RFI Asia's managing director departs to launch new venture

Ruder Finn Interactive (RFI) Asia's managing director David Ko (pictured) has departed after nine years to start a venture that will be launched in January 2026, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE understands. 

The new venture will be a business consultancy focused on preparing companies and leaders to meet new challenges in a rapidly evolving business environment.

While no replacements have been identified, a Ruder Finn spokesperson said, "We wish Ko all the best for the future. We have no plans to replace his role at present and the firm is thinking carefully of the role of AI and the criteria for any future candidate."

Ko joined RFI Asia in 2016 as managing director, managing a network of agency leaders across the region, with direct involvement in major clients and their campaigns in Asia, offering strategic counsel to CMOs of multinational and regional brands.

Prior to RFI Asia, Ko was the executive vice president of APAC at WE Communications Asia, managing a network across China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India as well as joint ventures in South Korea and Australia.

Don't miss: Ruder Finn deepens SEA footprint with Era Communications acquisition

Back in July, Ruder Finn acquired Southeast Asia-based consultancy Era Communications, expanding its direct presence into five new markets, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

According to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, the move builds on Ruder Finn’s existing SEA operations in Singapore and Malaysia and reinforces its position as a leading independent communications player in the region.

Founded in 2015, Era Communications has earned a reputation for its sharp local insight and strategic comms capabilities across ASEAN’s emerging markets. The 90-person agency will now operate under the brand name Ruder Finn Era.

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