Telum Talks To: The Straits Times

 Reta Lee (pictured right), formerly Editor‑in‑Chief of Yahoo Life Southeast Asia, has been appointed PR Account Director at MM Communications. In her new role, she will partner with the agency’s teams across Singapore, Jakarta, and Hong Kong, collaborating with Dubai to align regional storytelling and brand strategy. Reta will also lead integrated content and communications initiatives, connecting clients with audiences through insight-driven narratives.

Before MM Communications, she led Yahoo Life Southeast Asia’s editorial direction, managing multi-market teams producing lifestyle, entertainment, culture, and e-commerce content. She has also managed Her World Singapore and contributed to several of Singapore’s top lifestyle publications.

“I'm thrilled to bring the craft of high-impact content to the fore, helping clients not just communicate, but resonate. Great content doesn't just fill space - it earns trust, builds authority, and moves people to act,” said Reta. “Working alongside Marina and the team to craft communications that resonate across audiences is an exciting next chapter in my career.”

Marina Mathews (pictured left), Founder and Managing Director of MM Communications, added, “Reta’s editorial instinct, clarity of thought, and digital fluency bring an elevated dimension to our creative and strategic work. Having spent many years working across Asia and the Middle East, I’ve seen first-hand how the relationship between brand and media continues to evolve. Reta’s ability to translate insights into authentic, resonant narratives will be invaluable as we continue to guide clients through that evolution. Her proven editorial leadership and nuanced understanding of audience engagement will further strengthen how we build, protect, and amplify our clients’ reputations across diverse markets.” 

Former Global Chairman of DDB Worldwide, Marty O’Halloran, has joined Thrive PR and Communications AU/NZ in a strategic advisory role.
He brings nearly four decades of global marketing and comms experience, having started as an Account Manager in Melbourne to DDB Worldwide Global CEO and later, Global Chairman. 

In his role of Advisor across Australia and New Zealand, Marty will guide the agency's leadership team supporting strategic growth, leveraging business connections and mentoring the next generation of communications leaders.

Thrive CEO and Founder, Leilani Abels said Marty's experience building agencies and thriving agency cultures will help shape the next chapter of Thrive’s journey.

“Marty has led one of the most awarded creative networks in the world and there are few leaders globally who are held in such high esteem. He understands exactly how agencies grow and he’ll help Thrive to innovate, elevate creativity and continue to focus relentlessly on adding value to clients,” Leilani said. 

“Marty shares our belief that creativity and connections drive business growth, and that great agencies are built by creating environments where our people thrive. His perspective, mentorship and leadership will help us accelerate Thrive’s ambitions - to be the number one agency that communications professionals come to grow and build extraordinary careers, and where the most ambitious clients in the world choose to partner.”

Marty added: “Thrive has built something special - a modern communications agency with strong values, ambitious leadership and a clear belief in the power of creativity and earned influence.

“I’ve always believed the best agencies combine strategic thinking, creative courage and a culture where talented people can do the best work of their careers. Thrive embodies that.”

(Pictured L - R: Marty O'Halloran and Leilani Abels)

Epic Games has named Danielle Chong as Director, Communications in APAC. Based in Seoul, she leads communications for Fortnite, games, and Unreal Engine across the region.
 
Danielle brings over two decades of experience to her latest role, having served senior roles at corporations including L'Oreal, Louis Vuitton, Pfizer and Medidata Solutions. Before joining the interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology in 2025, she was Head of Instagram Communications at Meta Korea, whom she was with for close to six years.in 2025, she was Head of Instagram Communications at Meta Korea, whom she was with for close to six years.