Design Bridge & Partners (DBP) has named Charlie Lowe as its new APAC Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), effective immediately. In this role, Lowe will lead the agency’s strategic vision across the APAC region, ensuring world-class delivery seamlessly integrated within DBP’s global strategy community.
Lowe will oversee the agency’s strategic capabilities across the region, collaborating closely with regional leads and the global CSO to elevate DBP’s strategic offering. He will also spearhead key client projects, leveraging his extensive expertise in corporate branding, brand transformation, and integrated strategy to shape the agency’s approach to creating impactful brand interactions, according to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.
His appointment underscores DBP’s commitment to strengthening its strategic capabilities in the APAC region. Under his leadership, the agency aims to craft more compelling brand experiences that resonate deeply with audiences while accelerating its growth across key markets.
Prior to joining DBP, Lowe spent four years at McCann Worldgroup SEA as CSO and regional strategy director. There, he led strategic initiatives that resulted in significant new business wins and major global and regional campaigns. His leadership played a pivotal role in McCann Worldgroup being named Integrated Marketing Agency of the Year in 2023.
Lowe’s career spans over a decade at Ogilvy, where he built an extensive portfolio working across global hubs such as Melbourne, Beijing, and New York. He first joined OgilvyOne in Melbourne as a CRM strategist in 2009 before transitioning into digital strategy roles at DTDigital and Ogilvy Beijing. Rising through the ranks, he held leadership positions including associate director of social strategy for IBM Emerging Markets and regional strategy director in Singapore. Before leaving Ogilvy in 2020, he served as worldwide strategy director in New York.
Throughout his career, Lowe has worked with renowned brands such as IBM, VW, Nestlé, British Airways, InterContinental Hotels, and Huawei.
Reflecting on his new role, Lowe shared, “When I started speaking with DBP, I was struck by how incredibly talented, genuine, and engaging the team was. Beyond their impressive client list and work, I knew I wanted to be part of this culture.”
Alexandra Cerruti, APAC Managing Director of DBP, added, “Lowe isn’t your typical brand strategist. With a background in communications strategy, he brings a fresh perspective that aligns with the evolving intersection of branding and communications. As clients demand seamless brand experiences, his passion and strategic insights will be invaluable in delivering holistic solutions that truly resonate. We are excited to leverage his expertise to drive success and create meaningful brand experiences.”
Lowe’s appointment comes amid a wave of strategic leadership changes in the industry. Just last week, BBH Singapore appointed Stéphane Missier as Chief Strategy Officer, succeeding Chris Chalk, who departed in December 2023. Missier will lead a team of 12 strategists, working with clients including Samsung, Nike, UOB, and Income Insurance. Collaborating closely with Chief Creative Officer Sascha Kuntze and Managing Director Sid Tuli, he will further BBH Singapore’s global ambitions.
With two decades of experience, Missier has led award-winning and culturally impactful campaigns for brands such as Nike, Team USA, FanDuel, and Bud Light.
