Grey changes regional leadership with Sarah Trombetta elevated to APAC chief executive officer

Grey has promoted Sarah Trombetta to APAC CEO replacing Nirvik Singh, who is leaving the business.

Trombetta is the former CEO of Grey Hong Kong (2016-2019) and is currently AMEA Chief Client Officer for P&G on behalf of Grey and WPP (2021-present).

“APAC is a hyper-evolving marketplace, and a priority region for our ongoing reinvention plans. Under Sarah’s guidance, her client-focused leadership, ingenuity, and modernity, I’m confident she’ll help nurture and support our teams to deliver even further value for our clients,” said Global CEO Laura Maness. “A vibrant and dynamic leader, I am very proud to appoint Sarah to this key role.”

“I’m a Grey boomerang because my love for this company is in my veins, and I care deeply about helping our teams and our clients do the best work of their lives,” said Trombetta.

“Having previously served as CEO of a Grey studio in a local market, I’m excited to flex those creative, commercial, and culture-building muscles in a way that better serves the whole of our region. I’m looking forward to delivering growth through our Famously Effective work for our incredible clients.”

An international business leader with 20+ years of industry experience, she was CEO of Red Havas AU (2019-2021), and has worked at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, KAIZO, and Brand Influence GCI Media Group. Trombetta is on the Board of Wear It Purple, which strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

Another appointment at Grey sees the promotion of Masahiko Okazaki to Chief Executive Officer, Grey Tokyo, effective immediately. Promoted from Chief Operating Officer, Okazaki joined Grey in January 2022 from TBWA/Hakuhodo.

“Masa’s stature in the marketplace and client connections will drive and foster our borderless agenda to spearhead growth for Grey’s clients and the agency,” said Trombetta. “Grey Tokyo is well renowned for our award-winning creative standards, and I look forward to Masa raising the bar even higher.”

“It is an honour to be named CEO of Grey Tokyo, I am excited and confident we will build exponentially on our success,” said Okazaki.

Grey also confirmed Yukiko Ochiai, Grey Tokyo’s current President and CEO, is leaving the industry and will announce her new role in the coming weeks.

There was no announcement as yet on Nirvik Singh’s future plans. He is a thirty five-year veteran of Grey, and served as Chairman and CEO of Grey Group Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa since 2016.