VMLY&R Announces Leadership Appointments in Asia

Yi Chung Tay; Hari Ramanathan; Tripti Lochan

Global marketing agency VMLY&R today announced key leadership moves within VMLY&R Asia. Yi Chung Tay takes on the position of chief executive officer, VMLY&R Asia. Hari Ramanathan is being promoted to the role of chief executive officer VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan. Tripti Lochan moves into the newly created role of global capability development officer, VMLY&R, based in Singapore.

Yi Chung Tay will oversee all agency brands in the region – which includes VMLY&R, VMLY&R Commerce, VMLY&Rx The Glitch (India), ClickMedia (Vietnam) and Dawson (China), having previously worked closely alongside Tripti Lochan as co-CEO for Asia overlooking markets in Greater China. Previously, Yi Chung was CEO of VML China which he developed from start-up im2.0 into one of China’s leading full-service digital marketing agencies.

Yi Chung said of his newly expanded role, “I look forward to continuing to build on our success in Asia, by harnessing creativity, technology, culture and data to create innovative solutions for our clients and business partners. Tripti has set up some of our highest potential markets for success, and we are deeply grateful for her outstanding contribution.”

Hari Ramanathan is now chief executive officer VMLY&R South and Southeast Asia and Japan, overseeing these markets for the group. Since joining VMLY&R in 2007, he has been instrumental in developing strategy for Asia including transformational plans and processes for the markets. Hari pioneered new strategic models and tools, created proprietary data assets including BAV and provided directional thought leadership. Hari reports to CEO VMLY&R Asia Yi Chung Tay, alongside Kevin Zhu, CEO of VMLY&R China. 

As VMLY&R’s new global capability development officer, Tripti Lochan is tasked with identifying areas for capability growth and developing strengths globally. Tripti has been a part of the global leadership team of VMLY&R for ten years and will now partner with the team on capability expansion. Reporting to global chief executive officer Jon Cook, Tripti will partner with Ronnie Felder, global chief people officer and Christine Nollen, executive director, on leadership training and coaching worldwide. Under her leadership in Asia the network has undergone three global integrations – VML+Y&R, Geometry, GTB – with talent and billings doubling across Asia during Tripti’s tenure, creating one of the most established, full-service agencies in Asia.  

“I look forward to further expanding our capabilities globally, integrating offices and training leadership to even greater levels of success. I’m proud of the culture of innovation and connectedness we have built together. It’s been inspiring to leading teams to success, building connected brands for our growing portfolio of clients, “said Tripti Lochan. “Importantly, I am excited for VMLY&R Asia’s future with Yi Chung at the helm.

Jon Cook global chief executive officer VMLY&R said, “These strategic appointments are essential to our connected growth plans for both Asia and our global operation. Yi Chung, Hari and Kevin are phenomenally sharp marketers who believe in driving business momentum for our clients while ensuring we are creating a culture of belonging for our talented teams. Our Asia market is in great hands with their leadership. And I’m thrilled to expand Tripti’s remit by leveraging her acumen for capability-building and integration across our full global network. 2022 is proving to be an exciting year for the connected growth of VMLY&R.