Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG), one of the largest brand communications groups in the world, has, in a strategic move, announced a new leadership structure in Asia. This, in a bid to accelerate the group’s growth in India and China.
MindShare’s digital leader Jeffrey Seah has joined SMG. He will manage the network’s operations in key Asian markets, with an additional focus on driving digital expansion. Ravi Kiran has been retained as the CEO for South Asia, with a focus on the network’s India businesses. He, however, has been elevated to a new status: ’emerging market leader of specialist solutions’. Kiran’s new role will entail driving revenue growth by expanding specialist solutions in emerging markets.
Paul Maher, remains CEO of SMG’s North Asia operations. He will continue to focus on China and oversee Taiwan, Japan, Philippines and Korea.
With this move, Seah, Kiran and Maher will be part of the ‘SMG Asia Leadership’ team and report directly to Andrew Swinand, president, global operations, SMG. Announcing the news, Swinand said, “Given the importance of growth in China and India, along with expanding our digital footprint in the region, I felt that all three areas need receive top-level leadership focus. Empowering operations in Asia is my primary mission.”
According to Swinand, the new structure will enable SMG to fortify its operations, as well as focus on delivering innovation and growth, “which have become trademarks of the group”.
On his new role in SMG, Ravi Kiran said, “With access to the entirety of VivaKi resources and specialised communication capabilities, we can develop key initiatives that will drive client growth in India, and create models that can be recreated in other emerging markets.” At present, SMG’s global organisation includes strategic marketing communication architects specialising in media management, response media, entertainment, among others.