Mindshare, the global media agency network, that is part of WPP, has appointed Stephen Berkov to the role of Managing Director for Mindshare Japan and Korea.
In this role, Berkov will lead Mindshare operations in Japan and Korea, and will be responsible for driving the agency’s Adaptive Marketing vision in the markets.
Stephen brings over 20 years of marketing strategy and media experience in automotive, cosmetics and luxury — and has worked extensively in Japan, the US and Europe.
Stephen joins Mindshare from ICEOLOGY, an independent brand consultancy in Los Angeles focused on luxury, consumer goods and automotive clients. Previous to this role, Stephen was the President for La Prairie cosmetics in Tokyo between 2010 and 2013 where he managed a team of 80 people including marketing, sales, PR and HR.
He spent nearly 10 years at Audi in a series of roles in Japan, Germany and the US finishing his job there as Director of Marketing & Brand Innovation in the US, splitting his time between Detroit and Southern California.
He started his career at Toyota in Japan where he was a corporate PR manager and spokesperson to foreign media. He also did part of his university studies in Tokyo and speaks fluent Japanese.
The agency has been perfoming well in Japan and Korea having won several blue chip clients and being awarded gold for 2014 Campaign Agency of the Year and silver for 2015 Agency of the Year in both media and digital categories.
Commenting on the new role Berkov says:
“I am thrilled to be part of the Mindshare family in Japan & Korea to further grow our well-performing business in these markets. The client need for our leading Adaptive Marketing approach to media planning and implementation is more crucial than ever as consumer behavior now demands it for relevant and effective brand communications.”
Karl Cluck, Chief Client Officer, APAC, commented on the appointment:
“We are excited to have Stephen join Mindshare and lead our operations in Japan and Korea. We are confident that Stephen will add a tremendous energy and depth of experience to Mindshare. He brings a deep understanding of both markets along with a global view of communications best practice.”
Stephen takes over from Linda Lee, who has moved to sister GroupM agency MediaCom.
Berkov’s role is effective immediately.