singapore.”Kong added: “I look forward to evolving our offerings to ensure we are always delivering strategies and ideas that help transform our client's business."In addition to her client and team focus, she will also lead the agency's extensive in-house training program.