Staff Reporters
Apr 5, 2013

40 Under 40: Unsung heroes pushing the boundaries of advertising and media (2013)

To celebrate 40 years of covering media and marketing in Asia, this special feature presents 40 of the region’s hottest planners, strategic thinkers, CEOs and account handlers who have made their mark on the industry before the age of 40. These stars from media, advertising and PR have the potential to drive the industry forward, bring about change and make us think differently. With their ambition and ability, they will continue to shape the industry of tomorrow.

Desmond Bateman | Strategic planning director | Isobar | Hong Kong | 33<br/><br/>
Bateman joined Isobar Hong Kong in 2010 after moving from Mindshare in London. An enthusiast for learning by doing rather than talking, and excited about the changing industry landscape, Bateman has implemented a social team that sits at the core of the agency’s thinking for clients — a move that helped generate 25 per cent additional revenue for Isobar in 2012. He has also taken steps to help transform the agency from being primarily a web build company to a full-service creative agency. A gregarious leader, he has taken unorthodox steps to ensure cohesive working, instituting informal ‘Jedi’ sessions for the team to read and discuss thinkers like Machiavelli and Confucius, debate developments in new media and strive to understand the differences between Asian and Western cultures.

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