dentsu Malaysia has appointed Nick Drew as managing partner, data, and tech, reinforcing its ambition to integrate data, technology and media as Malaysian brands navigate an increasingly complex digital ecosystem more tightly.
Drew will report to Bala Pomaleh, CEO of dentsu Media Malaysia, and will lead the agency’s expanded data and technology practice.
His remit includes building connected solutions that link data, technology, and media to measurable business outcomes, while working closely across media and creative teams to deliver more integrated, insight-led strategies.
He succeeds Suhail Ahmed, who departed dentsu Malaysia after 7.5 years with the agency.
Ahmed originally joined dentsu as head of programmatic, before stepping into the role of partner, head of data and martech in July 2021, a position he held for more than four years.
Strengthening connected capabilities
In the expanded role, Drew will be tasked with deepening dentsu Malaysia’s data and technology capabilities at a time when brands are under pressure to connect fragmented signals across platforms, channels, and touchpoints.
The focus, according to the agency, is on creating connected, insight-led solutions that drive tangible business impact rather than standalone technology deployments.
A veteran across platforms and agencies
Drew brings more than 25 years of experience across data strategy, marketing technology, media platforms and digital acceleration in both regional and global markets.
He spent nearly a decade at Google Malaysia, initially joining as head of agency before moving into a sector lead role overseeing travel, export, performance, and agency relationships.
Prior to Google, Drew spent close to seven years as managing director at Starcom, where he oversaw integrated media, data, and technology operations across complex client portfolios.
After leaving Google in 2024, he founded CoreADV, working as an energy leadership coach.
Leadership, empathy, and long-term impact
Audrey Chong, CEO of dentsu Malaysia, said Drew brings a distinctive blend of platform expertise, leadership experience and people-first thinking to the role.
“Data and technology are central to how brands grow, connect, and create value in today’s market. Nick brings a rare combination of deep platform expertise, regional leadership experience and a genuinely people-first philosophy,” she said.
“His appointment reflects our commitment to building a data and tech practice that is not only future-ready, but grounded in empathy, collaboration and long-term impact for our clients and our people,” Chong added.
Reflecting on his appointment, Drew said dentsu’s philosophy around technology and people was a key draw.
“Malaysia is at a pivotal moment in its digital maturity, and there is a real opportunity to build ecosystems that are resilient, ethical and commercially meaningful. I am excited to work with the team to help brands unlock the full value of data and technology, while creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to do the best work of their careers,” he said.
The appointment comes amid continued leadership changes across the network, following the recent exit of Uday Desai from dentsu Creative Malaysia.
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