GUT expands into Asia with new Singapore office headed up by Aussie expat Jessica Davey as MD

GUT has announced the launch of GUT Singapore, the award-winning global creative network’s first office in Asia and tenth location overall. The new office will be led by Aussie expat Jessica Davey, who joins GUT as managing director for Asia following a two-year stint as SVP, head of clients at Media.Monks APAC.

Along with Davey, the agency will be headed up by chief creative officer Carlos Camacho, formerly of DAVID, and head of strategy Belynda Sim-Mak, former cultural strategy lead at Le Pub APAC; they will report to GUT global CEO Andrea Diquez.

Additional Singapore-based hires include group account director Liz Leow, who joins the agency from ADK, and creative director Meyvi Wedelia, most recently at Toaster.

The network’s latest expansion announcement follows the launch of GUT New York just last month, the creation of the Globant GUT Network, which was unveiled at Cannes in June, and the opening of GUT Madrid earlier this year. This launch marks the third office opening this year across North America, Europe, and now Asia. The six-year-old network has experienced explosive global growth and momentum, attracting marquis clients and achieving record-breaking results.

Says Diquez: “It’s amazing to be able to open our first office in Asia, and tenth overall, after just six years. This move makes GUT a truly global agency network that can service clients anywhere in the world. Having worked in the region, I know firsthand the incredible opportunity this market represents. I am thrilled to welcome Jess, Carlos and Belynda, three experts in this dynamic and diverse region, to help further accelerate our incredible growth.”

Throughout her 20+ year career, Davey has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Google, Coca-Cola, Unilever, L’Oreal, Samsung, Heineken, and Nestle, among many others. She has held senior positions at some of the industry’s top agency networks, including Ogilvy, Geometry, and McCann, across Europe and APAC in local, regional, and global roles. Originally from Melbourne, Davey has lived and worked in Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, and Singapore and has a deep passion for diversity, representation, and the importance of engaging and reflecting with local culture. Her work has been recognized by the advertising’s most distinguished festivals, including Cannes Lions, Effie’s, Spike’s Asia, and AdFest, across which she has frequently served as a juror and guest speaker.

Says Davey: “I am incredibly honored to be leading GUT’s first office in Asia. Singapore’s diversity, innovative spirit, and vibrant energy are a perfect fit for GUT’s brave creative approach.

”I’m excited to build on GUT’s unparalleled momentum and further drive growth in this dynamic market.”

Cali, Colombia native Carlos Camacho first moved to Asia in 2013, where he quickly made waves in Ho Chi Minh, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, earning a spot on Campaign Asia’s “40 Under 40” list in just two years. After nearly a decade in Asia at various agencies, including Lowe, JWT, and Wunderman Thompson, he relocated to Amsterdam, where his collaborative approach drove successful campaigns across the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. In 2023, Camacho returned to Colombia as chief creative officer at DAVID, leveraging his diverse experience from Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Over the course of his career, he has driven projects for blue-chip global brands like Unilever, HSBC, Vodafone, Bayer, Amazon, IKEA, Netflix, and AB InBev. Camacho’s work has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including a Titanium Lion at Cannes, multiple statues at D&AD, Clios, Grand LIA, One Show, Spikes Asia, and a Grand Prix at Dubai Lynx. He has also served as a judge at top creative festivals across the US, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Says Camacho: “I have huge admiration for what GUT has achieved over the last six years and am excited to bring that bold and fearless spirit to Asia. Our team is ready to push boundaries and create work that not only stands out but drives real growth and impact.”

Sim-Mak brings more than two decades of experience driving integrated brand and communications strategy across APAC for clients including Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Tiger Beer, Toll Group, Spotify, IKEA, Heineken, Guinness, and Unilever. Prior to her time at Le Pub Singapore, she was head of strategy for APAC at VCCP Singapore, after spending six years as head of cultural intelligence at TBWA Singapore. Sim-Mak also helmed Backslash APAC, an editorial and cultural strategy start-up within the TBWA creative network, which was created to inspire and inform clients about culture as it happens and help convert cultural insights into brand opportunities. Earlier in her career, she worked at Ogilvy and cultural strategy agency Flamingo Research International as well as BBDO Singapore.