Edelman hires new regional EVC

Edelman has appointed Rupen Desai as the PR agency’s executive vice chairman for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Desai was previously APAC regional president for Lowe + Partners. He spent 20 years at the agency, five as regional president, before making a surprise exit in September 2015.

His career at Lowe, now MullenLowe, spanned Mumbai, Dubai, Beirut, London, Bangkok and Singapore. During his regional leadership, Desai is credited with overseeing Lowe’s development into a leading creative network.

“I have been fascinated with Edelman’s unique perspective on brands with an earned core,” he said. “I am excited to be part of the journey where we build and partner brands that are social at heart, earned centric and intelligently promoted.”

At Edelman, Desai will be responsible for securing strategic and creative-led brand work for the agency across the region.

David Brain, Edelman APACMEA president and CEO, said: “Rupen is one of the region’s most starred advertising leaders and will bring that expertise to our evolution towards our new communications marketing model.

“His leadership and intimate understanding of what CMOs want and his long experience in the region will elevate our offer for the benefit of our clients and teams across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.”

Desai takes over the role from Carol Potter, who has been appointed CEO of Edelman Europe & CIS.