8 New Talents to Watch in Asia

Agencies driving change in leadership and in their solutions and services share a common goal to embrace data, technology and innovation. Whether they are CEOs or senior creatives, this common thread runs through the agenda to provide clients with deeper engagements and more effective channels of creative output.

LBB takes a look at the latest talents to make their moves to new agencies.

Saurabh Saksena, CEO, VMLY&R India

Saurabh Saksena joins VMLY&YR to drive transformational solutions via the integration of VMLY&R’s capabilities in brand and customer experience, data, platforms and commerce. He brings with him valuable expertise in social, CRM, full-funnel management and new-age media. Previously, Saurabh was president of Red Fuse Communications, India; and CEO of JWT and Ogilvy, Malaysia.

S Subramanyeswar, Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group India

S Subramanyeswar (aka Subbu) leads the strategy function for the group as well as continues his role as chief strategy officer for MullenLowe APAC. Subbu joined the company in 2011 and has been pivotal in leading the agency to #1 in India and APAC, and #2 globally on the Effie Index ranking. He is also a dynamic columnist and educator who writes and speaks regularly at educational institutions and global business forums. 

Himanshu Saxena, COO and MD, BBH India

Himanshu Saxena is a veteran with over 29 years of experience and has helmed the Southeast offices of leading organisations such as Lowe, McCann, Trikaya Grey, JWT, Edelman, IMRB & Reliance Jio. His expertise in business and market innovation has gained him accolades at the prestigious Effies, Cannes, Spikes and AdFest shows.

Jason Wu, CEO, DDB China Group

Jason Wu has over 20 years’ experience with 4A agencies in China, and is also well-versed with multinational and local businesses such as Unilever, ASUS, Alibaba, JD.com, Midea, Tsingtao Beer, Blizzard Games, and Mengniu Dairy. Backed by a Cannes Lions-winning track record, he is expected to drive momentum in digital and social commerce marketing for clients. 

Lee Shih-Yen, CCO, BBDO Taiwan

Lee Shih-Yen has made a name for himself as a top creative at leading agencies in China and Taiwan, backed by a haul of prestigious accolades from Effies, London International Advertising Awards, New York Advertising Awards, Clio Awards, The One Show, Spikes Asia and Cannes Lions. He was also named 'Creative Person of the Year' by the Taipei Association of Advertising Agencies.

Ong Kien Hoe, ECD, TBWA\Media Arts Lab Shanghai

Ong Kien Hoe co-leads creative output alongside MD Kara Yang and ECD Alfred Wong across the China market. He joins Media Arts Lab from VMLY&R China where he was ECD since the merger in 2019. His work has been recognised internationally at award shows such as Cannes Lions and One Show.

Diya Sarker and Ishan Mehta, ECDs, 22feet Tribal Worldwide

Diya Sarker and Ishan Mehta take on ECD roles for art and content respectively. They come from non-traditional backgrounds as entrepreneurs in the creative space, which is expected to strengthen creativity and innovation at the company. Diya has over 14 years of experience in design and creative direction, while Ishan brings with him over 13 years of experience at Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy One and Grey Worldwide.