Clarence Chiew promoted to creative director at iris Singapore, taking over the reigns from Subha Naidu who moves to iris New York

iris Singapore has promoted Clarence Chiew to the role of Creative Director, stepping into the awkwardly large shoes left by previous CD Subha Naidu, who has moved to lend his creative prowess to the iris New York office.

Having been with iris Singapore for the past one and a half years as its Deputy Creative Director, Chiew (left) already leads a team of 16 creatives across different content disciplines, creating a diverse range of regional and local work for the likes of Tiger Beer, Heineken, Johnnie Walker, Adidas, Audi, Standard Chartered and SingTel. His new role will have him lead the creative vision for all Singapore-based clients while Grant Hunter, Regional Creative Director at iris will be the driving force behind iris’ regional accounts.

“Clarence is the right guy to take on the iris Singapore creative leadership.  He really embodies the challenger spirit that iris is known for, constantly finding innovative solutions for our clients.  Subha has left the place in great shape – really delivering brilliant work for our clients and creating a great, collaborative creative team,” said Craig Mapleston, Managing Director, iris Singapore.

Chiew joined iris in May 2011 from JWT Singapore: “I feel privileged to work with such an awesome team, and they’re really the ones who should be recognised. Day after day, brief after brief, I never fail to be amazed at how willing everyone is to roll up their sleeves, and help each other make brave ideas happen. And it’s not just the creatives I’m talking about.”

Naidu (pictured left) was promoted to CD in Singapore following the move of Tom Ormes to iris Amsterdam in April 2011. On his working relationship with Naidu, Chiew added: “There’s probably not enough space in any publication to describe how inspiring and courageous a leader Subha is. But I will say this. My Andalusian Flamenco moves have never been sharper. Whichever fancy hotel toilet you’re reading this in Subha, thanks for always leading the charge from the front.”