R/GA names new APAC CEO

Creative innovation firm R/GA has promoted Michael Titshall to the newly created role of CEO of Asia Pacific, according to the agency in a release. 

For the past four and a half years, Titshall led R/GA Australia’s operations in Melbourne, Sydney, and, most recently, Canberra. In his expanded role, he will now also oversee R/GA’s Asia offices, partnering closely with R/GA’s executive leadership team in the region – which includes Marianne Whitman, general manager of Singapore, Anthony Baker, general manager of Japan, Barry Peng, interim general manager of China and Bambang Witoyo, general manager of Indonesia.

Don't miss: R/GA's SVP MD Dorothy Peng steps down 

Prior to his stint at R/GA, Titshall was managing director at CHE Proximity for five years. He has also held leading roles in agencies such as DigitasLBi and Sputnik Agency. 

In Australia, Victoria Curro will continue as managing director, with chief creative officer Seamus Higgins and Ben Miles, VP, executive creative director co-leading the company’s creative team.

“It’s an exciting time for R/GA in APAC. Our ability to deliver creative and innovative experiences that deeply connect with people is more crucial than ever for brands in such a fast-paced region," said Titshall. "I feel incredibly fortunate to embark on this new chapter at R/GA, and continue working with such a skilled and inspiring team, not just in Australia, but now also extending that collaboration into Asia. The capabilities that we have across the region are already impressive, and I'm looking forward to the impact we can achieve working even closer together.”

“Titshall is an exceptional business leader. He’s become known for driving the industry forward by creating environments that enable people to do the best work of their careers, creating boundary-pushing work that combine our distinct capabilities," added Robin Forbes, global CEO at R/GA.

"Under his leadership, R/GA Australia has been a shining example of how to produce creatively-led innovative work, and we look forward to watching him expand his expertise at R/GA by leading our new APAC region," said Forbes. 

The news comes shortly after R/GA Singapore's senior vice president, managing director of Asia Dorothy Peng stepped down after eight years at the agency, according to R/GA when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out at the time.

Peng joined R/GA Singapore in 2015 as its group account director. After just under three years in the role, she was promoted to managing director of Singapore, a role she held for three years. in May 2021, Peng was promoted to vice president, managing director of Singapore.

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