VCCP Singapore's CEO steps down

Integrated communications agency VCCP Singapore's CEO, Craig Mapleston (pictured), has stepped down after just under five years in the firm, according to a post on Mapleston's LinkedIn page. 

In his post, Mapleston explained that a move back to Australia was the reason for his departure. 

"It’s hard to believe that nearly 30 years have passed since I packed up my life in Australia and hit the right-of-passage road abroad. A backpack, a Sony Walkman, two cassettes and the semblance of a plan to see some of Asia before heading back home," he wrote.

"And now, after traversing continents, working at some amazing places, and meeting life-long friends, it’s time to pack up again and finally make that return trip home. The allure of family, the outdoors and a brilliant place for our young kids to grow up all lead us [to] a Melbourne relocation later this year. It’s been a great experience living and working in Asia for such a long and exciting period, but now is the right time to make the move," he added. 

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Mapleston joined VCCP Singapore in 2018 as its APAC director as the agency launched in Asia and made Singapore its hub. The launch of the office in Singapore at the time came on the back of global wins with Shell and Cathay Pacific, both requiring an Asia presence.

Mapleston brought with him over 20 years of experience across Asia, helming leadership roles with companies such as iris Singapore as its chief growth officer for Asia and its managing director. Prior to that, Mapleston held roles in companies such as BatesAsia /141 Worldwide in Singapore as well as OgilvyAction.

When Mapleston first joined VCCP Singapore, he was tasked with building and growing the offerings in Singapore and to service Shell in Asia. Today, the global agency has worked with huge clients such as Cadbury, Canon, Cathay Pacific, MABI, Frasers Property, Toll, Sun Life and Hyundai worldwide. 

"To my VCCP colleagues, clients and partners in Singapore and around the world - a huge thank you. Having the chance and the trust to build an agency from the ground up has been thrilling, terrifying and rewarding in equal measures. And now, five years on, I am sure that Katya Obolensky, Andrew Hook and the whole team will continue to build VCCP Singapore and its reputation as the true challenger agency for challenger brands," Mapleston wrote. 

Mapleston's last day with the agency is 15 August and Obolensky will assume his responsibilities with immediate effect, said VCCP Singapore when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out. 

Obolensky is a recent addition to the team and joined as managing director this year. She joins to lead the agency’s development and to further strengthen its presence in Singapore while driving growth into other Asian markets. As managing director, Obolensky will also ensure the creative shop continues to deliver top-notch creative work and exceptional client service.

With over fifteen years of experience in the advertising industry, both in New York City and London, Obolensky brings with her a wealth of experience to the agency. Beginning her career at JWT NYC working on the Microsoft account, she then moved to London where she joined M&C Saatchi and contributed to the success of various high-profile clients such as Hyundai, Currys/PC World, Public Health England, and Havana Club alongside introducing several cultural initiatives which led to her taking on a global network role, where she played a pivotal role in nurturing international offices and securing international clients.

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