APAC Effie Awards 2021 Announces Sindhuja Rai and Takashi Takeda as Heads of Jury

Effie Asia Pacific has announced Sindhuja Rai, global media investment & Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) CX lead at Mondelez International and Takashi Takeda, country manager and representative director at DoubleVerify Japan, as heads of jury for the APAC Effie Awards 2021. Both experienced Effie judges, they will lead the jury in evaluating marketing communications efforts and honouring the best-in-class works in the region.

Sindhuja Rai is Mondelez International’s Global Media Investment & AMEA CX Lead. She is responsible for maximising opportunities in the area of global partnership and value optimisation to deliver greater ROI and impact on media investments across the globe. Additionally, she continues to lead Media and Digital in AMEA and works closely with brands and markets to activate their strategic priorities across the region. 

Sindhuja has over 20 years of experience in media and digital gained in agencies, consulting and client organisations. Before joining Mondelez International, she worked with global agency networks such as SMG, Mindshare, IPG Mediabrands, Madison and Havas.

On her appointment, Sindhuja said, “I’m honoured to participate as a Head of Jury for this year’s APAC Effie Awards to help identify the most effective works done last year. It was a unique and difficult year across all industries. I am looking forward to seeing how marketers have persevered and overcome the challenges to create impactful work for their business, rooted in strong consumer understanding and shifting landscape. It will be exciting to celebrate the best work Asia Pacific has to offer!”

As Country Manager and Representative Director at DoubleVerify Japan, Takashi is responsible for leading DoubleVerify’s expansion into Japan and introducing its sophisticated ad verification tools to the Japanese market.

Takashi was previously the Director of Google Japan, where he provided video and display solutions for major advertisers and led the initiative for digital creative solutions, including data-driven ones, for advertisers and agencies. Prior to joining Google, he worked at creative agencies such as DDB and JWT for more than 25 years, serving numerous blue chip brands including VW, Nestle, P&G and Unilever. 

Takashi said on his appointment, "I am so thrilled to be part of the 2021 APAC Effie Jury, and honoured to play the role of Head of Jury. I am a strong believer of creativity and ideas, that can change and overcome anything. I am dying to see many game-changing ideas coming out of the APAC region.”

Besides announcing the last two Heads of Jury, Effie Asia Pacific has also revealed the final group of jurors for this year’s competition. Commenting on this year’s jury, 2021 Awards Chairman Ashish Bhasin said, “This year’s jury comprises of some of the best and brightest minds in our industry from across the region. We have some 220 judges this year and they reflect one of the most diverse representation across 20 markets, culture, gender and various skill sets. I am delighted to welcome them on board and work with these experts to evaluate and award the best works at the APAC Effie Awards 2021.”

The APAC Effie Awards is one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades for marketing effectiveness. Globally recognised by agencies and clients alike as a symbol of achievement, it continues to uphold the gold standard by awarding only the most effective marketing communication works in Asia Pacific.

The full jury line-up has been announced here.