Octagon Announces Leadership Team Elevations and New Appointment across the APAC Region

Octagon today announced the elevation of Louise Ferguson, David Gregory, and Jung Jee, as well as the hiring of Naveen Vohra, to executive leadership positions across APAC, in a move to support the agency’s continued growth within the region.

As part of the announcement, Louise and David step into the roles of co-agency leads of Octagon Australia, overseeing the agency’s ever-increasing client demands across the country. Louise will guide Octagon’s growing presence in Queensland, and David will be based out of the agency’s office in Sydney. Both will report directly to managing director, Octagon APAC, Joanne Warnes.

Louise will continue in her role of head of client services for Australia and Southeast Asia, while David will add the role of head of strategy for APAC. Working in tandem, the pair will oversee a team of more than 30 employees across Australia, servicing the agency’s largest global accounts in the region, including Mastercard, Cisco, and Unilever. They will also continue to lead ongoing work with clients surrounding the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and beyond.

During Louise and David’s combined 20-year tenure at Octagon Australia & Singapore, they have led sponsorship strategy, planning, and managed some of the region’s most successful and notable campaigns including XXXX GOLD’s Cricket and ‘State of Origin’ campaigns; Standard Chartered’s global partnership with Liverpool FC; as well as Mastercard’s portfolio of partnerships and related campaigns across The Australian Open, Rugby World Cup, The Sydney Opera House, and other properties. As well as Cisco and Unilever’s sponsorship of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“The move to elevate Louise, David, and Jung, as well as hire Naveen, to senior leadership positions in the agency comes at a time of tremendous growth and activity in the region, with clients looking for our guidance and strategy as we help them capitalise on the upcoming global sports and cultural events in the market,” said Warnes. “The direction, foresight, and contributions Louise, David, and Jung have provided our team and clients over the years has been a huge asset. And Naveen is a proven people and culture leader who will further elevate our internal and external employee platforms. Under this group’s collective leadership, Octagon will continue to deliver first-class and award-winning campaigns for our clients, and provide our team members meaningful programs and work environments across Australia and Asia.”

Jung’s promotion will have him continue in his existing role of managing director of South Korea, as well as added oversight of Octagon’s client efforts and Japan office. In the expanded role, Jung will guide the strategic, integrated marketing, sponsorship, activation, and commercial output in both regions, as well as lead the agency’s growing presence and offerings in Japan. Jung will remain in his role as a golf expert in the APAC region, and will continue to manage global client accounts including Doosan, Lotte, and Mastercard, in addition to recently won global work from MLB for its 2024 Seoul Series. During his 14-year tenure with the agency, Jung has been instrumental to the commercial growth of Octagon across Asia. Jung will report to Warnes.

In his role as head of people and culture, Naveen will oversee recruitment, internal talent development, DE&I programmes, and internal culture initiatives across the APAC region. Based in Octagon’s Singapore office, Naveen will report into Warnes, and work closely with leadership teams across the APAC region. Naveen will also continue to liaise with Octagon’s shared services teams within APAC.

Octagon has seen continued and significant growth and development throughout the Asia-Pacific territory over the past decade, with brands seeking innovative ways to tap into the ongoing marketing and sponsorship opportunities. The region will continue to be a primary focus, as it prepares to host the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and many other significant global events.