DDB shines on Campaign Asia’s 40 under 40

Three DDB’ers have been recognised among Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40 winners for 2024!

The prestigious list celebrates the trailblazers redefining marketing across the Asia-Pacific region. Among the winners are DDB Group Singapore’s Neel Chhaya, DDB Group Hong Kong’s Adrian Tso, and Naga DDB Tribal Malaysia’s Hajar Yusof. A HUGE congratulations!

According to the publication, “The marketing and communications industry thrives on fresh perspectives and bold ideas, and this year’s Campaign Asia-Pacific 40 Under 40 winners embody that spirit in abundance. We received impressive nominations, making the jury’s job incredibly challenging.”

Neel Chhaya is Managing Partner & Regional Client Director at DDB Group Singapore. He is revered for his kind and positive leadership style and unwavering drive. Rising through the ranks, Neel stepped into his current dual roles at the age of 35—with his ascent reflecting a unique combination of strategic acumen and empathy, making him one of the youngest to lead at this level within the agency. Throughout his career, Neel has been instrumental in driving significant business growth and operational improvements. His leadership style and initiatives emphasise collaboration and mental health, fostering a supportive environment where teams can thrive. In every role, Neel demonstrates a strategic vision paired with a people-first leadership approach, driving both business success and the development of a thriving, inclusive workplace culture at DDB Group Singapore and beyond.”

Adrian Tso is the Chief Strategy Officer at DDB Group Hong Kong. Adrian’s impact is evident in his meteoric rise through the ranks, with five promotions in seven years starting in 2017. During his tenure, Adrian has built strategic products and improved the quality of the team, solidifying the agency’s position as Hong Kong’s ‘most effective agency’. His high-performing strategy team has contributed to the agency’s most successful period in recent history, generating impressive and notable client retention and growth, as well as over 15 industry awards in 2023. Adrian fosters an environment of autonomy for his team, maintaining an open-door policy for advice and guidance and dedicating time for team-bonding and experience-sharing. Tso also transformed the previously all-male strategy department into a more balanced one, achieving 50% female representation.

Hajar Yusof is the Head of Digital Experience at Naga DDB Tribal Malaysia. Hajar’s strategic prowess is evident in her impressive 100% pitch conversion which translates into revenue growth and the retention of key clients. Hajar’s commitment to nurturing talent is equally noteworthy. Her Anti Chaos Social Club platform, which serves as a vital resource for junior staff, sets out to cultivate hybrid thinkers who can blend strategic and creative skills. Her dedication to empowering women is exemplified through her leadership of She Speaks Power, a platform aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including her recent IMPACT Mentorship Program designed to support female founders. Hajar’s continuous drive to challenge conventions, coupled with her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to empowerment, makes her a standout leader in the industry.

Catch the full story at Campaign Asia Pacific.

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