Asia Pacific–Mindshare Asia Pacific, the global media agency network that is part of WPP, has appointed Kevin Rooney to take on the role of CEO for Mindshare Japan & Korea (North Asia), to be based in Tokyo.
He takes on the new role after being in his current position as the Chief Growth Officer of Mindshare Asia Pacific for 2 years. A veteran in the WPP network with more than 14 years of experience in roles across North America, Global in the United Kingdom, and most recently in APAC, in both management and business development positions, Rooney is a key driver of business with a wealth of experience in establishing presence and scaling, making him the top choicein driving Mindshare’s growth in the North Asia region.
Previously a crusader of the new business world as the Chief Growth Officer, Rooney oversaw all aspects of growth for the agency across 17 markets in APAC, working closely with Mindshare’s leadership team along with the executive committee to optimize product development, business plans, and create new revenue streams. During his tenure, Mindshare APAC set a new record in R3’s New Business League as #1 in APAC as well as in 4 other markets, along with topping RECMA reports in 2017 as the #1 media agency in the region. His team was also named 2017 New Business Development Team of the Year at the Campaign Asia Agency of the Year awards, whilst elevating the entire Mindshare network to snatch the prestigious 2017 Agency Network of the Year prize.
In addition to this, he also held the role of Managing Director, m/six Asia Pacific, a boutique agency that grew rapidly under his helm and vision since opening in 2013, with over 50 clients across their four markets. (Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Singapore)
Never one to rest on his laurels, Rooney looks ahead to what’s next and envisions areas where the agency and its business can be taken further. With winning a reported USD$ 500M in billings under his belt, this move from Singapore to Japan will help to bring highly successful growth models to the North Asia region, ensuring further establishment of Mindshare’s presence in those markets.
“There are few people in the network with the tenacity and drive that Kevin has. His time across the network from the US to Europe to APAC mean that he has an exceptional understanding of what the best of Mindshare looks like and I have no doubt that he will deliver this best of Mindshare to our clients in Japan and Korea,” says Amrita Randhawa, CEO, Mindshare APAC and Executive Chair, Mindshare Greater China.
Commenting on the role, Rooney says: “It’s exciting that after so many years, I have the honour to take on one of the most challenging yet most exciting regions for Mindshare. We’re also very lucky to have some of the most innovative clients working with us and I can’t wait to build on the success of the current team and continue to drive Mindshare’s agenda forward.”
Rooney’s role is effective immediately.
