VIRTUE Asia Appoints Lesley John as New Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

VIRTUE Asia has appointed Lesley John as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a move that signals the agency’s intent to accelerate its growth and expand its creative footprint across the region.

John’s leadership journey at VIRTUE began in 2021 when she was appointed Managing Director. During her tenure, she spearheaded successful expansions in key markets such as Singapore and India, and fostered deeper relationships with high-profile global and regional brands like Diageo, Toyota, and Shiseido.

Before joining VIRTUE, John held senior roles at notable companies, including MediaMonks (a part of S4 Capital), VCCP, Arcade, and BBH, bringing a wealth of experience to her new role.

This leadership change is also part of a strategic restructuring, with VIRTUE Asia operating independently from VICE Media Group, although it will continue to collaborate closely with VIRTUE Worldwide on global projects and proprietary research initiatives when necessary.

Lesley John commented, “This is an exciting new chapter for VIRTUE Asia. The restructure provides us with greater flexibility to meet the diverse needs of brands across the region. Our focus on creative innovation, cultural insight, and meaningful partnerships remains central as we pursue new growth opportunities and continue delivering exceptional results.”

John also emphasized that the agency plans to further invest in building a team of specialists, ensuring that VIRTUE Asia remains agile and capable of responding to the evolving market demands.

Chris Garbutt, President of VIRTUE Worldwide, praised John’s appointment, stating, “Under Lesley’s leadership, VIRTUE Asia is poised for a new era of growth. Operating independently, while maintaining strong ties to VIRTUE Worldwide, will allow the agency to continue delivering culturally relevant work that makes a real impact for clients. I look forward to seeing the agency reach new heights under her guidance.”

In other recent industry news, FleishmanHillard, a global PR agency, has appointed Thomas Skelton as the regional lead for its TRUE Global Intelligence (TGI) practice in Asia Pacific (APAC). Skelton will enhance the agency’s research and analytics capabilities, driving growth in the region.

VIRTUE Asia’s leadership change, combined with FleishmanHillard’s strategic appointments, underscores the importance of leadership in driving growth and innovation in today’s dynamic marketing and communications landscape.

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