STW Group’s strategic design business Designworks is expanding its presence within the Asia Pacific region, opening an office in Singapore.
The new office will be the sixth in the Designworks Group network and reflects the firm’s long-term growth plan and strategic objective to represent clients throughout the region.
Sven Baker, Designworks Chairman and Group CEO said the timing was right to make the commitment, with many Australian and New Zealand clients looking to the fast growing markets of South-East Asia and China for their future growth.
“This move is incredibly exciting for all of us at Designworks. The business is in great shape and good heart and it’s the logicalnext step for us, but we’re under no illusion that the task ahead will be a challenging and demanding one,” said Baker. “We know it’s a very competitive market to try and break into, but we genuinely believe we have something unique to offer and that discerning clients will value.
“Another driver for us is the growing number of our existing clients that are increasingly active in their development of new products and services specifically designed for Asian markets. Designworks is now perfectly positioned to assist them in realising their ambitions by providing practical on-the-ground support, with quality market insight, creative strategy and regional implementation support.”
Leading the establishment of the new office as General Manager/Client Services Director is Amanda Vallance, who will bring local knowledge and sector experience to the business.
Over the past ten years, Vallance has worked in senior account management and strategic consultancy capacities for agencies in the United States, Singapore, and New Zealand markets, where she has worked on brands such as L’Oreal’s Garnier, Nestlé, Tourism New Zealand, and United Overseas Bank.
Vallance holds a master’s degree in design criticism from New York’s School of Visual Arts, and she has lived and worked in Singapore and Shanghai, where she conducted research for a thesis about emerging design in China.
“I am delighted to be joining what I think is one of the most exciting strategic design and brand experience practices in this part of the world. I look forward to being an integral part of the business’s future success, as we contribute to building successful brands both in and from this region,” she said.
