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Tag: Asia-Pacific

  • Disney hires Netflix executive to turbocharge Asia streaming push

    Disney hires Netflix executive to turbocharge Asia streaming push

    MUMBAI: His is a familiar face to Indian music and streaming industry professionals. We are talking about Tony Zameczkowski who used to jet his way to India often first as the executive in charge of YouTube’s music vertical and then as Netflix vice-president and co-head Asia Pacific. 

    Now Zameczkowski  has hopped aboard Disney to spearhead its streaming ambitions across Asia-Pacific, as the entertainment giant seeks to capitalise on the region’s enormous growth potential. His designation: senior vice-president and general manager for direct-to-consumer operations across the region. The appointment signals Disney’s determination to accelerate Disney+ growth in markets where streaming adoption continues to surge.

    Reporting to APAC president Luke Kang and Disney Entertainment’s direct-to-consumer president Joe Earley, Zameczkowski will oversee the expansion of Disney+ across a region that company executives describe as brimming with “immense growth opportunities.”

    His arrival comes as Disney+ builds momentum following ESPN’s successful launch in Australia and New Zealand, alongside a growing slate of local originals from Korea, Japan and Australia. The second series of Japanese live-action thriller Gannibal became the platform’s most-viewed premiere in the second quarter and its fastest title to reach one million streaming hours.

    The streaming wars in Asia-Pacific show no signs of cooling, with local players and global giants alike vying for market share in countries where mobile-first consumption and rising disposable incomes are reshaping entertainment habits.

    Zameczkowski, who previously held roles at Victorious and Warner Bros International Television before his Netflix and YouTube stint, says he has “always admired Disney’s unmatched leadership in the entertainment space and its ability to remain modern and relevant to consumers.”

    New APAC originals including Tempest, Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation” and Cat’s Eye are set to debut on Disney+ in coming months as the company doubles down on local content production—a strategy that has proven crucial for streaming success across diverse Asian markets.

  • Rupinder Sandhu Anand rises to lead APAC at Oki

    Rupinder Sandhu Anand rises to lead APAC at Oki

    MUMBAI: Rupinder Sandhu Anand has stepped into a larger arena. The chief executive officer of Oki India has been elevated to vice president, Asia-Pacific, while continuing in her current role — a move that signals the company’s intent to scale up across the region with strong leadership at the helm.

    In a recent post, Sandhu Anand expressed her appreciation for the team and clients who shaped Oki’s India journey, and said she’s looking forward to “more markets, more challenges, more opportunities.”

    With over 25 years of experience, she brings a proven track record of growing multi-million dollar businesses and building high-performance teams. Since taking charge of Oki India in 2014, she has helped the company expand its market share and deepen customer partnerships in the BFSI and payments space.

    Prior to Oki, she held leadership roles at Diebold and Computer Associates, and was instrumental in setting up managed services and delivering operational excellence across key markets.

    Now, with an expanded mandate across Asia-Pacific, Sandhu Anand is expected to steer Oki’s vision forward — driving innovation, customer engagement and sustainable growth across diverse geographies.

  • Vishal Bali joins Thomson Reuters as MD Asia & emerging markets

    Vishal Bali joins Thomson Reuters as MD Asia & emerging markets

    MUMBAI:  Vishal Bali has taken over as Thomson Reuters managing director of Asia & emerging markets, effective January 2025. His appointment was announced in December 2024.  

    Bali, who is based in Sydney, brings extensive leadership experience from his tenures at GfK and Nielsen, where he focused on data-driven strategies and customer-centric solutions across multiple Asia-Pacific markets.

    Adrian Fognini, head of international at Thomson Reuters, announced that Bali will oversee growth strategies and business operations in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “Vishal’s impressive track record in driving long-term growth will help us deliver innovative solutions to our customers,” Fognini said.

    Bali expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am thrilled to join a team known for its innovative technology and world-class talent. Together, we will simplify complexity for our customers and drive impactful growth.”

    This appointment follows the retirement of Jackie Rhodes, who led the Asia and emerging markets team for five years. Bali’s selection marks a significant step in Thomson Reuters’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it continues to adapt in a rapidly changing market.

  • MPA Report: APAC video market to hit $165B by 2029; streaming set to dominate

    MPA Report: APAC video market to hit $165B by 2029; streaming set to dominate

    MUMBAI: To use a cricket analogy, television is going to go  even  more on the backfoot while online video shall come charging down the pitch to hit revenues out of the park. 

    That’s the latest prediction of Singapore-based  Media Partners’ Asia (MPA) in its  2025 report, outlining transformative trends in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) video and broadband industry.

    Among its key findings and predictions are:

    Industry growth & transition
    * Market Expansion: APAC video revenue is projected to grow by $16.2 billion, reaching over $165 billion by 2029 (CAGR: 2.2 per cent).
    * Online video explodes: Online video revenues projected to climb from $64 billion in 2024 to $89 billion by 2029, marking a 40 per cent increase. Gap with the US (at $140 billion in 2029) will have narrowed. 
    * Traditional TV contracts:  In contrast, traditional TV revenues are expected to shrink by $8 billion during the same period.
    * Streaming overtakes TV: Streaming revenues will surpass traditional TV by 2027, with their industry share rising from 44 per cent in 2024 to 54 per cent  by 2029, led by India and China.
    * Subscription video on demand (SVOD) services are expected to grow their share of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) video industry’s revenue from 44 per cent in 2024 to over 54 per cent by 2029.

    Revenue drivers & contributions
    * Key markets: India, China, and Japan will drive 64  per cent of the growth, with India alone accounting for 26 per cent.
    * Content growth: User-generated content (UGC) and social video platforms will lead, contributing $10.7 billion in new revenue. SVOD ($8.4 billion) and premium AVOD ($5.0 billion) follow closely.
    * Advertising leadership: Advertising will account for 65 per cent  of online video revenue growth, increasing its share of total video revenue from 52 per cent in 2024 to 54 per cent by 2029. Premium ad-supported video on  demand platforms driving growth.

    Shifting dynamics
    * SVOD boom: Subscriptions are set to rise from 644 million in 2024 to 870 million by 2029, driven by sports, Asian entertainment, and US content.
    * Connected TV surge: Penetration will exceed 85 per cent  in developed markets like Australia, Korea, and Japan by 2029, with notable growth in India, Indonesia, and Thailand.
    * Local players gaining ground: Global giants like YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok, which held 67 per cent market share in 2024, will see this decline to 62 per cent by 2029 as regional platforms strengthen.

    Vivek Couto, Executive Director at MPA, stated, “The APAC video market is undergoing rapid transformation, with streaming driving deeper engagement and improved monetisation. However, the decline of traditional TV and challenges in local streaming profitability are pushing the industry toward consolidation, particularly in markets like India, Japan, and Southeast Asia

  • Belinda Lui steps down as MPA head – APAC; Urmila Venugopalan to replace her

    Belinda Lui steps down as MPA head – APAC; Urmila Venugopalan to replace her

    MUMBAI: It’s time to say  goodbye to the Motion Picture Association (MPA). Belinda Lui who led the MPA for the past five years as president & managing director for the Asia Pacific has decided to hang up her boots.

    Belinda during her five years did a lot of work to take the Asia Pacific film industry forward  as well as  push Hollywood in the region. According to her during her term, the MPA:

    • Improved cultural exchanges between nations, through expanding access for American films and TV dramas to priority markets like China and achieving 15-20 per cent incremental box office revenue.

    • Fueled local economies and built capacity in markets like Australia, Japan, India, New Zealand and Thailand through competitive film and TV production incentives (up to 40 per cent in tax rebates in Australia alone).

    • Supported thousands of emerging filmmakers from almost 30 countries/territories in the Asia-Pacific through our film grants and LA training programs, with some of those projects going on to win the Academy Award and international Emmy.

    Belinda, who,  through her 30 year career,  worked for companies like Warner Media, Microsoft and Baker McKenzie, has decided to offer her services to companies as an independent non-executive director and spend as much time as she can with her family.

    She is being replaced on 31 January by Urmila Venugopalan , currently executive vice president of strategy & global operations at the MPA.   In her new role, Venugopalan will work on expanding access to local markets and promoting production in new areas, as well other advocacy activities across the region. She also will work with the MPA’s anti-piracy arm, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, or Ace. Venugopalan will retain her duties as the MPA’s corporate board liaison.

    She will be based in Tokyo and report to MPA senior vice president, global policy &  government affairs Gail MacKinnon.

    MPA chairman & CEO Charles Rivkin said in a statement that Venugopalan “is a veteran leader who thrives at the complex intersections of business, public policy, and global affairs.” 

    He said that she “joined the MPA (in 2017) at a time of critical change and helped revitalise and realign its structure and priorities, strengthening our organisation from the inside out. I have full confidence that her deep experience working with every aspect of our global business operations, coupled with her existing corporate board liaison responsibilities, will advance our members’ objectives across the Asia Pacific and beyond.”

    “Venugopalan is a trusted advisor who has earned the respect of colleagues and member companies. Her work has already touched every part of our organization, and she maintains a wide-angle lens on key political and sectoral trends – all while remaining laser-focused on how we can best tell the story of a creative industry that drives local economies, creates jobs, and connects communities everywhere,” said  MacKinnon. “With her at the helm of our APAC operation, I am confident the MPA will achieve even greater impact in the fastest-growing region. I am also grateful to Belinda for her effective stewardship and counsel, which has greatly benefited the MPA and our member studios in the region.”

    “The Asia-Pacific region has already played an important part in the history of our industry – and is set to assume a starring role in the future of great storytelling,” said Venugopalan. “At this critical juncture for the film, television and streaming industries, MPA members are more excited than ever about the vitality of this region – its enthusiastic and engaged audiences, its relentless dynamism, and its immensely talented casts and crews. I look forward to supporting our member studios and their local partners in their collective efforts to fuel local economies and enrich cultures across the region.”

    Before joining the MPA, Venugopalan served as a member of the policy planning staff at the US state department in Washington and as a senior consultant at the Albright Stonebridge group. She holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics & Political Science.

  • dentsu’s global ad spend report predicts 6.8 per cent growth for 2024

    dentsu’s global ad spend report predicts 6.8 per cent growth for 2024

    MUMBAI: Advertisers, marketers and media establishments around the globe can bring out the bubbly. dentsu’s latest Global Ad Spend Forecasts has revealed a projected buoyant 6.8 per cent growth in global advertising spend for 2024, reaching $772.4 billion. This growth projection has been revised upwards following the return to double-digit growth (+10.7 per cent) of digital ad spend, the impact of sporting, political events and improved outlooks across the US, UK, Brazil & France. 
     
    Ad spend growth is forecast to continue at 5.9 per cent in 2025. The American region is expected to lead in 2025 with 6.3 per cent growth, driven by rich US and Brazilian markets where digital and streaming see sustained investments. The Asia-Pacific market is forecast to increase by 5.8 per cent, with AI-driven ad placements contributing to the increase in digital ad spend in markets like India. Lastly EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) has projected growth of five per cent, with strong digital performance in key markets including the UK. As the industry enters what dentsu identifies as the algorithmic era, data-enabled advertising will increasingly shape media strategies, with algorithmically enabled ad spend forecast to reach 79 per cent of total ad spend by 2027. 

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to experimental phases. It has become an integral tool for creating personalised, one-to-one consumer experiences. Generative AI applications like OpenAI’s GPT models are embedding themselves in everyday services, from Duolingo’s AI-driven tutor to Spotify’s personalised AI DJ. These advancements mark a new era of micro-moments that enhance user engagement by delivering tailored interactions at scale.

    As algorithms increasingly gatekeep content visibility, brands are tapping into niche communities and fandoms to drive meaningful connections. Influencers, from content creators like Mr Beast to hyper-localised niche experts, are key to cutting through the digital noise. Additionally, connected television’s growing reach provides fertile ground for cross-platform storytelling, combining scale with intimacy. Paid social is forecast to grow by 8.7 per cent in 2025 (7.8 per cent three-year CAGR to 2027), supported by an integrated ecosystem that blends shopping, video, search, and gaming capabilities. This channel remains critical for engaging younger audiences, with 79.7 per cent of gen Z using Instagram monthly and 42 per cent of CMOs planning to boost influencer marketing investments. Paid search is expected to increase by 6.7 per cent (6.5 per cent three-year CAGR 2027), driven by continuous advancements in AI-powered features that sustain relevance amid the rise of social and retail search.

    Retailers are stepping beyond traditional advertising, transforming their platforms into data-rich media ecosystems. Amazon leads this charge with a $50 billion ad revenue engine, while others like Walmart and TikTok are innovating through acquisitions and self-serve advertising solutions. This convergence is reshaping how brands measure success and optimize campaigns, fostering a holistic view of the consumer journey. From a media channel standpoint, the report highlighted that digital is expected to remain the fastest-growing channel, with a projected increase of 9.2 per cent in 2025 (8.8 per cent three-year CAGR to 2027) to reach $513.0 billion and capture 62.7 per cent of global ad spend. Significant growth is anticipated across key digital segments, with retail media leading the way at +21.9 per cent year-over-year (19.7 per cent three-year CAGR to 2027) as advertisers capitalise on the high value of retailer consumer data and increasingly invest in offsite advertising, including connected TV. 

    In a world flooded with content, quality emerges as a non-negotiable factor. Advertisers are increasingly prioritising transparent, sustainable programmatic supply chains and investing in impactful creatives to capture attention in crowded digital environments. 

    Attention metrics, such as “attentive seconds,” are now as critical as traditional ROI measurements, signaling a shift towards more meaningful audience engagement. Online video advertising is projected to rise by 8.0 per cent as advertisers continue to seek out high attention and trusted environments. Programmatic advertising is set to grow by 11.1 per cent and will account for more than 70 per cent of digital ad spend, with sustained momentum (10.9 per cent three-year CAGR to 2027). 

    Television ad spend growth is forecast to show marginal growth of 0.6 per cent in 2025, with connected television rapidly increasing (+18.4 per cent) thanks to ad-supported streaming, and broadcast television declining (-2.5 per cent). Meanwhile, print media continues to contract, while cinema and out-of-home (OOH) advertising continue to grow by 3.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively. 
     
    Significant ad spend increases are anticipated in finance (+6.4 per cent), pharmaceutical (+5.8 per cent), and travel and transport (+5.5 per cent) as these sectors adapt to meet evolving consumer needs. 

    Says dentsu’s global practice president- media Will Swayne: “Our 2025 forecast underscores the pivotal role of media in today’s economy. Data-driven and digital-first media investment strategies continue to reshape how brands connect with consumers. The surge in algorithmic media capabilities will drive fresh opportunities for brands to engage meaningfully and effectively with existing and new customers.Media investment strategy is key to transformation and growth as brands keep pace with evolving consumer behaviors.

    “As digital channels continue to lead the way, the global advertising landscape is entering a new phase of growth and innovation. The projected 9.2 per cent increase in digital ad spend for 2025, driven by segments like retail media and connected TV, underscores the immense value of data-driven strategies. As algorithmic media capabilities take center stage, brands have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with consumers in more personalised and meaningful ways. The future of advertising is not just digital – it’s deeply connected, data-empowered, and poised for transformative growth,” added dentsu chief executive officer – media South Asia Anita Kotwani.

    Despite technology’s global proliferation, access remains uneven. From regulatory hurdles to the high costs of advanced AI features, digital divides are becoming more pronounced. Brands must adopt nuanced, locally informed strategies to ensure inclusivity while navigating fragmented markets.

    The algorithmic era promises opportunities for innovation in media and marketing. However, success will hinge on a brand’s ability to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors, leverage cutting-edge AI tools, and balance global aspirations with local sensitivities.

    This year of impact calls for brands to be bold, innovative, and deeply attuned to the digital zeitgeist. The possibilities are infinite, but the imperative is clear: in 2025, making an impact is not optional—it’s the only way forward.

    (Picture generated using Dall-E 3 generative AI tool)

  • Microsoft’s Prerna Korla is the new Mastercard Director-Communications Asia Pacific

    Microsoft’s Prerna Korla is the new Mastercard Director-Communications Asia Pacific

    Mumbai: Prerna Korla recently joined Mastercard as Director – Communication, Asia Pacific dated January 4, 2024. She is a seasoned professional with 13 years of experience in the communication and public relations domain.

    According to her LinkedIn post, she wrote, “Stoked to kick-off the new year with what promises to be a ‘priceless’ journey at Mastercard as Director, Communications, Asia Pacific”.

    Before joining Mastercard, Korla had an inspiring journey and had prolonged experience with positions at Microsoft and Uber, serving as Senior Communications Manager and Consumer Communications Lead for India and South Asia.

    She specialises in stakeholder-centric corporate and brand communications, executive and leadership communications, change communications, issues and crisis management, strategic planning for key brand milestones, and content writing for businesses and business leaders.

     

  • VML announces new market leadership team for Asia Pacific

    VML announces new market leadership team for Asia Pacific

    Mumbai: Global brand, customer experience and commerce agency VML has announced its new in-market leadership team across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

    Uniting more than 5000 employees across 25 offices in 13 markets in APAC, the new structure has been designed to provide best-in-class support for VML’s clients across the region, featuring market leaders with robust local knowledge and deep expertise spanning customer experience, brand experience and commerce.

    The announcement comes as WPP creative agencies Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R unify to create VML – the world’s most advanced and largest creative company.

    VML works with a diverse range of blue-chip client partners across various industries in APAC, including Ford, The Coca Cola Company, HSBC, Unilever, Nestle, GSK, Zespri and more.

    Under the leadership of newly appointed VML APAC Co-CEOs Audrey Kuah and Yi-Chung Tay and with its regional principal offices in Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney, the restructure sees the appointment of the following market leaders (by region) from 1 January, 2024

    ANZ

    In Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Tom Tearle, VMLY&R ANZ CEO is appointed to the role of CEO, VML ANZ. Gavin Bain, Wunderman Thompson CEO for Australia moves to the role of VML chief consulting officer, ANZ and Managing Director, Perth, Australia.

    Southeast Asia

    Singapore: Nimesh Desai, Wunderman Thompson CEO for Singapore, has been appointed as VML CEO, Singapore. Rhys Taylor, VMLY&R managing director, Singapore, takes on the role of VML Chief Client Officer, Singapore, focused on ensuring the new VML is providing the full suite of capabilities to its clients.

    Indonesia: Samir Gupte, CEO, Wunderman Thompson, Indonesia, has been appointed CEO, VML Indonesia.

    Malaysia: Kenni Loh, CEO, VMLY&R Malaysia, has been appointed CEO, VML Malaysia.

    Philippines: Golda Roldan, CEO, Wunderman Thompson, Philippines, has been appointed CEO, VML Philippines.

    Thailand: Parattajariya Jalayanteja, CEO Wunderman Thompson, Thailand has been appointed CEO, VML Thailand.

    Vietnam: Ha Nguyen, VMLY&R CEO, Vietnam, has been appointed CEO, VML Vietnam.

    East Asia

    In China, Kevin Zhu, VMLY&R China CEO, has been appointed CEO VML, China, and Carter Chow Wunderman Thompson CEO for Greater China, steps into the role of President, VML China.

    Hong Kong: Maggie Wong, CEO, Wunderman Thompson, Hong Kong, has been appointed CEO, VML Hong Kong.

    Japan: Ichiro Ota, CEO, VML & Ogilvy Japan remains in his position; while Akira Suzuki, CEO, Wunderman Thompson Japan, moves into the role of COO, VML Japan.

    Taiwan: Even Teng, CEO, Wunderman Thompson, Taiwan has been appointed CEO, VML, Taiwan.

    South Asia

    India:  India is a key market for VML and we are taking the time to ensure that our teams are led by the most capable leaders for our employees and clients. We will announce India’s leadership in Q1 2024.

    Commenting on development, VML APAC Co-CEO Audrey Kuah said: “We are thrilled to introduce our new APAC leadership team, who represent the cream-of-the-crop across two of the most awarded creative agencies in the region. As we unify our storied agencies, there is an exciting opportunity to redefine the possibilities of creativity and set the stage for more innovative and effective work.”

    “At VML we are dedicated to creating connected brands which matter to the consumer and drive growth for our client partners. Working closely with our leaders across our APAC network, we are well positioned to provide the best possible solutions to our clients’ most pressing business problems via an integrated suite of capabilities which are unsurpassed in the region, VML APAC Co-CEO,” Yi-Chung Tay added.

  • Anil Agarwal Foundation’s multimedia drive targets child hunger & malnutrition

    Anil Agarwal Foundation’s multimedia drive targets child hunger & malnutrition

    Mumbai: Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of  Vedanta Limited has launched a campaign, to address the pressing issues of hunger and malnutrition. Beginning with a personal note from the Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal that was released today in print media, the multi-media campaign will include video and digital assets as well. Commencing in the month of September, also observed as the National Nutrition  Month or ‘Poshan Maah’, the campaign with the tagline ‘Agar Bachpan Se Puchha Khaana  Khaya Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya’ propagates the need to end child hunger and malnutrition,  to nurture the untapped potential amongst the less privileged. The campaign represents the  Foundation’s dedication to building a better future for children and youth in India by ensuring the proper nourishment required for growth and development.  

    Commenting on the campaign launch, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. director, Vedanta  Ltd and chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar said, “Stemming from my father’s personal journey and experiences of hunger in his childhood, and his vision of ensuring food security for each child, the launch of this campaign marks the beginning of a movement that will involve and engage every citizen of India so that together we can give our future generations a fair chance to realize their dreams and take India to even greater heights. It’s our inherent belief that there is potential in every child that needs to be nurtured, not just for their sake but for our country’s future. Through Project Nand Ghar, we are positively impacting  children enrolled in our centers yet there’s a lot that needs to be done to help them realize  their true potential and for that, we must begin with the elimination of hunger and lack of  nutrition.”

    The campaign, designed and executed by McCANN Erickson (India), in its initial phase, strives to spread awareness among citizens to end hunger and malnutrition and provide equal opportunities to our future generation for a better tomorrow. With this launch, the Anil Agarwal  Foundation has also revealed its new logo, inspired by a growing sapling symbolising AAF’s philosophy that there is potential in everyone that should be recognised and nurtured to flower to its maturity.  

    McCann Worldgroup  India and chairman, Asia Pacific CEO & CCO Prasoon Joshi said, “When campaigns are born out of true-life experiences, they are authentic and strike a genuine chord with people. This is one such campaign which genuinely reflects a felt truth and a true connection. It also tries to shake one  out of inertia and move society towards positive action.”

    Sensitivity: Internal (C3)

    AAF through its flagship social impact project Nand Ghar, a collaborative project between  Vedanta and the Government of India is contributing to eliminating hunger and malnutrition across the country. It aims to develop and modernise over 29,000 Anganwadis across the country. It has already developed 5,500 Anganwadis into Nand Ghars so far and is impacting the community, especially children and women at the grassroots through holistic development opportunities. Aligned with the Government of India’s POSHAN Abhiyaan and this year’s  Poshan Maah theme of ‘Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat’, Nand Ghar has become a true personification of its vision to support health, education, and empowerment along with addressing nutritional needs of all beneficiaries.

    Nutrition forms one of the core focus areas of the Nand Ghar initiative. Considering that poor nutrition hampers growth among children, having long-lasting consequences on learning and productivity, the project supports this crucial need. Nutrition is also central to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Two of Zero Hunger. Nand Ghars have been successful in reducing malnourishment among preschool children and include almost 20 per cent fewer children in Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) categories as compared to the national average.  

    Nand Ghars have consistently demonstrated the ability to transform the lives of communities at the grassroots. Earlier this year, AAF launched a nutrition initiative for preschool children to provide multi-millet nutri bars across Anganwadis including Nand Ghars. These bars, rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants have not only improved the daily nutrient intake of children,  but also boosted cognitive development, and reduced absenteeism in Anganwadis.