VaynerMedia APAC elevates VJ Anand to managing partner

VaynerMedia APAC has promoted VJ Anand (pictured) to managing partner of Asia Pacific, in addition to his current head of creative role, effective 1 August. In his new role, Anand will continue to oversee creative excellence, as well as play a key role in the agency’s growth strategy across the region. He will report to Tim Lindley, the newly appointed MD in Asia Pacific. 

He currently oversees creative campaigns across a range of clients, including SK-II, Prudential, Subway, Atome, and Tipco, among others. Anand joined VaynerMedia in 2019 from Gojek where he was SVP of creative. CEO and co-founder of VaynerMedia, Gary Vaynerchuk, said previously that its Singapore office is growing and Anand is "a key hire" as it continues to scale the business in the region. 

He has over 20 years of experience in the creative field. From digital agencies to international network agencies, to setting up and running an international creative department in Gojek. "Anand is a rare creative talent who combines culture, business and attention first thinking which is very much in the DNA of VaynerMedia," the agency added. He has also worked at BBDO Malaysia and TBWA\Malaysia, overseeing clients such as Fonterra, Taylor's University, Guardian, U Mobile and Mercedes. 

“There's never a dull moment at VaynerMedia APAC. From four team members two years ago to almost 150 now - with a third of them in our creative department - I am super proud of the team we've built and the work we have been doing here”, Anand said. According to him, VaynerMedia's strategic and creative thinking is rooted in helping build brands in the hearts of consumers using the platforms of today.

"In the past year we have created talk shows, live streams, TikTok movements, campaigns that fueled conversations and even a music video with John Legend! I am thrilled to create even more attention and business winning work with a strong and super talented team," he said.

Meanwhile, Lindley described Anand to be "an inimitable force of creativity and culture". "His hard work and dedication over the past two years have established VaynerMedia as a powerhouse across the region, and his relentless focus to use creativity to solve real business problems for clients is remarkable. I am looking forward to our continued partnership on the next phase of growth and creative excellence," he said.

Lindley succeeded Avery Akkineni who returned to the US to helm the role of VaynerNFT president. He has been working alongside Akkineni as the head of insights and strategy at the agency, where he led the division and oversaw a range of clients, including YouTube, SK-II, Prudential, Subway, Google, Maybank, Glico, and Tipco. As MD, Lindley is now responsible for overseeing client relations and business operations, as well as further driving growth for the agency in the region. 

In the meantime, VaynerNFT recently brought on board its first client, Budweiser, with the aim of maximising iconic brand assets, including  ambassadors, sponsorship assets, F&B assets, as well as merchandise and product. Work is expected to be launched in the second half of the year.

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