TBWA\Singapore Bolsters Creative Bench with Both Senior & Junior Talent

TBWA\Singapore has today announced three senior additions to its creative department, as the agency continues to focus on its creative capabilities and disruptive resurgence. 

Warren Quan and A.S. Anam have been appointed creative directors, both returning to the TBWA network after periods away. Philip Dabrowski joins as creative maker.

With over 20 years experience in the industry, Quan has worked at creative agencies in U.S., U.K. and South Africa, including TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris and TBWA\London. He has numerous regional and global awards to his name, including LIA, New York Festivals, CLIO Awards, One Show and ADC awards. 

A.S. Anam has worked and managed global creative for some of the world’s biggest brands – including Gap, Land Rover, Coca Cola, Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines, Michelin, Philips, Dell, UOB, Kronenbourg and Microsoft – accumulating a wealth of international experience and exposure in his 14 years in the industry. During his time in China, he won Cannes Lions and D&AD Pencils, and launched the ‘Let’s Gap Together’ campaign, steering Gap to Asia’s Brand of the Year accolade in 2011. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Warren and Anam back to TBWA, both of whom should be very familiar with our disruptive approach to creating iconic work for our clients,” said Hagan de Villiers, co-executive creative director of TBWA\Group Singapore. “I’m certain they’ll hit the ground running, and we’re excited to see what they’ve collected during their time elsewhere.” 

“TBWA as a network has always had exceptionally strong talent retention,” added Ara Hampartsoumian, managing director of TBWA\Group Singapore. “We have a unique and attractive culture that not only prevents people leaving, but often draws talent back. We’re delighted that Anam and Warren have boomeranged back to the TBWA family.”

Tattoo Yar also rejoined TBWA in June as Creative Group Head, after almost a decade away from the network. 

With TBWA\Singapore’s recomittment to Disruption, the agency has been through a transformative year – striving for creative excellence, and building a ‘maker’ culture to push innovative ways to disrupt market conventions. As part of this, the agency has appointed Philip Dabrowski in the newly created role of creative maker. 

Dabrowski, previously operations director at BBH Asia-Pacific, will lead and guide the execution of special and non-traditional projects – from interactive design usability and development, to technologically innovative and immersive concepts. 

“We strive to be at the forefront of innovation and tech, and aim to have the best talent to continually extend our expertise in this area,” said Hampartsoumian. “With the need to operate at the speed of culture, we’ve created this autonomous role for Phil which allows us to best utilise his skillset, as we continue to design, innovate and prototype disruptive solutions for our clients.”

Over the past few months, TBWA\Singapore has also brought on board six mid-level creatives and a wave of junior creatives as the agency advances in nurturing and attracting talent at an early stage. Working closely with various design and media schools – including Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Film & Media School, Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Communication, Arts & Social Sciences, and Nayang Polytechnic’s School of Interactive & Digital Media – TBWA\Singapore has been sending its senior leaders to provide students with a stronger understanding of the advertising industry and profession.

TBWA\Singapore has also ramped up its internship and graduate programs, exposing future talent to the vibrant operations of the agency. With its distinct culture and exciting portfolio of 21st century brands, TBWA\Singapore is increasingly attracting young hybrid talent with diverse proficiencies, as they consider TBWA as their disruptive company of choice. 

“It’s often said that there’s a lack of creative talent in Singapore, but we believe it’s a case of untapped talent who decide to pursue careers in different industries,” said Gary Steele, co-executive creative director at TBWA\Group Singapore. “As one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries, Singapore has showcased strong innovation and entrepreneurship in recent years. Working with the schools, we want to foster and attract these dynamic and inventive young creatives to our company.”