Rupen Desai to head Lowe + Partners South East Asia

Lowe + Partners has announced that Rupen Desai, currently the network's Operating Director for Unilever's worldwide business, has been promoted to a newly created role of President, SE Asia. Desai's role will extend to include leadership of the Lowe Singapore agency.

Announcing the appointment, Tony Wright, Chairman Lowe + Partners said Desai's promotion will further strengthen the presence Lowe has in the region, "We are already amongst the top 5 agencies in most countries in this region and this move allows us to continue to deliver the highest standards in Asia - in terms of our product, our talent pool as well as our processes. Lowe has been a well kept secret regionally, for too long".

The role will see Desai focus on all SE Asia Pacific territories, including Australia and New Zealand but excluding China and India. Desai will report to Lowe + Partners Chairman Tony Wright and CEO, Michael Wall. Desai will also retain his leadership role on the network's Unilever business. Lowe is Unilever's biggest agency with some 20+ key Unilever brands across the world.

With over 15 years within Lowe, Desai's experience has spanned across large multinational clients, including Unilever, InBev, J&J, HSBC, Columbia Tri-Star and Nokia. He has been based in Lowe offices in India, UAE, Lebanon and Thailand. Currently based in Singapore, he will continue to direct Lowe teams across the Unilever Asia business; whilst leading their Laundry communications globally on brands like OMO, whose "Dirt is Good' strategy is extremely successful across a number of geographies.

The "Dirt is Good' work has been awarded at numerous national and international advertising awards such as Cannes, New York Advertising Festival, the Effie's, The London International Advertising Festival, and the Clios amongst others, over the last 2 years.