Adrian Farouk promoted to CEO of Digitas APAC; retains role as CEO of Digitas and Epsilon ANZ

Digitas, the Connected Marketing Agency, part of Publicis Groupe, has announced the promotion of Adrian Farouk as CEO of Digitas APAC. Farouk, currently CEO of Digitas and Epsilon ANZ, will take on the new role with immediate effect whilst continuing his leadership at Epsilon, the group’s data and tech platform business in the ANZ region.

Farouk will oversee the development of Digitas across the APAC region, delivering the best-connected digital marketing solution to drive client growth. Digitas has accelerated its growth in the region over the past two years, expanding its footprint from 6 to 15 markets since 2019.

With more than 20 years of experience as a marketing and advertising expert, Farouk has cultivated his expertise in user experience, strategy, eCommerce, consumer research and client service. He has been with Publicis Groupe for almost 10 years, first as managing director of LBi Australia, then in his current role as CEO of Digitas and Epsilon ANZ, building a connected full-service agency offering creative, data, media, strategy and technology. He’s also been a core member of the Global Operating Committee of Digitas for 3 years. Under Farouk’s leadership, Digitas has been twice awarded Campaign Asia Digital Agency of the Year (Gold) and three times awarded Campaign Asia Specialist Agency of the Year (Silver) in Australia and New Zealand.

Says Jane Lin-Baden, managing partner of Publicis Groupe APAC: “I am very excited and proud of Adrian. He is known as a credible and charismatic leader who is able to motivate his team and advance the entire digital marketing industry. Under his leadership, Digitas ANZ has been a shining example of quality work and innovation in the region. I am sure Adrian will bring fresh perspectives to Digitas APAC.”

Says Farouk: “Digitas is one of the fastest growing agency networks within Publicis Groupe across APAC which, under Jane’s stewardship, has grown across 15 markets. I’m thrilled to accept the challenge and connect the markets to drive the brand to new heights.”

Farouk will continue reporting to Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe Australia and New Zealand for his responsibility in ANZ, with a dotted-line to Jane Lin-Baden, managing partner of Publicis Groupe APAC and executive sponsor of the Digitas brand in APAC.