US-based events agency FIRST pushes Asia growth with hire of Tamsyn Barker

FIRST, a global events agency operating out of New York, Los Angeles, London, Dublin, Singapore and Hong Kong has hired Tamsyn Barker as regional director, APAC. Barker will oversee APAC operations and clients, reporting to Maureen Ryan Fable, CEO-Group and CEO-Americas of FIRST.She will oversee growth in APAC and provide regional direction for FIRST, in conjunction with the global executive team, to establish strategic policies and procedures for local operations. Over the past 20 years, Barker has built her reputation in both leadership and creative roles in experiential marketing, events, and brand communication.Originally from Australia, she holds experience delivering successful events of all scales throughout Asia Pacific, China, the Middle East, the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition to serving as the executive creative director for Freeman, during which she launched FreemanXP. Barker has served as general manager of Luminous Experiential Marketing Communications, creative director for The Event Company Staging Connections, managing director for Above Consultancy, and account director for Banner Corporation (WPP).“The potential for FIRST growth in APAC is tremendous and very exciting,” said Fable. “This new role is pivotal in driving our global business, and Barker has the right combination of creative and management talents. Her wealth of experience, coupled with her personal qualities and network, make us confident that she’s perfect to lead our team in APAC.”Barker added, "APAC is a unique market, and the opportunity to build FIRST brand awareness from Singapore to Japan to Hong Kong, is an exciting challenge. I’ve lived in Singapore for 14 years, and have innate knowledge of APAC and the nuances and needs of clients in the region. Recent key projects awarded to FIRST in APAC and globally will put us on the map and grow the FIRST reputation throughout the region. I’ve never felt more confident about the road ahead and the future of live events.”FIRST has experienced significant global expansion in recent years, supported by the 2018 acquisition of U.K. and Ireland based experiential and creative agency Clive, as well as the 2016 acquisition of creative agency Barkley Kalpak Agency (BKA) in the U.S. FIRST is continually enhancing its core capabilities and leadership bench to meet the demands and complexities of its clients. FIRST’s total workforce is now approximately 350 employees worldwide.