Wavemaker names new APAC CEO

Wavemaker has appointed Sindhuja Rai as its new CEO in the Asia Pacific region. She will be based in Singapore and will report to Toby Jenner, the agency's global CEO. 

As APAC CEO, Rai will drive the strategy and execution of how Wavemaker positively provokes growth for their clients and people around the region. 

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She will join the Wavemaker global executive team, as well as the GroupM APAC leadership team exco, and collaborate closely with GroupM and WPP leaders across the region to connect the breadth and depth of the group’s capabilities to drive growth on behalf of Wavemaker’s clients.

Rai comes to the team with a wide breadth of over 20 years in the marketing industry. Previously, she led the global media investment and AMEA consumer experience team at Mondelēz International. SHe was at Mondelēz International for just over 12 years.

Before that, Rai held roles in top agencies such as Havas, IPG Mediabrands and Starcom MediaVest Group. 

“I’d like to thank Mondelēz and Jon Halvorson in particular for supporting Rai's transition from Mondelēz to Wavemaker. It’s all credit to Halvorson how highly regarded Sindhuja is. She is smart and driven with huge integrity. She knows our business well from our relationship with Mondelēz, and her regional leadership and global sensitivity make her ideally positioned to take Wavemaker to the next level."

"Rai will make a massive difference to our clients and our people across the region, making us incredibly well-positioned for continued success. I’m so thrilled she’s joining our business,” he continued. 

 “I’m truly excited to join the many familiar faces at Wavemaker. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed the collaborative relationship with everyone at the agency, and I’ve been impressed by its culture of positive provocation," added Rai. 

Rai's role will be effective come September 2023. 

The news comes shortly after Wavemaker Hong Kong bolstered its leadership team with three new appointments, including Milton Liao taking on an additional role as head of Wavemaker Hong Hong, Scotty Ho and Kenix Lai being promoted to managing partners.

Currently VP of Wavemaker Guangzhou, Liao will take on an expanded role as head of Wavemaker Hong Kong to oversee the office’s business. He will directly report to Jose Campon, Wavemaker China CEO, as well as Alice Chow, CEO of GroupM Hong Kong.Liao joined GroupM’s Maxus, which merged with MEC to become Wavemaker in 2015. He started his career at Leo Burnett and has also worked for companies such as Heinz Infant Nutrition and Amway.

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