Priya Kalidas named head of Iris SG as MD Rebecca Nadilo steps down

Iris Singapore has announced a leadership change, with Priya Kalidas set to take on the role of head of the agency. Kalidas, currently serving as head of growth and partnerships, will assume her new role as head of Iris Singapore following Rebecca Nadilo’s departure from her managing director role.

Kalidas has extensive experience from her focus on business growth and strategic partnerships over the past three years. According to the company, her collaboration with Nadilo has prepared her for a smooth leadership transition, benefiting both clients and the team. She first joined the agency in October 2021 as regional business director before transitioning to the role of head of growth in September 2022.

Prior to joining Iris, Kalidas took on several roles across various agencies including business director at Ogilvy, regional group account director at ADK and business director at BBDO Malaysia. She started her career as an account manager at M&C Saatchi Malaysia in 2008, before climbing up the ranks to account director in her eight years at the agency. 

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Meanwhile, Nadilo's tenure at Iris Singapore has been marked by significant achievements, including the successful launch of Iris Inc, the agency's social studio and major client wins including government, retail and automotive clients. She has also strengthened the leadership team with key hires to bolster the strategic and creative vision of Iris.

Nadilo joined the agency in June 2023. Prior to which she was the APAC strategy lead at Meta, chief strategy officer at Wunderman Thompson, head of strategy at BBDO Singapore and head of communications planning at BBDO Worldwide. 

“It has been an incredible journey leading Iris Singapore. I am immensely proud of what we have built, the people who make up Iris and the clients we partner with. Kalidas has been my right-hand man for the last 2 years, and I know she will continue to push the agency forward with her incredible drive, impeccable account leadership and tenacity," said Nadilo on the transition. 

“I’m both humbled and exhilarated to step into this new chapter at Iris Singapore. Every day, I witness our team’s creativity, resilience, and genuine care for one another, and it fills me with confidence in what we can achieve together. I’m eager to strengthen our bonds with our partners and nurture an environment where every idea is celebrated, every challenge sparks innovation, and our collective spirit drives lasting impact," added Kalidas. 

Kalidas' appointment comes as the agency picked two new leaders in the last half of 2024. 

In October, Iris Singapore named Paolo Agulto as its new executive creative director where he will be charged with elevating the agency’s creative output. Agulto brought over 17 years of experience in the creative industry. He joins from Accenture Song where he held the position of creative director for two years.

Similarly, the agency appointed Shea Warnes as its new chief strategy officer to lead integrated strategy and further propelling Iris Inc in June 2024. Warnes joined from Dentsu Creative, where he was head of strategy based in Singapore, working across key clients that included Activision Blizzard, Amex, Toyota, Manulife and Government.

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