SINGAPORE — Mediabrands the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), have today announced the appointment of a newly created role; Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Mediabrands network across the Asia-Pacific region.
Global Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) specialist Dharesheni Nedumaran, will join the Mediabrands APAC network to lead the development of a long term strategy and roadmap that helps to increase representation, create a culture of belonging and contribution, and promote equity and fairness.
With International experience spanning tech, NGOs, global businesses, and government, Nedumaran has spent 9 years working on data driven projects with underrepresented communities including gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability.
Nedumaran joins from her previous position leading global I&D for Swire Shipping & Swire Bulk, where she was recruited to be their first dedicated I&D professional across their shipping divisions. Prior roles have included implementing fair recruitment workshops for Uber EMEA, designing the first strategic capability building initiative for Practicum Sun Pharma Europe and Oceania, conducting LGBTQ+ research for Oogachaga Singapore, and developing an organisational framework for inclusive practice with diverse clients and marginalised genders for the Singapore Prison Service.
Leigh Terry, CEO Mediabrands APAC commented, “Dharesheni brings a wealth of specialised knowledge and experience in developing DE&I practices with cross functional collaboration across international organisations.” Terry continues, “Her demonstrated skills in cultural psychology, consulting and facilitation, and data driven strategic planning, will be a great asset to progressing our goal towards creating a fully diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment for all of our people.”
Zarka Khan-Iltaf, Chief Talent Officer Mediabrands APAC added, “We aim to create a culture and a community in which diverse minds can thrive. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion form the basis of our strategy around strengthening and expanding our community, and the creation of this role will be fundamental to helping deliver this strategy.”
Dharesheni Nedumaran commented, “There are already a number of DE&I champions doing great work across the Mediabrands APAC business. I can’t wait to join the group and be a dedicated resource working to help guide and amplify those voices.”
Nedumaran has a master’s of work & organisational psychology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam where she is also an alumni speaker. She will be based in the Mediabrands APAC RHQ in Singapore reporting to Chief Talent Officer Zarka Khan-Iltaf, and her appointment is effective 1st October 2021.
