Rosie Scanlan takes up a new agency role as Account Director

Strategic consultancy BLJ Worldwide has promoted several of its senior members to strengthen its team across its PR, content and creative functions in Doha.

Hadi El Fares and Sana Uqba have both been promoted to Senior Account Director, while Elsayed Gewely was promoted to Senior Account Director, Content.

The team also elevated Anzish Mirza, Rochelle Fernandes and Tala Sweiss to Account Director. On the creative side, Joe Maalouly has been appointed as Creative Lead.

“These promotions reflect the continued growth of BLJ's team and our commitment to developing and recognising talent from within. Each of these individuals has made a valuable contribution to BLJ and our clients, and their progression is a reflection of the expertise, dedication and ambition they bring to the business,” says Iman Asante, Managing Director at BLJ Worldwide.

The Foundry Asia has announced several milestones, including the appointment of Joe Chau (pictured centre) as Head of Brands & Communications in Singapore and the official launch of its Bangkok office.

In the role, Joe will lead the Singapore office’s core focus across travel, hotels, and corporate communications, while Germaine Woon (pictured right), Founder and Managing Director, shifts her focus to regional growth.

Joe brings more than 15 years of communications experience from hospitality groups including Kempinski Hotels, Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and IHG.

In Thailand, Henry Stonham (pictured left) has joined as Regional Head of Partnerships and Business Development.

He will lead partnerships and commercial growth, as well as shape community-driven initiatives across The Foundry Asia's Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok offices.

Henry will also strengthen the agency’s APAC presence, integrated communications and 360-degree branding capabilities.

Commenting on the regional expansion, Germaine said: “This move reflects how we see the region evolving - more connected, more collaborative, and increasingly driven by culture and community. Bangkok is a key market for us, and with Henry driving partnerships across the APAC region, this expansion allows us to build more meaningfully while continuing to connect our work across cities.”

The Bangkok office’s current portfolio includes W Bangkok, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, Robert Mondavi Winery and Restaurant Gaa.

These updates follow the appointment of Ian Fan as Director of Brands & Communications in Hong Kong in January 2026.

Lauren Maher has taken up responsibilities as Director, Communications and Engagement at the NSW Reconstruction Authority. She joins after six years at NSW State Emergency Service, where she was employed as the Senior Manager, Media and Communications.

Prior to that, Lauren began her PR and communications career at the NSW Police Force, where she spent a decade overseeing public communication, media relations, crisis response, and reputation strategies for the state's police force.