MSL Singapore names new MD

MSL Singapore, Publicis Groupe-owned global public relations and integrated communications partner, has appointed Joanna Ong as its managing director. In her new role, Ong (pictured) will be responsible for leading the growth and expansion of MSL’s operations in Singapore, working closely with the team to provide an integrated communications approach to drive greater business results for local clients as well as beyond. With this appointment, Publicis said it is looking to further strengthen MSL’s operations in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Leading a team of over 15 members, Ong reports to Margaret Key, chief executive officer, APAC & MEA, MSL. According to Key, Ong's senior in-house and agency experiences, including managing her own consultancy, will be "instrumental in strengthening and expanding growth" for MSL Singapore's operation. 

Ong's appointment comes as MSL Singapore's previous managing director, Suya Kim, moved to Edelman. According to Kim's LinkedIn, she left MSL Singapore in 2020. Kim was previously appointed as managing director of MSL Singapore in 2017, and was tasked with new business development, brand leadership, and working with Publicis Communications as a whole to transform the agency's offering. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for additional information.

Ong was most recently group vice president, corporate communication and public relations at Next Story Group, an integrated hospitality management company headquartered in Singapore. Prior to that role, she served as vice president, corporate communications, Asia Pacific at Hilton Worldwide. Over the past 25 years, Ong was said to have led corporate and brand communications in senior roles in various industries. 

Ong said: “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to lead MSL Singapore at an opportune time in its development. MSL is well-known for its global footprint and nuanced local market capabilities. I look forward to working with the team to provide an integrated communications approach to drive greater business results for our clients."

Lou Dela Pena, CEO, Publicis Communications Singapore added that the network has been looking for a strong counselor and business leader to drive the earned, creative approach for MSL that will drive stronger impact which our clients are looking for. "Ong is the ideal candidate to accelerate our comprehensive service capabilities under the Power of One," she added. 

MSL’s network currently includes 25 offices in 14 APAC countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. It boasts an employee strength of over 730 in the region. MSL’s activities in the APAC region are coordinated by its Singapore hub and is overseen by Key, its CEO of APAC & MEA. Key took on the role earlier in November 2019.

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