Sandpiper Group names new Southeast Asia MD

Strategic communications, public affairs and research group Sandpiper Group has promoted Sarada Chellam (pictured right) to the role of Southeast Asia managing director amidst a series on senior appointments. Chellam was previously general manager of Sandpiper’s Singapore office.

Based in Singapore, Chellam has held senior positions at agencies in Singapore and the Middle East, after beginning her career as a journalist. Prior to joining Sandpiper, Chellam was senior vice president at Ketchum Singapore where she oversaw corporate and brand practices. She worked with clients such as Diageo, Accor Hotels, HomeAway and Boeing in her time there. She also worked as an account director at Action Global Communications and at ClientKnowledge and Bloomberg as a journalist. 

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She joined Sandpiper in 2018 and has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s presence in Southeast Asia and beyond, the firm said in a statement. A strategic communications specialist, her expertise covers the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, hospitality, aviation, and consumer sectors.

“This is an exciting time for Sandpiper as we continue to grow our footprint and expand our integrated offerings. Southeast Asia is a dynamic region and I look forward to navigating its complexities with our clients, team, and partners,” said Chellam.

In addition to her appointment, Sandpiper also named Elizabeth Chu (pictures left) as general manager, Singapore. Also based in Singapore, Chu, is a financial and professional services communications specialist. Her experience spans asset management, banking, fintech, wealth management, as well as M&A and special situations.

Prior to joining Sandpiper in 2019, she held senior agency and inhouse roles in Hong Kong and Singapore. Elizabeth was previously deputy general manager of Sandpiper’s Singapore business.

Sandpiper also appointed Joyce Li and Serena Cui to the role of deputy general manager, China; and Camille Middleditch to deputy general manager, New Zealand.

Based in Beijing, Li is a communications specialist who oversees and provides strategic counsel to Sandpiper’s diverse roster of global and local clients. Her 20-year career includes senior communications roles in multi-national agencies in China. She was previously director of Sandpiper China’s strategic communications business, a role she will continue.

Also based in Beijing, Cui is a public affairs specialist, with a deep understanding of the complex China regulatory environment. Her experience includes stakeholder engagement and mapping, thought leadership, market entry strategy, geopolitical advisory, public diplomacy, market intelligence and regulatory research. Prior to joining Sandpiper in 2020, she held senior communications roles in multi-national agencies in China. She oversees all of Sandpiper’s Public Affairs business, a role she will continue.

Based in Auckland, Middleditch will help clients with local and global reputation management programmes. Her experience covers media, stakeholder, investor, employee, and sustainability strategy and communications. Prior to joining Sandpiper, she held corporate communications and sustainability communications consulting roles.

“The promotions are in recognition of the critical role these individuals have played in the growth of Sandpiper’s businesses across the region, and their dedication to our clients and our people," said Emma Smith, chief executive officer at Sandpiper.

"We are incredibly lucky to have such a strong talent pool of leadership within our firm, and nothing gives me more pleasure that to be able to promote our own talent. We are proud of the great work our teams deliver for our clients every day, and their leadership will help us continue to deliver award-winning work of the highest quality," she added.

“This year has seen us expand client remits, service offerings, and market teams. We are committed to being a partner that is purpose-fit for helping our clients navigate the future of communications, research, and public affairs. I look forward to working with all these wonderful women as we expand our footprint and business,” explained Smith. 

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