IPG Mediabrands names Kumar Kanagasabapathy to APAC Chief Strategy Officer role

February 5, 2025 | Share this article

IPG Mediabrands, the media holding company within Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), has named Kumar Kanagasabapathy as Chief Strategy Officer for the Asia Pacific region. Kanagasabapathy brings over two decades of experience leading cross-functional teams across major industry verticals to his new role.

Previously, Kanagasabapathy served as Global Chief Strategy Officer of Rufus, an IPG Mediabrands network agency, where he played a key role in establishing the strategic craft and framework for the global Amazon business. A globally recognized strategy leader, he has delivered breakthrough results for clients including Amazon, adidas, Target, NBCUniversal, and Disney, consistently blending data-driven insights with creative flair and ingenuity to develop innovative strategic solutions.

“Kumar’s exceptional strategic expertise and proven track record of success make him the ideal leader to drive our strategic vision forward in the APAC region,” said Leigh Terry, CEO, IPG Mediabrands APAC. “His deep understanding of the evolving media landscape, coupled with his ability to inspire and empower teams, will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the dynamic Asia-Pacific markets.”

“I am thrilled to join the IPG Mediabrands APAC team and contribute to the agency’s continued growth and success in this region,” added Kanagasabapathy. “I’m passionate about partnering with clients to craft innovative, results-driven solutions. I believe that the future of media lies in challenging long-held fundamentals, embracing bold experimentation, and forging deeper, more meaningful connections between brands and consumers. Nowhere is this transformation more dynamic than in APAC, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”

Kanagasabapathy is a committed advocate for the future of the media industry, mentoring the next generation of diverse talent, and having served as a juror for prestigious awards such as Festival of Media, Jay Chiat, and Adweek.

Kanagasabapathy will be based in the IPG Mediabrands APAC RHQ in Singapore, reporting to Leigh Terry, CEO of IPG Mediabrands APAC. His appointment is effective immediately.

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