MUMBAI: Asia Pacific Effie Awards has named Michelle Guthrie and Anthony Wong as the first two heads of jury for the 2016 awards.

Google managing director APAC Guthrie is responsible for driving the company’s strategy and relationships with marketing and advertising agencies across Asia. Prior to joining Google in Singapore in 2011, Guthrie was managing director and senior advisor of Providence Equity Partners from 2007 to 2009. She has held several key executive positions, culminating as CEO from 2003 to 2007 since she began her career in Asia at News Corp’s Star.

“I am delighted to join the APAC Effie as a Head of Jury and review some of the best marketing works in Asia Pacific. I look forward to a very stimulating experience while sharing my perspectives and playing a role in driving marketing effectiveness in the region,” Guthrie said.

On the other hand, Wong is Ogilvy & Mather Group worldwide effectiveness director and WPP global client leader - team Huawei. Since he joined Ogilvy in 2006, he has helped his teams and clients achieve best-selling brand and product launches across categories and borders, and win marketing effectiveness awards. Over the years he has also served in various roles at the China EFFIE and APAC Effie Awards.

Wong said, “I am honoured and excited to be appointed a Head of Jury at the APAC Effies, as I believe Asia Pacific should, and will, set new global standards for effectiveness.”

2016 Awards chairman Cheuk Chiang added, “With experience comes great wisdom so it’s fantastic that the Effie Awards have been able to attract high calibre, seasoned experts like Michelle and Anthony. Both are sure to bring an unsurpassed level of knowledge to help elevate and drive a new standard for effectiveness.”