Edelman names former OMG comms chief to lead APAC marketing

Edelman has appointed Neeraj Khanna as its head of marketing for Asia Pacific. In his new role, Khanna (pictured) will lead the network's regional marketing strategy, focused on elevating thought leadership and integrated communications work across the region. He is also tasked to drive awareness of product and practice innovations in areas such as big data and analytics, digital, public affairs, reputation management, employee engagement and brand storytelling across Edelman's core industry sectors. Khanna reports to Bob Grove, chief client and operating officer at Edelman APAC. 

Khanna joins Edelman from the media industry, where he last served as regional marketing communication director, APAC at Omnicom Media Group (OMG) for three years. During his time there, he led the marketing and communications efforts of OMG's agencies such as OMD and PHD across 16 markets in Asia Pacific, according to his LinkedIn. Prior to that, he also helmed the role of associate director, content marketing for OMG's Middle East and North Africa region. Khanna's career spans across various forms of media, including print, TV, radio and events. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for additional information.

Khanna said he is thrilled to be joining the team at "such an exciting time for the communications industry", and looks forward to partner with APAC markets to showcase their work. “Edelman has always been a leading force in the markets I’ve worked in. As the marketing industry continues to be disrupted, facing the rise of adblockers and a waning trust in brand advertising for example, Edelman’s unique approach and independence allow the firm to create truly impactful and breakthrough solutions for its clients."

Grove added: “As we continue to develop world-leading thought leadership, such as the Edelman Trust Barometer and Brand Trust Study, Khanna will play an important role in helping our clients, as well as the broader communications and marketing world, apply these insights to their own organisations."

Khanna's appointment comes as the PR firm saw a few prominent exits last year. Earlier in October, Edelman's former director of communications and special projects, Lauren Myers-Cavanagh, moved on to Twitter to take on the role of its head of policy communications for APAC. Meanwhile in August, the agency saw the exit of Amanda Goh who was with the company for more than 17 years. Goh last helmed the role of vice chair, clients and sectors APAC, and also took previously on multiple roles such as managing director, global client experience in APAC, as well as CEO in Edelman Singapore. 

Related Articles:
#AOTYAwards spills: Edelman Data & Intelligence analyses the importance of relationships in data
Twitter hires former Edelman director as APAC head of policy communications
Edelman’s Amanda Goh exits after more than 17 years