Updated: IPG Mediabrands names Malaysia CEO, Kumar resigns

Pomaleh joins from Carat where he was also CEO for Malaysia. While he takes over the Malaysian office from Kumar, who is leaving the network to pursue new opportunities, he will not be assuming Kumar's regional duties. 

It's understood from conversations with senior sources that Mediabrands will be moving away from its previous 'cluster' model and towards a more geographic regional-based structure. Mediabrands has yet to appoint a leader for Asia-Pacific. 

Pomaleh’s appointment is the latest in a number of "strategic management assignments" under Henry Tajer, IPG Mediabrands global CEO, according to the company. Tom Wan joined earlier this year as CEO of IPG Mediabrands China, having previously served as MD of global brand management for Ogilvy & Mather. 

“Bala is a dynamic, proven leader that’s constantly looking to redefine media,” said Tajer. “We look to him to further evolve our offering in the Malaysian market, expanding our best-in-class capabilities, scale and scope, as well as investing in top talent to fuel growth in this critical market.”

Tajer also praised the outgoing Kumar: “I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Prashant, and to thank him for the contribution he has made to IPG Mediabrands," he said. "We wish him all the very best in his future endeavors”.

Update: Carat Malaysia has appointed Darren Yuen to the post of CEO, replacing Pomaleh. Yuen has held the post of general manager with Carat Malaysia for the past three years.