ASIA PACIFIC, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011: Luke Nathans (pictured), managing director of experiential for iris Asia Pacific has been appointed to the newly created role of regional development director, following a period of sustained growth for the agency in Asia Pacific. He will be based in Singapore and will report to Joint Global CEO Ian Millner
Nathans will be responsible for expanding relationships with iris’ regional clients, which include Sony Ericsson, Diageo, Heineken, Tiger Beer and Coca-cola. Nathans is also tasked with broadening iris’ client base in the region through the development of new products and IP. Most recently, the agency launched its social media content division Urgent Genius, which will see it host a workshop at creative awards festival Spikes Asia this month.
Luke Nathans said: “The success of iris in the region is testament to our constant evolution as a business. Just like the brands we partner with, we need to be one step ahead of our competitors. We’ve got an amazing client list and some of the most talented people in the region, so the time is right to create a new type of network. One that’s more agile and streamlined and one that’s unburdened by big egos, red tape and archaic systems.”
Ian Millner, Joint Global CEO of iris, said: “The role has been created due to the momentum of opportunity in Asia. Luke is a fantastic ambassador for iris in the region and has incredible potential as a leader. It’s essential that we continue to reward outstanding people like Luke with outstanding opportunities.”
The agency has added a number of new clients to its roster in Asia Pacific within recent months, most significantly becoming the regional experiential and sampling agency of record for Coca-cola across APAC. Among other awards in the past few months, its experiential capability also saw it pick up 4 Dragons at the PMAA awards last month, as well as 2 Singapore Effies for Heineken, making it the most awarded agency in Singapore.
Nathans brings over fifteen years of experience to the role and was recently appointed to the global board of the Experiential Marketing Forum (EMF). Prior to joining iris in 2009 as managing director of its Asia Pacific experiential arm, he worked for agencies including Ogilvy & Mather, OgilvyOne, Belgiovane Williams Mackay, G2, The One Centre and TBWA Tequila UK.
iris currently has offices in Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, India and Beijing in Asia Pacific. Nathans role is a key appointment for the agency as it targets further growth opportunities in the region in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and The Philippines.
