VaynerMedia APAC strengthens creative firepower with slew of regional hires

VaynerMedia APAC has made four new hires to further drive the agency’s creative capabilities across the APAC region. Mae Ong, Matthew Crescenzo and Rachel Hoo will join as creative directors in Singapore. Meanwhile, Pitha Udomkanjananan will join as head of creative in Thailand. They will report to VaynerMedia APAC managing partner and head of creative VJ Anand.

Mae Ong (pictured second from left) has over 10 years of traditional and digital experience within the industry. Throughout her career she has led creative for global brands such as Disney, Nike, Netflix, Samsung and Nestlé. Prior to joining VaynerMedia APAC, Ong was creative director at BBH Asia Pacific.  Matthew Crescenzo (pictured left) began his career in traditional advertising, before transitioning to working in the digital landscape. Crescenzo was previously the creative director at Brave Bison and has experience in both social media and influencer marketing. He has worked with brands including Disney Studios, Mondelez, Singapore Airlines, SK-II, LEGO, Coca-Cola, ANA and AccorHotels. Rachel Hoo (pictured right) began her career in advertising as a designer, before finding her passion as a creative director. Over the course of her career, she's worked on KFC, Maxis, Wonda, Air Asia, Petronas, Mitsubishi, Libresse, and more.

Meanwhile, Pitha Udomkanjanana (pictured second from right) has over 10 years experience in both Thailand and the United States, beginning his career at Creative Juice Bangkok, before moving to Leo Burnett Chicago where he worked on top global brands. Most recently, Udomkanjanana served as deputy ECD at BBDO Bangkok. 

“As an integrated creative and media agency, VaynerMedia has a very unique approach to creativity. As we continue to grow in more markets, it is important to find creative leaders who are social natives, creatives who know the platforms of today and are willing to allow ideas to come from anywhere in order to create compelling content. Udomkanjananan, Ong, Crescenzo and Hoo are those leaders and I am excited to work with them to continue driving success and impact for our client partners,” said Anand.

The agency also hired Shawn O'Conner, who was appointed creative director at VaynerMedia Australia, following the agency's move to expand its business across the region. O'Conner has worked with agencies including We Are Social, R/GA, Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB. In addition to the new creative directors, VaynerMedia APAC has also hired three associate creative directors: Nicholas Goh in Singapore who was previously at BLK J, Candice Chhoa in Malaysia who worked with Hoo at Naga DDB, and Napat Pornratanaraksa (June) in Thailand who worked alongside Udomkanjananan in her previous stint at BBDO Bangkok. 

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