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Category: People Moves

Logicalis names Glenn Neo as COO and CTO for its Asia Pacific operations

Logicalis Asia Pacific has appointed Glenn Neo as its new COO (chief operating officer) and CTO (chief technology officer), a dual-role position created to support the company’s next phase of growth. The appointment supports Logicalis Asia Pacific’s move to expand AI capabilities and improve operational efficiency. Based in Singapore, Neo will report to the Asia Pacific CEO, Chong-Win Lee. Commenting on his appointment, Neo said, “I am delighted to join Logicalis Asia Pacific at such a transformative time. The opportunity to help shape the company’s AI-led future and work alongside talented teams across the region is truly inspiring.” “I look forward to building on Logicalis’ strong foundation and driving innovation that delivers meaningful impact for our clients and partners,” he added. Glenn joins Logicalis from Synapxe, where he served as Director of Innovation Capabilities Enablement, and concurrently as Chief Information Officer at Woodlands Health. His career spans senior roles at Accenture, Russell Reynolds, SGX, YCH Group, and board-level and advisory positions in start-ups. Logicalis Asia Pacific CEO, Chong-Win Lee, outlined why Glenn’s appointment comes at a critical time for the business: “Glenn’s vision and leadership will help us unlock new value for our customers and drive sustainable growth across the region.” “His proven expertise in digital transformation and operational excellence will be critical as we accelerate our journey to become the region’s leading AI Integrator,” Lee added. Source: https://www.itnews.asia/news/logicalis-names-glenn-neo-as-coo-and-cto-for-its-asia-pacific-operations-621859

Sedgwick appoints new leaders for Australian operations

New appointments to drive operational directionPhil van Zyl, who is currently CEO of Sedgwick New Zealand, has been appointed as interim CEO for Australia. He will continue his role in New Zealand while also overseeing the Australian executive team and operations. Simon Kay has been appointed as chief operating officer for Australia and will be responsible for operational management in the region. Paul White, Sedgwick’s regional CEO for international, commented on the leadership changes: “We have seen exceptional leadership from Phil in New Zealand for nearly six years, and he has contributed significantly to our growth story. With Phil and Simon at the helm, I am confident that we will have the clear direction needed to continue to deliver strong results for our company, colleagues, and clients.” Transition following CEO retirementThe appointments follow the retirement of Diego Ascani, who had led Sedgwick Australia since 2018. White commented: “With a distinguished insurance industry career of over 30 years, he became chief executive officer for Australia in 2018, navigating his team through the acquisition of Cunningham Lindsey by Sedgwick that same year. His passion for the customer, client, and colleague experience shone through during COVID and many major claim surges including the Northern NSW floods in 2022, Australia’s largest ever CAT event.” White said that during Ascani’s time with the company, he focused on industry innovation, professional development, and inclusion. “Diego’s legacy will be defined by his championing of industry innovation, professional development, and inclusion, including his membership of the board of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) since 2020. Let’s wish Diego all the best as he departs the company and transitions into retirement,” he said. Focus on local expertise and international resourcesVan Zyl, who has worked at Sedgwick for more than 20 years in various senior positions, said the company’s operations in Australia rely on its local staff. “Sedgwick’s presence in Australia is supported at all times by our talented local team, which is critical to our success. Our expertise in this market, combined with our global experience, positions Sedgwick to provide our clients with unmatched services and know-how in this industry that is rapidly transforming,” van Zyl said. Kay, the new COO, has over 30 years of experience in loss adjusting and has previously held leadership roles in the UK and internationally. He has worked on property losses and claims in different regions. Broader executive changes across SedgwickThe recent leadership changes in Australia are among several executive transitions at Sedgwick. Earlier this month, the company announced that Tom Simoncic, president of global property and international, will retire after 18 years with the company. Paul White is set to become CEO, International, starting Jan. 1, 2026. White will oversee operations in the UK, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, New Zealand, and South Africa. He has previously held senior roles at Sedgwick and its predecessor, Cunningham Lindsey. In August, Sedgwick named Kalani Reelitz as chief financial officer, with responsibilities for financial planning and capital management. The company also appointed new chief executive officers for its Japan and Taiwan businesses earlier this year. Shuji Tanaka and Cameron Lee have taken on those roles, while their predecessors have moved into chairman positions. Source: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/sedgwick-appoints-new-leaders-for-australian-operations-557010.aspx

New CEO of Iberdrola Australia

Iberdrola has announced that Ross Rolfe, Chairman and CEO of Iberdrola Australia, will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer at the end of 2025. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Iberdrola Australia. The company will appoint Paul Simshauser as CEO of Iberdrola Australia to replace him. Paul Simshauser was CEO of Powerlink Queensland and Professor of Economics at the Centre for Applied Research in Energy Economics and Policy (CAEEPR). A renowned economist specialising in energy, he has held leadership positions for more than 25 years in Australia’s energy markets, regulatory bodies and public policy institutions. Since 2020, Iberdrola Australia has invested $2.5 billion — in addition to the $1.4 billion associated with the acquisition of Infigen — in wind, solar and battery storage projects in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, where it employs more than 250 people. In addition, the company has tripled in size, quadrupled its customer base, obtained a feasibility licence for offshore wind energy in Victoria and launched a new grid business. Source: https://www.iberdrola.com/press-room/news/detail/new-ceo-of-iberdrola-australia

TBWA\ Group Indonesia strengthens leadership with new chief digital officer appointment

TBWA\ Group Indonesia has appointed Mahmud Omar Saladin (pictured) as chief digital officer, a newly created role aimed at accelerating the agency’s digital transformation and product innovation. His appointment took effect on 3 November 2025, reporting directly to Soum Banerjee, CEO and co-founder of TBWA\ Group Indonesia. In his new capacity, Saladin will lead the agency’s efforts to develop AI-powered digital solutions with a focus on innovation, speed, and measurable results. He has been tasked with reshaping team structures, bringing in top-tier digital talent, and upskilling existing teams to strengthen TBWA’s offering across the region. The immediate goal, according to the agency, is to help existing clients achieve faster and higher ROI, as TBWA\ Group Indonesia enters its 2026 planning phase. Saladin will play a pivotal role in shaping digital strategy and launching new products designed to future-proof client growth. “As part of a global creative collective, we are expanding beyond content into a full 360° digital ecosystem across social, influencer, and AI-driven marketing, designed to keep brands relevant in culture and ahead of change,” said Saladin. “My role is to connect creativity with technology and transform how we help brands grow through ideas that are intelligent and deeply human.” Welcoming the appointment, Banerjee described Saladin – known within the agency as Amu – as a crucial addition to TBWA\ Group Indonesia’s leadership. “Amu is a strong addition to the TBWA Indonesia team. His experience and insight strengthen our growth plan, and he will lead our push to build AI-driven digital solutions and launch new products that help brands deliver quantum growth in an age of uncertainty,” said Banerjee. The move signals TBWA’s intent to deepen its integration of AI and data-driven creativity, aligning with the group’s broader ambition to deliver more adaptive and human-centric brand experiences across Southeast Asia. Just recently, the agency appointed Nicholas Kosasih as its new chief creative officer, marking a homecoming for the creative who began his career at TBWA Jakarta. Effective 16 October 2025, Kosasih returns after serving as regional creative director at Hakuhodo Asia Pacific, succeeding Rizky Wisnu, who held the role for the past three years. Reporting to the president and board of directors, Kosasih is tasked with driving disruptive, AI-empowered creative work to deliver results. Source: https://www.marketing-interactive.com/tbwa-group-indonesia-strengthens-leadership-with-new-chief-digital-officer-appointment

New CEO named for Marsh McLennan IMEA operations

Responsibilities will include advancing the firm’s offerings in risk management, reinsurance, capital solutions, human capital, and management consulting Marsh McLennan has announced that Andrea Bono will assume the role of chief executive officer for its India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) operations, effective January 2026. Bono will be based in Dubai and will report directly to Flavio Piccolomini, CEO of Marsh McLennan International. Leadership transition and strategic focusThe appointment is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its leadership team and drive growth in regions identified as having significant market potential. In his new capacity, Bono will oversee the execution of Marsh McLennan’s commercial strategy across the IMEA region. His responsibilities will include advancing the firm’s offerings in risk management, reinsurance, capital solutions, human capital, and management consulting. Bono is also tasked with deepening relationships with clients and expanding the company’s reach in these markets. Bono brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the position. He began his career in London and joined Marsh in 2010 as head of Marsh Italy’s risk management practice. Over the years, he has held several senior leadership roles, including co-general manager and co-CEO of Marsh Italy, CEO of the Eastern Mediterranean region, and most recently, CEO of Marsh McLennan Italy. Piccolomini remarked that the IMEA region, which includes 14 key markets, is a significant area of expansion for Marsh McLennan. “Andrea’s extensive leadership experience and dedication to helping clients find opportunity in risk make him well-positioned to lead our IMEA operations, as we look to the next chapter in our development,” Piccolomini said, as reported by Economic Times. Bono noted that businesses throughout the IMEA region are facing a range of interconnected regional and international risks that influence both their immediate and future prospects. “Through the collective strength of Marsh McLennan, we will deliver our unique capabilities – enabled by cutting-edge AI and analytics – to clients across the region so their organisations and communities can continue to thrive,” he said. Brand unification and operational changesPrior to the leadership update, Marsh McLennan revealed plans to rebrand as Marsh, effective January 2026. The rebranding initiative is intended to unify the company’s identity across its global operations. As part of the transition, the company will also introduce a new Business and Client Services (BCS) unit, which will centralise efforts in technology, data, and operational excellence. John Doyle, president and CEO of Marsh McLennan, stated that the changes are designed to streamline the organisation and enhance its ability to deliver integrated solutions to clients. “In an increasingly complex environment, clients are seeking advice, solutions and insights that draw on expertise from across our firm,” Doyle said. He added that the new structure is intended to help clients address challenges and identify opportunities. Under the new brand, Marsh will represent the company’s full range of services, including risk, reinsurance, capital, people, investments, and consulting. The transition will see the four businesses under Marsh McLennan adopt the Marsh brand by 2027. Guy Carpenter will become Marsh Re, and Oliver Wyman will be known as Oliver Wyman, a Marsh business. The operating unit Oliver Wyman Group will be renamed Marsh Management Consulting. The company’s stock ticker will change to “MRSH” in January 2026. Source: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/asia/news/breaking-news/new-ceo-named-for-marsh-mclennan-imea-operations-555345.aspx

BlueScope to get new CEO

The board of Australia-based steel company BlueScope has named Tania Archibald the company’s new managing director and CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Archibald, who is chief executive of BlueScope’s Australian Steel Products business, will succeed Mark Vassella upon his retirement and be based at BlueScope’s Melbourne head office. Vassella led BlueScope for eight years, having joined the company following its 2007 acquisition of Smorgon Steel Distribution, where he was the chief executive. He was appointed chief executive of Australian Distribution and Solutions before moving to the U.S. as President, BlueScope Steel North America in 2008. He returned to Australia in 2011 to take up the role of chief executive of BlueScope Australia and New Zealand. “Mark is an exceptional, values-based leader,” BlueScope Chair Jane McAloon says. “He has navigated the group through unprecedented challenges while steadfastly prioritizing our people and our communities. Under his stewardship, BlueScope has evolved into a structurally resilient business. Mark has led BlueScope with clarity and conviction, humility and warmth. By every measure, he has been an outstanding CEO, and we thank him sincerely and wish him well in his retirement. He will be greatly missed.” Archibald previously served as BlueScope’s chief financial officer and also held leadership roles in finance, strategy and business development in the corporate function and across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Her appointment follows a comprehensive global search by the board, which included the evaluation of a strong internal pipeline and external candidates. “We are delighted to appoint Tania to be the fourth CEO since BlueScope listed on the ASX [Australian Stock Exchange] 23 years ago,” McAloon says. “Tania is a highly capable executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership over the course of her 30-year career at BlueScope. She is passionate about the uplift of our safety performance and well-being of our people and is committed to delivering for our customers. Her track record in driving sustainability, financial resilience and operational excellence gives the board great confidence in her ability to lead the group and deliver on the next phase of BlueScope’s strategy.” “I’d like to thank the BlueScope board for their trust and confidence and to thank Mark for his tremendous leadership in building the strong company BlueScope is today,” Archibald says. “I’m proud to lead our talented teams into the next era and am committed to working hard for our customers, our people, our shareholders and our local communities.” Vassella says, “This is the right time to hand over, and the board has appointed an outstanding successor. Tania and I have worked together for many years, and I know that she has the skill, judgment and capability to lead BlueScope. “It has been a privilege to lead BlueScope and work with such a brilliant team. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and confident the company is well-positioned for continued success.” Source: https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/tania-archibald-to-replace-mark-vassella-as-bluescope-ceo/

UEM Sunrise Appoints Ex-DRB-Hicom COO Shaharul Farez Hassan As New CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, UEM Sunrise Bhd (KL), the property development arm of Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s UEM Group Bhd, has appointed experienced corporate executive Shaharul Farez Hassan as its new managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), effective Nov 17. The appointment ends an eight-month leadership vacuum at the company following the resignation of former CEO Sufian Abdullah in February this year. Shaharul Farez, 55, brings with him more than three decades of experience across multiple industries, including property development, automotive, and energy. He most recently served as the chief operating officer of DRB-Hicom Bhd (KL) from 2016 to 2022, where he played a key role in driving operational transformation across the conglomerate’s portfolio of businesses. Prior to that, he helmed Tradewinds Corp Bhd as group chief executive officer from 2008 to 2015, overseeing its diversified interests in hospitality, plantations, and property. His career also includes a stint as executive vice president of corporate at Malakoff Corp Bhd (KL) between 2015 and 2016. In addition to his management roles, UEM Sunrise noted that Shaharul Farez also served as a board member of Proton Holdings Bhd, contributing to the national carmaker’s strategic realignment and growth initiatives. “His extensive leadership experience and strong corporate background will be instrumental in steering UEM Sunrise through its next phase of growth and value creation,” the group said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday. In a separate announcement, UEM Sunrise also named Grace Yap Mei Wan, 58, as an independent non-executive director, effective Nov 3. Yap currently serves on the boards of Bata Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Sungei Bagan Rubber Co (M) Bhd (KL), bringing over 30 years of experience in finance and corporate governance. At Tuesday’s close, UEM Sunrise shares fell one sen or 1.47% to 67 sen, valuing the property developer at RM3.39 billion. Source: https://theexchangeasia.com/uem-sunrise-appoints-ex-drb-hicom-coo-shaharul-farez-hassan-as-new-ceo/

Digital-first agency Avyan Global names Cynthia Dayco to lead Philippine office as CEO

Avyan Global, a digital-first agency and partner of DEPT, has appointed Cynthia Dayco as Chief Executive Officer of its Philippine office. A transformative leader with more than two decades of experience across creative, media, and brand ecosystems, Dayco began her career in leading creative agencies such as Leo Burnett, JWT, and Lintas Indonesia, and later joined GroupM agencies in Manila and Singapore. She also served as Head of Digital at Mead Johnson, where she helped drive digital innovation in healthcare marketing, and was founding editor of adobo magazine, a leading publication on creativity and communications. Most recently, she was Head of Metrobank’s Content Team, where she built and led the bank’s in-house creative division. As CEO, Dayco will lead the agency’s next phase of evolution, focusing on new sources of growth, new capabilities, and a new kind of integration—bridging creativity, data, and technology to deliver sustainable impact for clients and the business. Beyond the corporate sphere, Dayco is also Vice President of the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) and champion of its Digital for All advocacy, which promotes accessibility, inclusion, and responsible innovation in the country’s digital ecosystem. Gautam Dutt, Partner & Regional CEO, Avyan Global, said: “The current marketing and digital ecosystem is going through unprecedented change. Cynthia brings a unique depth and breadth of experience across client marketing organisation and digital advertising ecosystem. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for Avyan and places it well to take its marketing plus technology value proposition forward.” Dayco said: “Avyan has always been about growth and adaptability. My focus is to build teams that think like entrepreneurs, people who can help clients find clarity in an increasingly complex marketing and media landscape. As brands face new challenges like AI governance, hyper-personalisation, and marketing technology, we aim to cut through the noise and deliver work that’s smart, fast, and accountable.” “We are excited to have Cynthia join us as CEO. As a seasoned leader with a diverse experience across brands, agencies and platforms, she would give our challenger mindset the perfect momentum for accelerated growth,” added Vishnu Mohan, Founder & Chairman, Avyan Holdings. Dayco succeeds Kaye Enriquez, who shepherded Avyan’s Philippine team through the pandemic years, laying a strong foundation for its next chapter. Under Enriquez’s leadership, Avyan became the network’s flagship office in APAC, serving local and regional clients with agility and purpose. Source: https://campaignbriefasia.com/2025/10/29/digital-first-agency-avyan-global-names-cynthia-dayco-to-lead-philippine-office-as-ceo/

BHP announced last month that Geraldine Slattery, president of its BHP Australia unit, will succeed Mike Henry as chief executive by mid-2026, making her the first female CEO in the mining and minerals giant’s 140-year history.

The implications extend well beyond that milestone. Leadership changes in the global mining industry, an industry defined by scale, risk management, and geopolitical exposure, are often judged through the lens of operational continuity. Slattery’s appointment provides that stability. She has led BHP’s largest business unit, delivered productivity gains, and managed sensitive stakeholder relationships in Australia’s resource sector. Her elevation signals a board-driven commitment to maintaining execution strength while modernizing leadership composition. From a governance perspective, however, BHP is setting a precedent. For executives in resource-intensive and capital-heavy industries, Slattery’s taking the reins signals a new strategic view of succession. Embedding diversity in succession planning is becoming increasingly recognized as more than just a reputational play; it can strengthen the social license to operate, improve regulatory and community relationships, and enhance investor perception at a time when ESG considerations are influencing capital flows. Moreover, diverse leadership pipelines reduce concentration risk by broadening the talent base from which future strategies will be formulated. Slattery will inherit complex challenges: demand volatility in commodities, scrutiny over decarbonization pathways, and rising geopolitical friction in critical mineral supply chains. Industry observers say that while her appointment as BHP’s first female CEO represents a milestone for gender diversity in mining, how she navigates a set of complex challenges will be closely watched as a test of whether inclusive leadership can deliver operational outperformance. BHP’s move will not, on its own, transform the mining industry. However, for CEOs and CFOs across various sectors, it underscores a competitive reality: leadership diversity is now inextricably linked to corporate strategy, investor confidence, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly shifting global economy. Source: https://gfmag.com/capital-raising-corporate-finance/australia-bhp-tapping-its-first-female-ceo/

Havas Media ANZ Appoints Kate O’Ryan-Roeder as CEO

Havas Media ANZ has appointed Kate O’Ryan-Roeder as Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive search to identify a leader who can drive growth, innovation, and integrated media solutions across Australia and New Zealand. O’Ryan-Roeder will join the agency in January 2026. O’Ryan-Roeder brings a decade of experience from Mindshare ANZ, where she served as Chief Client Officer and most recently as Managing Director, Sydney. During her tenure, she led a team of nearly 150 and oversaw a bespoke agency for LVMH, demonstrating expertise in strategic client management and campaign delivery. Her career also includes eight years at Mindshare Worldwide in London, where she managed global accounts for HSBC and Volvo, and led global planning for Unilever. She previously held key roles at Gyro International and Mitchell Media. As CEO, O’Ryan-Roeder will lead Havas Media ANZ’s national operations, focusing on growth, regional investment in media, and the strengthening of AI, technology, and data capabilities. She will also enhance integration across the Havas Village network, which combines creative, media, PR and publicity, public affairs, and health divisions to provide fully integrated client solutions. James Wright, Group CEO Havas ANZ, Global CEO Havas Red, and Global Chair of the Havas PR Network, said: “We were very humbled by the huge interest we had in the Havas Media CEO role and got to meet some incredibly talented candidates. Kate stood out from the get-go with a wonderful blend of smarts, savviness and strong client and people skills. We are about to embark on a very exciting period of investment and transformation at Havas ANZ that will further showcase our difference in the market and Kate leading the Havas Media Network is going to be a huge driver of this.” O’Ryan-Roeder commented: “What truly inspired and resonated with me was the sense of shared values and purpose and I’m excited by the unique Village approach – it’s a powerful way to deliver exceptional results for clients and cultivate a truly collaborative and supportive environment for our people.” Peter Mears, Global CEO of Havas Media, added: “Australia and New Zealand are important markets for us, and we have big plans to further scale and strengthen our offerings in the coming months and years. With Kate’s strong track record of managing teams that grow and succeed we are looking forward to her working with James and the leadership to take us to new levels.” O’Ryan-Roeder’s appointment follows a strong period of growth for Havas ANZ, including new business wins such as Tangerine and More, Perfetti Van Melle, and Emirates globally. Last year, Havas acquired Melbourne-based Hotglue, now part of Havas Media Melbourne. Havas ANZ’s portfolio of agencies includes Havas Host, Havas Media, Havas Red, Havas New Zealand, Havas Blvd, Havas PLAY, CSA, H/Advisors APA, One Green Bean, Organic Publicity, Frontier, Bastion Brands (part of Havas Health & You), and Pulse, enabling fully integrated solutions for clients across sectors. Source: https://adtechtoday.com/havas-media-anz-appoints-kate-oryan-roeder-as-ceo/