IPG Mediabrands has appointed Kristine Biti as APAC head of tech-driven performance agency Kinesso effective April 11. Biti will lead over 1,000 digital media experts across 11 markets engaged in marketing automation, advanced analytics, commerce, and AI. With 15 years advertising, marketing and technology experience across the region, Biti specialises in driving regional expansion, strategic partnerships, and organisational transformation within the industry. Most recently, she was APAC head of operations, client and growth at MediaMonks. Based in Singapore, Biti will report to Leigh Terry, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Asia-Pacific.
Mindshare has retained its planning and buying duties for Qualcomm in China following a competitive pitch, which Starcom also joined. Mindshare’s partnership with Qualcomm in China first started through the Neo team, has lasted for over the past decade. During this time, Mindshare has directly supported Qualcomm’s efforts to build the Snapdragon brand in China. Mindshare’s work with Qualcomm won multiple awards in Campaign Asia’s Digital Media Awards 2023, including three golds.
Ogilvy Melbourne has appointed Chris Andrews as group creative director. Andrews joined from Special and has won major awards, including Cannes, Oneshow, D&AD and Spikes. He also brings broad experience from Melbourne creative shops, such as Che Proximity, DDB, BMF and the former JWT.
Optical brand Specsavers is reviewing its ANZ media agency partnerships. Since 2016 in Australia and 2010 in New Zealand, Specsavers has worked with IPG Mediabrands’ Initiative and GroupM’s EssenceMediacom NZ. The pitch process is expected to take five months. Contracting is expected to be completed in August 2024, allowing for a transition period before the appointment takes effect on March 1, 2025.
Claxon, an independent growth agency, has announced the acquisition of Gold Coast creative agency, Embark, effective on April 2nd. The acquisition is Claxon’s second in 14 months and will further deepen its existing creative capability. Founded in 2003 by James and Phil Coulson, Embark has worked with well-known brands such as Bartercard, BMW, and Land Rover. Embark will retain its own brand in market but assume a co-branded position, with all staff and clients remaining with the expanded agency. James and Phil Coulson will join the senior leadership team at Claxon and will retain their roles as creative directors of Embark. Last January, Claxon acquired media agency Growe Media.
