Josh Grace takes over the managing director role from John Kyriakou at Leo Burnett Singapore

Josh Grace has been appointed managing director for Leo Burnett Singapore. Most recently chief operating officer of Leo Burnett Sydney, Grace (left) will take over the helm from John Kyriakou, who will be leaving the agency for a period of recuperation due to health reasons.

“I would like to thank John for the past two years,” said Jarek Ziebinski, President Leo Burnett Asia Pacific. “He gave his heart to this agency. Under John’s leadership, our team in Singapore was able to create the high profitable growth and progress that we needed here. 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. On behalf of the team, we wish him the very best.”

“Josh will open a new, interesting chapter for the agency,” continued Ziebinski. “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. I believe in Josh and am confident that he can take Leo Burnett Singapore to the next level.”

Said Kyriakou (pictured left),” It’s been an amazing two years for Leo Burnett Singapore. The agency has not only grown dramatically but completely integrated the way we work. The majority of our clients are now looking for one agency to manage all their creative business needs. And that’s what we now offer. 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. If ever there was a good time to hand over the reins – this is it. I look forward to heading 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.”

Speaking about his new role, Grace said:  “Singapore is one of the fastest growing markets for us within Asia Pacific with a great client roster. The market is strategically very important and is really emerging as the key regional hub. My family and I can’t wait to get up and see all that it has to offer. I have huge ambitions for this office. It’s already had considerable growth and I want to continue that. I hope to bring a unique blend of brand, direct and digital skills to the agency. There is a great leadership team in place – many of whom I know through my years in the network. With the addition of Ted Lim, we have an incredibly skilled creative leader. I look forward to partnering with Ted and the other key leaders as we continue the work great John has already started.”

Grace’s role in Singapore will begin officially on 17th September while Kyriakou will continue to be with the agency until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Leo Burnett Singapore has more than doubled in size over the past three years, adding high profile businesses including Friesland Campina, UOB, ION Orchard, Great Eastern and most recently, scooping the creative duties for IKEA across Singapore and Malaysia.

Grace joined Leo Burnett Sydney in 2004 and in time came to lead the agency’s direct marketing offering. Prior to Leo Burnett, he worked at leading direct agencies including Cartwright Williams and Wunderman where he spent the first ten years of his career developing experience across direct, digital and promotional marketing.

At Leo Burnett Sydney, Grace accumulated years of experience as an integrated suit across categories including telcos, technology companies, retail and financial services. He was promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2009.

A father of two, Grace was also a two-time winner of World Championships in sailing and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.