2024 Reflections and looking ahead for our Singapore hub

2024 Reflections from Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society 

What a year it’s been! In just over four years as Global CEO, it’s been thrilling to watch our Singapore community go from strength to strength—welcoming new members, sparking debates, sharing insights, and championing bold leadership. This year has gone so superfast, but the connections we’ve built and the impact we’ve made have been extraordinary.

Looking to 2025, we’ve set ambitious plans, shaped and sharpened by our incredible Board in Singapore, who continue to champion excellence and innovation. A huge thank you to all of our Board members for their brilliant commitment and creative thoughtfullness.

But first, this is an opportunity for me to say a huge personal thank you to our members for their support.
We are an association which is made by its Members and exist the help Members do well in their careers and do good in their organisations, the economy and society. Our membership is made up of the best and brightest in marketing leadership roles across the world, those who are impressive change leaders in their roles.

Together, we’ve raised the bar for marketing in Singapore and beyond, making a tangible difference in our profession and society and we're excited to share some news as we look to brilliant things ahead.

Board News: Welcoming our New Chair

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Gita De Beer, Global Director of Strategic Initiatives at Heineken, will be taking over as Chair for The Marketing Society Singapore from 2025.

A classically-trained marketer with over 18 years of experience leading global brands like Unilever, Coca-Cola, Diageo, and DSM, Gita has a proven track record of driving growth, building exceptional teams, and navigating complex markets across industries.

She has played an important role as a Singapore board member over the last couple of years. Gita has been a true champion of innovation and excellence in that position, and I know her leadership and vision promises an exciting future for our Singapore chapter.

Board News: Goodbye to our departing Chair

A huge thank you of course to Wendy Walker, VP of Marketing ASEAN at Salesforce, for her outstanding four years as Chair. Wendy’s commitment, creativity, and care have had an enormous impact and will not be forgotten.

As her tenure concludes, we wish her all the best in her new ventures, including her role as President of IAA Singapore –congratulations and we welcome them to the region.

Things to look forward to in 2025

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead and we can't wait to share more soon!

• Three flagship experiences: The Digital Day, Creativity Unbound, and The Changemakers Conference – an exciting new theme and details coming soon.
• The Global Leadership Mentoring Programme, led by the best minds in marketing (make sure you register your interest here).
• Under the Spotlight and The CEO Conversations, exploring untold stories of leadership.
• The Virtual Learning Labs: Exclusive 90-minute online workshops to accelerate your skills.
• NEW: The Ones to Watch programme designed to nurture up-and-coming talent, to support marketing leaders of the future to become bolder and braver marketers.
   

2025 will bring challenges, opportunities, and change. Together, as a community of the brightest marketing minds, we can achieve more. Let’s make it a year to thrive.

See you in 2025!