It was short stay for Valerie Madon at Meta. She joined in November 2022 as director of Creative Shop, SEA & Emerging Markets at Meta but has been lured by McCann Worldgroup to the newly-created role of chief creative officer, Southeast Asia and she joins in mid-May. Madon will be based in the network’s regional headquarters in Singapore, reporting to Nick Handel, president, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia.

Madon will head the creative teams across Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, as well as assuming the additional responsibility of chair of McCann Worldgroup’s APAC Creative Leadership Community (CLC).

“This opportunity represents the perfect storm of my creative ambitions – to reunite with Nick Handel again, as a leader who believes in the value of a creative partner, and to join the network that created ‘Fearless Girl’, one of the most inspiring pieces of work that went beyond advertising to become a meaningful part of people’s lives. I’ve always felt blessed in my career, but this invitation to work and learn from so many of the creative greats within McCann Worldgroup is extra special,” Madon stated.

Madon is known as one of Asia Pacific’s top creatives with a 20+ year career that spans senior network roles at Havas, JWT and VMLY&R, along with two stints at Meta/Facebook. Among the many brands she has worked on are Zespri, Caltex, Hewlett-Packard, Procter & Gamble, Singapore Airlines, HSBC, Burger King, VISA, Singapore Tourism Board, Changi Airport, Central Provident Fund, Shell and GSK. Madon has judged and been awarded at all major shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, New York Festival, Effies, Spikes Asia and AdFest.

Prasoon Joshi, chairman, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, commented, “The addition of Valerie to our organisation marks a significant development. Her extensive experience and innovative creative approach will add a fresh dimension. She is a keen observer of the evolving media landscape and latest technologies, which will further drive our creative excellence and strengthen our creative leadership in the region.

“I am thrilled that Valerie has joined our McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia family. With her vision and expertise, she will make a significant contribution to our ambition of being the irrefutable leader in the business of creativity. And what’s more, I believe that she will be an excellent team leader and mentor to our people”, remarked Nick Handel, President, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia.