Award-winning technology PR agency, Bud has expanded its team to add further momentum to its growth in Southeast Asia. The recent hires bring tremendous experience to bolster Bud’s integrated communications offerings for its portfolio of challenger technology brands.
Jon Howard (pictured left) was recently appointed as Strategy Director and brings with him over 13 years of experience in communications and business strategy, including previous roles at international gaming giants Rovio and Nintendo, and has consulted on technology sustainability initiatives for the UN Environment Programme. At Bud, Jon is tasked with leading the agency’s expansion into disruptive tech verticals while working alongside CEO Oliver Budgen to build out Bud’s company brand and expand its client service offering.
Aligned with Bud’s expanding regional capabilities, the agency also recently appointed Retta(pictured second from left) Oktaviani as an Account Manager. A former journalist with over 13 years of experience in the media and communications industry, Retta brings a depth of expertise in editorial as well as media and KOL relations. Based in Indonesia, Retta has interviewed prominent Indonesian ministers and has exposure to different industries such as retail, lifestyle, and other B2C sectors.
Lastly, to strengthen the content team, Bud also brought in Tiara Amelia as a Senior Account Executive (pictured right) who brings over 4 years of experience developing, managing and implementing integrated media campaigns in a wide range of digital, print, and events across the South Asia Pacific region. Coming into Bud from a popular lifestyle brand, Gucci- Tiara’s strong eye for social media trends and content virality, will aid in expanding Bud’s influencer marketing vertical in Asia and Australia markets.
On the key hires, Oliver Budgen, CEO, and founder of Bud said, “From the beginning, we wanted to create a best-in-breed partner for challenger tech brands, and a core part of our strategy is bring a diverse set of talents, experiences and capabilities to bring fresh thinking, new approaches and culturally diverse services for our clients. As we grow our regional footprintI am excited to welcome the new members into this chapter at Bud where we connect with inspiring technology brands, who themselves are using technology to change the world around us.”
The specialist PR agency for challenger tech brands has already seen significant growth across gaming, cybersecurity, health tech, electronics, ad tech, fintech, and Web3 clients, having more than tripled in size since its launch in 2020, with clients ranging from global enterprises to Southeast Asia-born startups. Bud currently offers a range of integrated communications services including strategy, media relations, content, creative, influencer marketing, events, and crisis communications.
Bud is currently expanding its team, with an open headcount of entry, mid-level, and director roles across Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.