GroupM makes Southeast Asia leadership changes

Thurlow will report to Mark Patterson, CEO of GroupM Asia-Pacific, and join the network’s APAC executive committee.

The agency’s CEO for Philippines, Puneet Arora, will replace Thurlow, taking responsibility for three Southeast Asia markets: He will manage Singapore and also have "sub-regional responsibility" as chairman of The Philippines and Thailand, according to GroupM.

Arora’s replacement in the Philippines will be announced shortly, the agency said. 

In addition, GroupM is expanding the remit of Thailand CEO Kevin Clarke to include Thailand and Myanmar. He will report to Arora.

“It is a big new role and a very important one encompassing several key areas of growth for our group in the region,” Patterson said. “It’s important we have a senior experienced and capable leader to champion and manage these connected areas of the business.”

Thurlow joined GroupM in March 2012, filling the vacancy left by the departure of Toby Hayward.

The changes are effective immediately.