Rupen Desai joins Edelman as executive vice chairman Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa

Edelman has appointed Rupen Desai as executive vice chairman, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APACMEA) effective immediately.

Desai (pictured left), the former Asia Pacific regional president for Lowe + Partners, is charged with leading Edelman’s ambition to secure and partner clients with higher-end strategic and creative-led brand work across the region. The hire follows the announcement earlier this month that Carol Potter, former executive vice chairman, APACMEA, has been appointed as CEO of Europe and CIS. Desai is based in Singapore and reports to David Brain, president and CEO, APACMEA.

“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,” said Brain. “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.”

“I have been fascinated with Edelman’s unique perspective on brands with an earned core,” said Desai. “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. I believe brands with such an earned core are essential to generate differentiation and growth, eventually becoming part of everyday culture and colloquial.”

Desai is a member of the APACMEA executive committee and will support Brain and his regional team in building out Edelman’s most diverse region.