Global marketing agency VMLY&R has announced key senior leadership appointments within its whole Asia division. Yi Chung Tay takes on the position of chief executive officer of VMLY&R Asia. Simultaneously, Hari Ramanathan is being promoted to the role of chief executive officer of VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan. Lastly, Tripti Lochan is elevated into the newly created role of global capability development officer for VMLY&R, based in Singapore.
Tay will oversee all agency brands in the region – which includes VMLY&R, VMLY&R Commerce, VMLY&Rx The Glitch based in India, ClickMedia based in Vietnam, and Dawson based in China, having previously worked closely alongside Lochan as co-CEO for Asia overlooking markets in Greater China. Previously, Tay was CEO of VMLY&R China which he developed from start-up im2.0 into one of China’s leading full-service digital marketing agencies.
Tay commented on his newly expanded role, saying, “I look forward to continuing to build on our success in Asia, by harnessing creativity, technology, culture and data to create innovative solutions for our clients and business partners. Lochan has set up some of our highest potential markets for success, and we are deeply grateful for her outstanding contribution.”
Meanwhile, Ramanathan’s responsibilities now include the role of chief executive officer of VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan, overseeing these markets for the group. Since joining VMLY&R in 2007, he has been instrumental in developing a strategy for Asia including transformational plans and processes for the markets. Ramanathan pioneered new strategic models and tools, created proprietary data assets including BAV and provided directional thought leadership.
Lastly, through her elevation, Lochan is tasked with identifying areas for capability growth and developing strengths globally. Lochan has been a part of the global leadership team of VMLY&R for ten years and will now partner with the team on capability expansion. Under her leadership in Asia, the network has undergone three global integrations – VML+Y&R, Geometry, GTB – with talent and billings doubling across Asia during Lochan’s tenure, creating one of the most established, full-service agencies in Asia.
Lochan shared her thoughts on the new role, saying, “I look forward to further expanding our capabilities globally, integrating offices and training leading to even greater levels of success. I’m proud of the culture of innovation and connectedness we have built together. It’s been inspiring to lead teams to success, building connected brands for our growing portfolio of clients. Importantly, I am excited for VMLY&R Asia’s future with Tay at the helm.”
Ramanathan will be reporting to Yi Chung Tay, CEO of VMLY&R Asia, alongside Kevin Zhu, CEO of VMLY&R China. Meanwhile, Lochan will report to Jon Cook, global chief executive officer, and will partner with Ronnie Felder, global chief people officer and Christine Nollen, executive director on leadership training and coaching worldwide.
Jon Cook, global chief executive officer VMLY&R, said that these strategic appointments are essential to VMLY&R’s connected growth plans for both Asia and our global operation.
“Tay, Ramanathan, and Zhu are phenomenally sharp marketers who believe in driving business momentum for our clients while ensuring we are creating a culture of belonging for our talented teams. Our Asia market is in great hands with their leadership. And I’m thrilled to expand Lochan’s remit by leveraging her acumen for capability-building and integration across our full global network. 2022 is proving to be an exciting year for the connected growth of VMLY&R,” Cook said.
Last January, VMLY&R in Thailand welcomed Anuwat Nitipanont as its newest chief creative officer.
