Bates 141 Indonesia CEO takes on SEA role

Sarkar will remain in Indonesia and retain his current responsibilities for the agency in the country. But he will now add Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam to his portfolio. As CEO of Southeast Asia, he will lead the region to achieve its goals as part of a three-year plan, the company said.

He will report to regional chairman Tim Isaac and work closely with the regional and local leadership teams. “Our focus is on high growth BRIC and the next 11 Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam markets," noted Isaac.

The region will also look at leveraging pockets of expertise in digital, retail, dark marketing, activation and CRM. One of Sarkar’s tasks will also be to develop specialist talent whose advanced skills can be transferable within the Southeast Asian region.

“The dynamic countries of Southeast Asia are experiencing exponential change and our plans are firmly in place to become the sort of agency our clients will need in these market circumstances,” said Sarkar.

“Through this innovative business model, we leverage our collective strengths in talent, category experience and proprietary skill sets, to help our clients expand across Southeast Asia. We are already practicing this business model in Greater China and India to great effect, and these sub-regions serve as a working model for Southeast Asia too,” added Sarkar.

Sarkar joined Bates Indonesia in 2009 and has held numerous positions in creative, strategic planning, activation and management.