Stagwell Appoints Connie Chan as APAC Chief Growth Officer
In a bold move that underscores its commitment to growth, Stagwell has officially welcomed Connie Chan, the former CEO of OMD China, as its new Chief Growth Officer for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, effective July 2025. Based in Singapore, Chan’s leadership will drive Stagwell’s growth strategy across a diverse array of APAC markets, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Her primary objective? To accelerate transformation, scale integrated capabilities, and deepen local market relationships.
A Strategic Appointment for Accelerated Growth
This strategic appointment is a significant stepping stone for Stagwell as it leverages its recent acquisition of ADK GLOBAL to further its growth trajectory in APAC. Currently, Stagwell APAC boasts a robust team of 2,500 employees across 34 offices in the region. With Chan at the helm, Stagwell aims to enhance its competitive edge, making waves in the fast-evolving marketing landscape.
A Role Designed for Impact
In her new position, Chan will report directly to Ryan Linder, the Global Chief Marketing Officer. According to a spokesperson from Stagwell, this newly minted role intends to sharpen the network’s focus and inject extra firepower into its operations within the APAC region. They stated, “This is about putting Asia at the heart of Stagwell’s global ambitions.”
This mission is crystal clear: fast-track innovation, broaden services, and forge strong client relationships on the ground. “The creation of this role is pivotal in driving client referrals and partnerships that transcend borders, ensuring Asia leads the charge rather than merely keeping up,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Why Now? Seizing the Moment
As the integration of ADK Global unfolds, Stagwell is not just aiming to thrive but to transform Asia into a core pillar of its global strategy. A Stagwell representative emphasized, “Our timing isn’t accidental. This role ensures that vision translates into actionable outcomes.”
Chan’s Background: A Track Record of Transformative Leadership
Bringing extensive experience to this new role, Chan has a proven history of transformative leadership in media, marketing, and strategic communications. Before her tenure at OMD China, where she spearheaded efforts in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, Chan held influential roles at WPP. These positions included executive director of the Government & Public Sector Practice in Singapore and chief client officer for APAC at MEC (now Wavemaker). This wealth of experience positions her as the perfect leader to meet the complexities of today’s marketing landscape.
Setting the Pace for Future Growth
“As the global marketing landscape continues to evolve, Asia Pacific stands out as a region of extraordinary opportunity,” noted Ryan Linder. Chan’s leadership is poised to be instrumental in developing a network that responds adeptly to today’s complexities while simultaneously paving the path for what’s next.
Randy Duax, Stagwell’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, remarked, “Chan doesn’t just drive growth. She builds momentum that breaks the sound barrier.” For the last three years, Stagwell has been crafting a platform that integrates media, creative, strategy, and PR, all designed for speed and scalability. With Chan on board, the expectation is that she won’t just follow the traditional playbook but will actively shape the next steps in Stagwell’s evolution.
A Vision for the Future
In her own words, Chan emphasized her belief in the power of strategic clarity and bold ideas. She stated, “At Stagwell, we have the talent, ambition, and platform to create work that matters – and makes an enduring impact.” With such a vision in place, Stagwell’s journey in APAC is set to be one of innovation and influence.
Earlier this year, Stagwell announced its intention to acquire ADK GLOBAL, a diverse network headquartered in Japan. This acquisition is part of a larger strategy to expand global presence while investing further in AI-enabled solutions that are at the forefront of digital marketing.
Join Us for Content360
As Stagwell continues its journey, don’t miss the chance to engage with industry leaders at the #Content360 Hong Kong event on 17 June. This one-day event will focus on topics such as responsible AI, creativity versus influencers, and more. Join us in exploring the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence!
Related Reading
- Stagwell acquires ADK GLOBAL, boosts AI solutions and global footprint
- Stagwell adds ID agency Leverate Group to global affiliate network
This dynamic shift in Stagwell’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter in the company’s commitment to innovating within the rapidly evolving marketing landscape in the Asia Pacific—and beyond.
