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Category: People Moves

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/

Garuda Indonesia appoints new CEO Glenny Kairupan

[JAKARTA] State airline Garuda Indonesia on Wednesday (Oct 15) appointed a new chief executive officer, retired military official Glenny Kairupan, its corporate secretary Cahyadi Indrananto said. No reason was given for the appointment. Cahyadi told Reuters that inquiries should go to the government, as Garuda’s main shareholder. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has referred to Kairupan as his friend, citing their time together as military cadets, state news Antara reported in August. Kairupan, who is listed on Garuda Indonesia’s website as a member of its board of commissioners, replaced former chief executive Wamildan Tsani. Garuda Indonesia also appointed Balagopal Kunduvara, a former executive of Singapore Airlines, as its chief financial officer. Garuda Indonesia’s finances have been strained since the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing the airline to undertake a debt restructuring. REUTERS Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/garuda-indonesia-appoints-new-ceo-glenny-kairupan

New CEO, MD appointed at Ampcontrol

Ampcontrol has announced the appointment of Gareth O’Reilly as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director. O’Reilly most recently served as Chief Executive Officer, Australia at Fletcher Building, and previously as Chief Executive Officer, Pacific at Schneider Electric, where he led large, multi-brand product and solutions businesses across Australia and New Zealand with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and electrification. Greg Sedgwick, Chairman of the Ampcontrol Board, said that he was pleased to have a CEO of Gareth’s calibre choose to lead Ampcontrol in a time of change for the industry. “I am very pleased to have such an experienced CEO with deep industry experience choose to join the team, applying his knowledge, passion and energy to take Ampcontrol to the next level,” he said. “Gareth’s global perspective and international background will be invaluable for Ampcontrol as the industry evolves and adapts to meet new demands.” O’Reilly said that he is looking forward to working with the Ampcontrol team and that he believes the company is well-positioned to support customers on their electrification journey. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Ampcontrol to deliver on our strategy, support our people, and continue innovating for the future,” he said. O’Reilly’s tenure began on October 14. Source:https://www.ecogeneration.com.au/new-ceo-md-appointed-at-ampcontrol/

Standard Chartered appoints new CEO for Corporate and Investment Banking

Standard Chartered announced the appointment of Roberto Hoornweg as chief executive officer of Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB). Roberto, previously co-Head of CIB alongside Sunil Kaushal, assumes the role following Sunil’s decision to retire on 31 March 2026. This leadership change marks a significant development in the bank’s executive team. Roberto retains oversight of Standard Chartered’s markets in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The ASEAN and South Asia markets, previously under Sunil’s supervision, will transition to Judy Hsu. Judy will manage these regions in addition to her role as CEO of Wealth and Retail Banking and her oversight of Greater China and North Asia Markets. Roberto brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. He joined Standard Chartered in 2017 as global head of Financial Markets. In this role, he led teams providing risk management, transaction services, and financing across more than 50 markets. His prior experience includes senior roles at Brevan Howard Asset Management, UBS Investment Bank, and Morgan Stanley. Sunil Kaushal’s career with Standard Chartered spanned 27 years, during which he held global and regional leadership roles in retail and corporate banking. As CEO of Africa & Middle East, Sunil led the region in corporate and investment banking. He is also stated to have pioneered digital transformation, launching digital banks in nine African markets. Standard Chartered group chief executive Bill Winters said: “I would like to thank Sunil for his significant contribution to the Group over nearly three decades. “I likewise wish to congratulate Roberto, who has played a significant part in CIB’s growth in recent years, on stepping into the CEO role as we continue to deliver our cross-border strategy.” In June, Standard Chartered and ALTIOS, a global international growth advice service, formed a strategic relationship to assist small and medium-sized firms in establishing and expanding their presence in important Asian markets. Source: https://www.privatebankerinternational.com/news/standard-chartered-appoints-new-ceo/?cf-view

Ogilvy Nabs Kirsty Muddle As New CEO For Australia And New Zealand

(MENAFN- PRovoke) SYDNEY – Ogilvy has appointed Kirsty Muddle as its new CEO of Ogilvy Network ANZ. Muddle replaces Sally Kissane, who stepped down from the ANZ CEO role in July after three decades with Ogilvy. An industry veteran, Muddle will lead Ogilvy’s operations in Australia and New Zealand, overseeing all capabilities spanning advertising, PR, social and influencer, customer engagement, consulting, and health. Muddle joins Ogilvy from Dentsu, where she held the role of CEO of Practices & Products for Australia and New Zealand, leading Dentsu’s practices across creative, PR, government, customer experience, Salesforce, insight, data and technology, commerce and B2B marketing & media. She brings more than 25 years’ diverse experience, having built new businesses from the ground up and led large, established organisations. Prior to joining Dentsu more than three years ago, Muddle was a founding partner at cummins&partners, where a stellar 11-year stint saw the agency establish a strong creative reputation. She also spent nine years at Mindshare, both in the UK and Australia where she further strengthened her robust media skills, and her love for the interplay between humans and data. In addition to her agency leadership roles, Muddle has been awarded Woman of the Year and Executive of the Year twice, and sits on the boards of the Australian council of Advertising (ACA), the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), and Ridgeway; an Indigenous Social Change agency. “When we searched for Ogilvy’s new leader, we felt we were asking for a unicorn – a modern marketer built for the emerging world, with strong business experience across the communications spectrum,” said Rose Herceg, WPP President for Australia and New Zealand. “In Kirsty, we found that rare blend; a genuine love for creativity that moves mountains, coupled with experience harnessing the disciplines that creativity needs to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving media landscape. She was truly a standout choice, and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have at Ogilvy, bringing the kind of fresh, entrepreneurial perspective every business needs to stay ahead.” “Kirsty has an undeniable track record of delivering real value and impact for clients. She deeply understands the complex challenges businesses face today and champions creativity not just for its own sake, but as a powerful force that can solve those challenges,” added Laurent Ezekiel, global CEO of the Ogilvy Group. “Her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, always putting their needs first, and her knack for bringing together diverse capabilities – from social and influencer to cutting-edge technology and data – to create truly impactful solutions, makes her an exceptional leader for Ogilvy in this key market. I look forward to working with her as we enter this next exciting chapter for Ogilvy.” Muddle will start at Ogilvy in early 2026 and joins the agency at a time of momentum; Ogilvy was recently appointed by Tourism New Zealand and Specsavers among others. “Ogilvy is a place where every leader I’ve encountered has a strong point of view, saw change as an opportunity, and spoke with clarity about AI, data and integration but wasn’t lost in it,” said Muddle. “Importantly, they also never forgot why this business was born – the power of creativity to drive growth. That enduring belief made Ogilvy feel like home. I’m humbled to partner with an incredible set of clients and the exceptional talent within both Ogilvy and WPP to harness the network’s full power and collectively move us all forward into what’s next.” Source: https://menafn.com/1110166478/Ogilvy-Nabs-Kirsty-Muddle-As-New-CEO-For-Australia-And-New-Zealand