MD of integrated brand Rod Strother exits Edelman

Rod Strother is exiting Edelman Singapore after two years in the agency as managing director of integrated brand. In the role, Strother was brought on board to lead a newly-created integrated brand team which brought together the brand and digital teams in the agency closer together. 

Integrated brand was designed to bring together the right capabilities that deliver the right balance between channel, creative and content, according to Edelman's spokesperson. During his hire, Edelman said Strother was the right fit as he brings “further firepower” in delivering value and ongoing innovation to the agency's clients.

Strother (pictured) confirmed his departure to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. He said that he had a “great two years” back at the agency side – an area he didn’t think he’d return. “It was challenging - in all sorts of good ways - pitching more in the first three months than I did in 2.5 years at BBDO for example. However there was always a sense of being in it together and I have to credit John Kerr for that,” he said.

He added that his experience made him realise it isn’t about preference of client side or agency side, but rather the right challenge with the right people. “If you have that the rest falls into place,” he said. Strother has yet to decide on his next move. 

Strother also has extensive experience in both agency and client side roles. He was last VP, brand and marcomms at StarHub, where he oversaw digital at StarHub’s consumer business group. Prior to that, he built and led the digital and social centre of excellence for Lenovo. His agency experience also includes more than ten years at GREY in Malaysia and BBDO in Singapore.

Most recently Edelman appointed Julia Wei as CEO of Singapore, reporting to Southeast Asia CEO Adrian Warr. She will spearhead the next chapter of growth and will build on the agency's growth and innovation in earned-centric, integrated campaigns. She was previously with AKA Asia as managing partner and returns to Edelman where she previously spent a decade honing her capabilities. She brings more than 17 years of experience in integrated communications, both in-house and agency, to drive growth through modern communication approaches.

On an APAC level, Edelman has made several strategic leadership appointments in Health unit with the hires of Will Collie as vice chair of Health in APAC. Adding to the equation are and the recent hires of APAC market leads Brian Wang and Jenny Jackson.