Category: People Moves

McCann Worldgroup has appointed Takashi Aoki (pictured) as the representative director and CEO of McCann Worldgroup Japan, effective 2 October 2025. He will continue assuming the role of representative director and CEO of McCann Japan. He will report to Ghassan Harfouche, president of McCann Worldgroup APMENAT. With Ji Watson returning to the US to reunite with her family after many years in Asia, this leadership transition has been strategically designed to strengthen the positioning of McCann Worldgroup in Japan, reinforcing its integrated offering and future-forward capabilities to better serve both domestic and international clients in a rapidly evolving market. In his new role, Aoki steps into a broader leadership role across McCann Worldgroup’s Japan operations, further unifying the group’s creative, digital, and production capabilities under one strategic vision. Aoki brings more than 25 years of experience across creative, digital and integrated marketing. He began his career as a content planner and writer, later spending 18 years with WPP, including over seven years at J. Walter Thompson Shanghai, where he helped drive brand growth across Asia. In 2018, he joined Publicis Groupe, leading the launch of a digital transformation agency for a global automotive brand. He went on to serve in key leadership roles, including general manager of Saatchi & Saatchi Tokyo and managing director of Media.Monks Tokyo. Aoki was appointed president of agencies, McCann Japan and Craft Japan, in October 2023, and since then has driven business momentum with a strong focus on strategic integration, creativity and operational excellence. Watson said: “As I prepare to hand over leadership responsibilities, I am filled with gratitude for the journey we have shared at McCann Worldgroup Japan. Leading this organisation has been a great privilege, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together from driving consistent growth to building a culture of collaboration and innovation.” “Aoki has been a key part of that success. In the past two years, he has proven himself to be a thoughtful, strategic leader with a strong commitment to our clients and teams. I have every confidence that under his leadership, McCann Worldgroup Japan is well positioned for continued success,” he added. Harfouche added: “Watson has been a transformative leader, driving sustained growth, seamless integration, and a deeply inclusive culture in one of the world’s most significant advertising markets. Her leadership in Japan has built a powerful foundation – one that positions us strongly for the future. “I’m pleased to announce Aoki as her successor. In his current capacity as the president of McCann and Craft Japan, Aoki has demonstrated strong leadership with a clear vision and a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. He brings the ability to lead across multiple markets and sectors, unite high-performing teams and deliver with creativity and operational excellence. He is uniquely equipped to lead our next phase of growth in Japan and has been working very closely with Ji to ensure a seamless transition. I look forward to working with him and our Tokyo leadership team.” Aoki said: “I feel greatly honored to be appointed as representative director and CEO of McCann Worldgroup Japan as Watson’s successor. Over the past two years, the evolution and agency transformation programme that Watson and I have driven together have yielded tangible results, positioning us as a powerful and agile organisation in this time of dynamic change.” “Moving forward, we will continue to expand our capabilities and integrate our solutions, further enhancing our value as an iconic agency and delivering outstanding solutions to our clients,” he added. Source: https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mccann-worldgroup-japan-names-new-ceo

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has appointed an acting CEO of growth markets and officer-in-charge of CIMB Singapore following the departure of Victor Lee Meng Teck. Novan Amirudin, group CEO of CIMB Group, will oversee the growth markets as its acting CEO. Andrew Boey, chief financial officer of CIMB Singapore, will step in as the officer-in-charge of CIMB Singapore. Teck, who is CEO of growth markets and CEO of CIMB Singapore, has resigned to pursue other opportunities, the bank said in an announcement on 9 September 2025. He will be on gardening leave with immediate effect. Teck started his career with CIMB Group in January 2019 when he was appointed CEO, group commercial & transaction banking. He took over as CEO of CIMB Singapore in January 2020. Source: https://asianbankingandfinance.net/retail-banking/news/cimb-names-new-growth-markets-singapore-unit-chief

Australasian alcohol company Lion, a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Kirin, has promoted Anubha Sahasrabuddhe to the role of CEO. She will take over the role on 1 October from Sam Fischer, who will join Australia’s Treasury Wine Estates as CEO. Sahasrabuddhe is currently Lion’s chief growth and commercial officer, and the co-leader of the Lion Australia business alongside James Brindley. The move coincides with the merging of the company’s Australian and New Zealand operations into Lion ANZ to position the group as an “Australasian powerhouse”. A single leadership team will be at the helm of the unified business to enable “faster decision-making and even closer collaboration across both markets”. Sahasrabuddhe said: “In recent years we’ve been transforming Lion to create a powerful platform for growth – unlocking new investment which has been refocused into our world-class brands, digital transformation and product innovation – while strengthening our supply chain and improving our partnerships and execution with customers. “But great businesses never stand still and Lion ANZ will position our business as an Australasian powerhouse, building on our incredible heritage spanning more than 180 years and the momentum we have created in recent years. “Lion ANZ will make us more dynamic and market-focused than ever before – propelling our iconic beer brands to new heights and supercharging our growth in Australia and New Zealand. Lion is an incredible company and I am delighted to have been appointed as its next CEO to take us forward into our next era of growth.” Sahasrabuddhe joined Lion in 2021 as chief marketing officer after holding senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Mars Wrigley across Asia Pacific and the US. Lion said its US businesses, New Belgium Brewing and Distinguished Vineyards, have “grown to a point of scale and maturity where they can report directly to Kirin”. This new structure will allow the company to focus its full attention and investment on Australian and New Zealand-based customers, Lion added. New ANZ senior team A new Lion ANZ leadership team has been created, reshuffling those currently at the helm of its Australian and New Zealand divisions. As a result of the restructure, Lion’s current chief people and transformation officer, Alicia Purtell, and chief financial officer (CFO) Triston King have decided to leave the business at the end of March 2026. They will be replaced by Jane Hill and Severine Yerriah, respectively. Brindley will continue in his role as Lion Australia’s managing director until the end of 2025, when he will become a strategic advisor. Brindley will be a member of the Lion ANZ leadership team and will continue to lead the group’s spirits business in Australia. He will work directly with key customers and external partners across the two markets. Lion’s current New Zealand managing director, Craig Baldie, has been appointed to a new role of chief operating officer, with responsibility for leading the country’s sales and marketing teams in New Zealand. He will also look after strategy, digital and technology, sustainability, and container deposit schemes. Other new hires to Lion’s leadership team include Matthew Anderson as chief supply chain officer, Glen Brasington as executive general manager (GM) – marketing, Kerry Appathurai as executive GM – sales, and Adam Gelbart as executive GM – commercial operations. In addition, Saira Zaki joins as general counsel, Ted Sato has been appointed executive board director and Kirin strategy director, Julian Luke is the new executive director for corporate affairs, and Kenneth Yeo has become executive director for risk and audit. These new roles are effective from 1 October this year. Lion acquired Australian gin maker Four Pillars in July 2023. Kirin’s spirits portfolio also includes Kentucky-based Four Roses Bourbon and Japanese whisky brand Fuji. Source: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/lion-hires-new-ceo-to-lead-unified-anz-division/

Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal has bolstered its team in Southeast Asia with Sanath Kumar who has joined as a Managing Director. Based out of Alvarez & Marsal’s Singapore office, Sanath Kumar will play an important role in building out the firm’s Healthcare & Life Sciences practice across ASEAN markets. Sanath has more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare and life sciences sector, specializing in large-scale transformation, mergers & acquisitions, supply chain transformation, growth strategy, commercial excellence, digital transformation, and patient-centric business model redesign and implementation. He has advised private and public sector organizations – including investors, healthcare institutions, and governments. His notable work includes driving margin enhancement for a private equity-backed leading hospital chain; developing and executing a greenfield medical tourism hospital strategy; and leading the national Covid-19 vaccine strategy and rollout for a major Southeast Asian ministry. Prior to joining Alvarez & Marsal, Sanath spent over 10 years at Kearney, where he most recently served as a Partner and helped set up and lead the healthcare and life sciences offering across Southeast Asia. Commenting on his move, Sanath said: “Alvarez & Marsal’s operational heritage and commitment to driving change dovetails with my professional experience and philosophy. Building the Healthcare practice from the ground up across the region is both an exciting opportunity and a meaningful challenge. I look forward to collaborating with our clients, teams, and the broader ecosystem to enhance healthcare delivery and create long-term value for our clients.” Utsav Garg, Managing Director and Head of Southeast Asia and Australia, said, “We are committed to building distinct capabilities in Southeast Asia and Australia that align with our clients’ most complex needs. Healthcare is a priority investment area for us in the region, and Sanath’s appointment reflects our intent to serve this sector with deep expertise and practical solutions. His leadership will be central to scaling our healthcare practice and delivering impact.” Source: https://www.consultancy.asia/news/6185/Alvarez-Marsal-hires-Sanath-Kumar-to-help-grow-Healthcare-practice

Entain Plc has handed the permanent reins of its Australia and New Zealand arm to Andrew Vouris, following a global search for a new Chief Executive. Vouris, who has led the business on an interim basis since June, will now take the role full-time, tasked with steering Entain ANZ through what the group described as a “compliance-led and customer-focused” new era. The new CEO brings deep sector experience, having served as General Manager and Operations Lead of Tabcorp’s Media and Wagering unit before joining Entain in 2021. He was instrumental in building Entain’s esports wagering division following the acquisition of Unikrn, although the venture was wound down in 2023 as the group scaled back non-core projects. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Entain’s Australasian strategy. From the second half of 2025, the leadership team sees strong prospects in the region, which CEO Stella David and CFO Rob Wood have previously described as a “soft market” ripe for growth. Entain is prioritising aggressive expansion of Ladbrokes Australia and Neds to capture state-level market share as compliance rules reshape the sector. Meanwhile, legislative reform in New Zealand is tightening the screws on offshore operators. Amendments to the Racing Industry Act, effective from 28 June 2025, extend TAB NZ’s exclusivity over racing and sports betting into the online sphere. The so-called “legislative net” will block unlicensed foreign platforms from targeting Kiwi players, keeping wagering funds onshore to support the sustainability of the racing and sports industry while reinforcing harm-minimisation protections. Stella David backed the appointment, concluding: “Andrew’s leadership as interim CEO has demonstrated his commitment to our people, our partners, and to building a sustainable, compliance-led and customer-focused culture.” His tenure may come up against some difficulties, however, with AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial regulator, looking into Entain’s operations – specifically how it has met its anti-money laundering duties. Source: https://sbcnews.co.uk/sportsbook/2025/08/26/entain-aus-nz-new-ceo/

Christian Stammkoetter will succeed longtime chief executive Gilles Andrier, the Swiss fragrance giant announced alongside new growth targets for 2030. Swiss fragrance and flavour maker Givaudan Wednesday set new 2030 growth targets and announced a succession plan for its long-serving CEO Gilles Andrier, who will retire in March 2026 after 20 years leading the company. Danone executive Christian Stammkoetter has been designated as his successor. The company also said Chairman Calvin Grieder would step down in 2026, with Andrier set to replace him subject to shareholder approval. The change in leadership comes as Givaudan unveiled its new 2026-2030 strategy, targeting average like-for-like sales growth of 4–6 percent, an increase from its current 4–5 percent target. The company kept its free cash flow ambition unchanged at over 12 percent of sales. For the full year, Gilles Andrier said Givaudan would be “more or less at 5.5 percent like-for-like growth,” referring to 2025 like-for-like sales while speaking at a conference with investors. Givaudan said its new strategy involves extending its customer reach and deepening its geographical presence, while also moving into high value-added segments like beauty and pet food. Chief financial officer Stewart Harris added that capital expenditure would rise to 4–5 percent of sales in the next strategic cycle, from 3–4 percent previously, to fund growth and modernise plants. The announcement comes as recent results in the sector have pointed to more cautious consumer demand, with management noting that affordability is now a key priority in mature markets like Europe and the US, not just high-growth ones. As of 1101 GMT, shares of the company were down 2.2 percent. Givaudan’s shares fell last month after its second-quarter organic growth missed expectations, fuelling concerns over slowing demand that were echoed by German rival Symrise, which cut its 2025 outlook last month. On the subject of tariffs, the company said the overall impact would remain “very manageable” for the group, adding that it now forecasts full-year input cost inflation of around 3 percent. Source: https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/beauty/givaudan-new-ceo-christian-stammkoetter/

Bullfrog has appointed Kim Anderson as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founder Dalton Henshaw, who launched Bullfrog in 2020. Henshaw led the company through its first five years, during which it was named one of AFR’s Most Innovative Companies in Media & Marketing and featured on Smart Company’s Smart50 list of fastest-growing SMEs in Australia. Under his leadership, Bullfrog also received multiple global and local creative and agency of the year awards. “Since inception, we’ve been on a journey to challenge broken legacy agency models and have evolved into a true growth company,” said Dalton Henshaw, founder and outgoing CEO. “Today’s CMOs need partners who can connect creativity, technology and business impact like never before – proving value right through to the CEO and CFO. “Succession planning is critical to enduring businesses, and handing the reins to Kim at this moment feels like the natural next step. She embodies our values and brings a global reputation for cultivating communities and delivering commercial results. It’s the right leadership at the right time.” As a global marketing lead for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Anderson brings a record of commercial results and fan-first, community-led strategies, aligned with Bullfrog’s growth agenda. At FIFA, Anderson helped deliver a record-breaking tournament, reaching over two billion global viewers, attracting nearly two million spectators, and generating $1.32 billion in economic impact for Australia alone. Her leadership helped redefine women’s sport on a global stage, leaving a lasting cultural and commercial legacy. With over two decades of marketing, innovation, and communications experience across Australasia, the US and UK, she has worked with some of the world’s influential brands in roles with TEDx, Smart Design, as well as her consultancy. “Bullfrog’s progressive model puts data, creativity and community at the centre. Picking up from Dalton’s leadership, I’ll shape a business that’s brave, modern and values-led,” said Anderson . “We have ambitions to be a magnet for great talent, growth-focused partners, and forward-thinking creative leadership. This is a chance to define a new category of service model, a modern Australian growth company that’s independent, impactful and culturally in tune. The kind of business I am excited to lead.” Anderson’s appointment completes an Executive Leadership Team that is purpose-built for growth and impact and sees Bullfrog doubling down on its ability to scale challenger brands into category icons. Henshaw will remain actively involved as Founder, playing an advisory role with key clients and the leadership team prior to expecting the arrival of his first child in December. Source: https://www.brandinginasia.com/bullfrog-names-kim-anderson-as-new-ceo/

REA Group has named Cameron McIntyre as the real estate platform’s new chief executive officer, replacing current CEO Owen Wilson, who is set to retire. McIntyre begins 3 November. Melbourne-based McIntyre has approximately three decades in the financial services and accounting sectors. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of CAR Group Limited for the last nine years, where he helped the company grow six-fold, REA said. “We are delighted to announce Cam’s appointment, following a comprehensive global search,” said REA Group chairman Hamish McLennan. “His proven calibre and unique experience, including a deep understanding of, and success in, a business that has much in common with REA, make him the ideal person to build on REA’s strong momentum and lead its next phase of growth.” Wilson’s last day as CEO will be on 31 October, at which time he will take on the role of chair of REA India. REA Group is parent company to a number of brands, including Australian brokerage giant Mortgage Choice, data firm PropTrack, Flatmates.com.au and realestate.com.au, among others. McIntyre’s placement at the helm of REA Group signals a potentially transformative phase for mortgage brokers and the broader home loan market in Australia. With a background in digital innovation and financial services, the company has high hopes that McIntyre will sharpen REA’s focus on integrating technology with property and finance, streamlining the home loan process for consumers and brokers alike. “Having led the growth and transformation of CAR Group’s business, Cam has a wealth of experience in successfully leading a thriving global digital business,” McLennan said. “He has consistently executed strategies that enhance value for customers while breaking new ground to improve the consumer journey. His track record of driving high performance and his commitment to leading the growth and development of teams also demonstrate a clear alignment with REA’s values.” Source: https://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/mortgage-choice-parent-company-rea-group-names-new-ceo-287817.aspx

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has named Sarah Proudfoot as its new chief executive officer following an open recruitment process. This marks a key leadership transition as the regulator implements major changes to its merger review framework. Sarah Proudfoot’s career Proudfoot’s appointment follows nearly two decades at the ACCC and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). She began her career with the agency in 2005 and has since taken on several leadership roles, including her most recent post as executive general manager of the National Anti-Scam Centre. She has served as acting CEO since February 2025. Her previous roles include heading the ACCC’s Infrastructure Division between 2020 and 2024, where she managed regulatory oversight in industries such as energy, transport, and communications, as well as leading the ACCC’s inquiry into the childcare sector in 2023. ACCC’s new CEO ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb acknowledged Proudfoot’s tenure and experience. “During her career Sarah has consistently demonstrated her ability as an outstanding strategic leader with personal drive, credibility, and integrity and a strong commitment to public service,” she said. “I am confident that with Sarah’s contribution as CEO leading our capable people, our agency will continue to deliver important outcomes for the Australian economy and community.” In a statement following her appointment, Proudfoot said she welcomed the opportunity to lead the organisation. “One of the many things I’ve loved in my time at the ACCC is the fact our work makes a difference to people’s lives every day. It is a significant responsibility and privilege to take on the role of CEO and to work with commissioners and our talented, dedicated team in the interests of consumers and protecting competition across our economy,” she said. Source: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/new-accc-chief-takes-helm-as-merger-rules-evolve-534873.aspx 

Source: https://www.tattarang.com/news/2025/harvest-road-group-appoints-experienced-agribusiness-executive-as-new-chief-executive-officer/  Mr Gaynor brings more than 35 years’ experience in Australia’s agricultural sector to the role. Most recently, he served as CEO of Paraway Pastoral Company, a wholly owned company of Macquarie Pastoral Fund. Under his leadership, Paraway operated 30 diversified pastoral and farmland stations across the country and was recognised as one of Australia’s top performing agribusinesses. Harvest Road Group is a wholly owned portfolio company of Tattarang, the private investment group of Andrew and Nicola Forrest. Tattarang CEO John Hartman welcomed Mr Gaynor to the group. “Harvey brings deep experience leading complex agricultural businesses and is well placed to deliver on Harvest Road’s strategy by focusing deeply on our core business and strengthening our position in beef and aquaculture ,” Mr Hartman said. “With more than 100 years of history in Australian beef, we remain passionate about the agri-food sector and are committed to investing for long-term, sustainable growth.” Mr Gaynor said one of his early priorities was to connect with WA cattle producers and continue to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships to supply their high-quality beef to Australian and global markets. “I see Harvest Road being a genuine partner and supporter of our fellow Australian producers and all the communities in which we live and work,” Mr Gaynor said. Currently based in Orange, New South Wales, Mr Gaynor looks forward to relocating to Western Australia for the role in July. “I’ve already seen that Harvest Road’s culture is built on a foundation of strong values with people at the core, along with an intrinsic care for animals and the environment. I’m excited to work alongside a team and owners so committed to operating with integrity,” he said. Mr Hartman also thanked Tattarang Head of Portfolio Operations Tim Wood for his stewardship of Harvest Road Group as interim CEO for more than a year, during which time the business delivered significant growth across its operations. Mr Wood will return to his leadership role at Tattarang when Mr Gaynor commences as CEO.