Singapore- The Spikes Asia Media Jury, which awards excellence in media strategy, planning and execution, will now be chaired by Antony Young(杨东念), formerly CEO of Optimedia US, incoming CEO Mindshare North America. He takes over from Mark Patterson, CEO of GroupM Asia Pacific, previously announced as Media jury president, who has had to withdraw due to unforeseen work commitments. A Chinese New Zealander, Antony Young spent seven years working in Asia, initially as regional media director at Saatchi & Saatchi based in Hong Kong, after which he was appointed CEO of Zenith Media Asia launching the media agency network in 1996 and leading its roll out across the region. While under his leadership, Zenith Media was twice named Media Agency of the Year and picked up one of Asia’s first ever Cannes Media Gold Lions. In 2003, Antony transferred to London as CEO of ZenithOptimedia UK, during which time he was acknowledged by Mediaweek magazine as one of the top 25 most influential executives in UK media. In July 2006, he relocated to New York to take the reins at Optimedia US. Antony will become CEO of Mindshare North America, a role he takes on in October this year. Antony has authored two books: Profitable Marketing Communications and Brand Media Strategy, a book that provides insights into communications planning in the digital age. “We are delighted that Antony is able to come onboard and chair this year’s Media jury, a group of very talented media professionals, with in-depth knowledge of how best media works in Asia-Pacific,” said Terry Savage, Chairman of Spikes Asia. “Antony is a natural leader and a forward-thinker who has worked in different territories around the world and fully understands the cultural nuances of the region and the ever-changing media landscape,” he continued. Commenting on his chairing role, Antony Young says, “Asia Pacific is a hot bed for media creativity and innovation. We look forward to discovering the region’s best.” Media Jury Antony Young, formerly CEO of Optimedia US, incoming CEO Mindshare North America, USA - Jury President Adam Ferrier, Global Head of Behavioural Science, Naked Communications, Australia Anita Nayyar, Chief Executive Officer – India and South Asia, Havas Media, India Jeffrey Seah, CEO, South East Asia, Starcom MediaVest, Singapore Kaoru Matsui, Managing Director, UM Japan, Japan Leela Nair, Managing Director, Mindshare, Singapore Ray Wong, Chief Executive Officer, PHD, Hong Kong Seth Grossman, Managing Director, Carat China, China Judging will take place in Singapore in September. The winners will be revealed on 20 September.