
Appointments at Mutant Communications, MARC Ratings
Archana, who first joined the independent agency in 2021 as country manager for Malaysia, now takes on an expanded remit across Mutant's two most established markets.
Under her leadership, the Malaysian business saw 26% revenue growth in 2024, driven by new wins and regional mandates for brands such as Marriott, Legoland Malaysia and PepsiCo, according to the company's statement.
Archana's new role will see her focusing on team culture, business growth and deepening the agency's integrated communications offering across both markets, it added.
Mutant said it was doubling down on social and content with the hire of Looi — previously led social efforts at IPG Mediabrands, Coca-Cola and most recently Naga DDB Tribal — as its new regional head of social.
At Mutant, Looi will oversee all things social across the agency's five active markets — Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines — with Vietnam expected to join the fold next year.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd (MARC) has announced key leadership changes across its group, with Group CEO Arshad Mohamed Ismail appointed as the new CEO of MARC Ratings Bhd, effective Aug 1.
Arshad succeeds Rajan Paramesran, who completed his service on July 31 after a 17-year tenure at the credit rating subsidiary.
Additionally, deputy chief rating officer Taufiq Kamal has been appointed to the Rating Committee, where he will support chief rating officer Hafiza Abdul Rashid in enhancing analytical processes, governance and operational efficiency. — TMR
This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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