Digitas appoints Adrian Farouk to APAC CEO role

Publicis Groupe's Digitas has promoted Adrian Farouk (pictured) to CEO of Digitas APAC. Farouk, currently CEO of Digitas and Epsilon ANZ, will take on the new role with immediate effect whilst continuing his leadership at Epsilon in the Australia and New Zealand region.

In his new role, Farouk will oversee the development of Digitas across the APAC region. Digitas has accelerated its growth in the region over the past two years, expanding its footprint from six to 15 markets since 2019. Farouk will continue reporting to Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe ANZ for his responsibility in ANZ, with a dotted-line to Jane Lin-Baden, managing partner of Publicis Groupe APAC and executive sponsor of the Digitas brand in APAC.

With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and advertising scene, Farouk has cultivated his expertise in user experience, strategy, eCommerce, consumer research and client service, said the agency. He has been with Publicis Groupe for almost 10 years, first as managing director of LBi Australia, then in his current role as CEO of Digitas and Epsilon ANZ, building a connected full-service agency offering creative, data, media, strategy and technology. According to the agency, he has also been a core member of the Global Operating Committee of Digitas for three years.

Prior to joining Digitas, Farouk was with Sydney-based design consultancy Deepend for more than eight years, as seen on his LinkedIn profile. At Deepend, he helmed various positions such as group strategy director as well as client services and strategy director.

On his appointment, Farouk said: “Digitas is one of the fastest-growing agency networks within Publicis Groupe across APAC which, under Jane’s stewardship, has grown across 15 markets. I’m thrilled to accept the challenge and connect the markets to drive the brand to new heights.”

Lin-Baden said Farouk is known as a credible and charismatic leader who is able to motivate his team and advance the entire digital marketing industry. She also said that under his leadership, Digitas ANZ has been a shining example of quality work and innovation in the region, adding that Farouk will bring fresh perspectives to Digitas APAC.

Digitas saw the departure of its ASEAN managing director Rika Sharma in June this year after almost three years in her position. She joined Google Asia Pacific as head of agency and industry relationships. During her time with Digitas, Sharma worked closely with the Digitas regional team to help establish an ASEAN Hub for data and analytics for the group and region.

Related articles:
Digitas ASEAN managing director Rika Sharma joins Google
Digitas launches ASEAN Hub in SG, Rika Sharma to take the lead as MD
Digitas SG unveils new video conferencing tool to help users explain why they are on mute
In a WFH vindication, Digitas scores trio of China accounts