SINGAPORE — Neil Leslie has joined Weber Shandwick as executive creative director in Singapore, as the firm adds a number of hires across the region. 

Leslie, formerly group creative director at Edelman Singapore, was most recently with Wunderman. He reports to Weber Shandwick Hong Kong and Singapore president Albert Shu. 

In addition, Weber Shandwick has made three senior hires in its Tokyo office. KenZo Makino returns to IPG as head of consumer for Weber Shandwick Japan, almost 20 years after opening FutureBrand in Tokyo. Since then, Makino has worked as a brand consultant – first at Landor, then at PwC, and most recently at local consultancy Enjin. 

Kaoru Nakagawa has been appointed SVP of healthcare in Japan, after almost a decade at Edelman Japan. Both Makino and Nakagawa report to Weber Shandwick Japan MD Campbell Hanley.

And, Megumi Takayama joins the Tokyo office as public affairs VP following a five-year stint as unit chief and global communications strategy lead at the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan. Specialising in economic policy, Takayama reports to Toshi Takata, head of corporate at Weber Shandwick Japan.

In India, Kavita Lakhani joins Weber Shandwick India as operations director, reporting to MD Rohan Kanchan. Lakhani previously spent 18 years with sister agency Lintas/Golin.
 
“Fostering growth for our clients and our people will always remain a key priority for our business," said ” said Tyler Kim (pictured), Weber Shandwick Asia-Pacific CEO. "Kavita, KenZo, Kauru, Megumi, Neil, and Sharon bring an extremely diverse portfolio to Weber Shandwick. With fresh perspectives, a wide range of capabilities, and extensive experience across different sectors and specialties, our new colleagues will play an instrumental role in helping our community grow and evolve into the future."

The appointments come after Weber Shandwick made a number of Asia-Pacific promotions last month. Robert Broad and Windcy Chan were upped to healthcare EVP for Hong Kong and Singapore, following Shu's elevation to president of both markets.
 
Carolyn Devanayagam was named EVP in addition to her existing remit as head of the corporate practice for Asia-Pacific, and now also leads the technology practice in Hong Kong. Also in Singapore, Weber Shandwick veteran Nina Kaur was elevated to client experience EVP.

All of which follows Corbin Hsieh's promotion to China GM after Lydia Lee moved to a newly-created regional role.