Leo Burnett transfers Josh Grace from Australia to Singapore; John Kyriakou to depart

Announced by Jarek Ziebinski, president of Leo Burnett Asia Pacific, Grace (pictured) will take on the role as managing director in Singapore beginning 17 September, while Kyriakou will continue with the agency until the end of the year for a smooth transition.

“Under John's leadership, our team in Singapore was able to create the high profitable growth and progress that we needed here,” Ziebinski said. “John is leaving the agency in a very good shape, but now is the time for John to focus on himself and take care of his health.”

Kyriakou joined Leo Burnett Singapore as CEO in early 2010 from Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, where he was the regional creative and managing partner.

“It's been an amazing two years for Leo Burnett Singapore,” Kyriakou said. “The agency has not only grown dramatically but completely integrated the way we work. We've strengthened our planning, Ted Lim is set to take a very good creative product to the next level, we've built a great social marketing team and we have a solid list of clients.”

The agency appointed former Naga DDB ECD Ted Lim as its chief creative officer recently to replace Chris Chiu, who departed the full-time role in favour of founding a new creative consultancy.

Kyriakou said he is looking forward to going back to the UK to recuperate and take on a new challenge again at some point. “The agency is poised to move to its next stage of growth, and I couldn't feel more confident about that with Josh and his team.”

Leo Burnett Singapore has seen several major business wins recently, including UOB, Great Eastern and the creative works for IKEA across Singapore and Malaysia.

Chiu, founder and chief creative officer of Ren Partnership, has known Kyriakou since 1992 when both worked at JWT Singapore. "He loves advertising and his passion has never waivered," he said. "His health is affecting the way he is working, and I wish him all the best."

Grace, meanwhile, joined Leo Burnett Sydney in 2004. Promoted to the role of COO in 2009, he has worked across various categories including telcos, technology companies, retail and financial services. His client portfolio includes Fextel, Singtel Optus, Samsung, Subaru and Energy Australia.

Prior to Leo Burnett, he worked at leading direct agencies including Cartwright Williams and Wunderman, where he spent the first 10 years of his career developing experience across direct, digital and promotional marketing.

“Josh will open a new, interesting chapter for the agency,” Ziebinski said. “He brings years of experience, best practices and fresh energy from one of the best agencies in Australia and within the Leo Burnett global network.”

Grace, who is a two-time winner of World Championships in sailing and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, noted that Singapore is an important market and it is emerging as the key regional hub.

“I hope to bring a unique blend of brand, direct and digital skills to the agency,” he said. “There is a great leadership team in place—many of whom I know through my years in the network. I look forward to partnering with Ted and the other key leaders as we continue the great work John has already started.”