The presence of women in leadership roles is crucial for propelling organizational achievement, cultivating creativity, and advancing economic development. Women in leadership contribute unique viewpoints that enrich the problem-solving process, establishing inclusive work settings that draw top-tier talent.
Their collaborative approach to leadership not only enhances team cohesion but also encourages ethical decision-making. Despite the clear benefits that female leaders bring, their representation in leadership roles remains limited. It is crucial for organizations to promote gender diversity and ensure equal opportunities. Empowering women in leadership is not just a matter of ethics; it is an essential necessity for the success of businesses and societies alike.
In 2026, Asia witnessed a significant stride toward gender-inclusive leadership as five remarkable women stepped into top leadership roles across diverse industries. Their appointments highlight not only their exceptional expertise and vision but also a growing recognition of women as catalysts for innovation and strategic growth in the region. These leaders are shaping the future of Asian business and governance, inspiring a new era of opportunity and empowerment for women across the continent.
Publicis Groupe Appoints Naomi Michael as Chief Communications Officer APAC
Publicis Groupe APAC has named Naomi Michael to the newly established position of Chief Communications Officer for the region.
Operating from Singapore, Naomi will oversee the Group’s communication strategy across various markets and functions, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of its communications efforts. She will report to Jane Lin-Baden, the Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific at Publicis Groupe.
Naomi offers over twenty years of global experience in marketing and communications, having worked in corporate and media sectors in Asia Pacific, Australia, and the U.K.
Throughout her professional journey, she has been associated with a variety of organizations, including Zenith in London, The Walt Disney Company, The Financial Times, and has held leadership roles in agencies across Sydney, Hong Kong, and Singapore with both Interpublic Group and Omnicom Media.
Ronita Majumdar Basu as Cushman & Wakefield’s Head of People Partnering for India, SEA and MEA
Cushman & Wakefield, a prominent real estate firm, has appointed Ronita Majumdar Basu as the Head of People Partnering for India, South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, effective immediately.
In her new position, Ronita will oversee the company’s people strategy within these vibrant regions, ensuring that talent initiatives align with business objectives and long-term growth goals.
She brings nearly twenty years of global HR leadership expertise, having managed people strategy across multiple countries and large capability centers in India, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
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Most recently, Ronita has gained significant experience working with JLL as the Global People Partner for a period exceeding two years, following a series of key roles at HT Media, Citibank India, and GE Capital. She has played a crucial role in the development and implementation of globally aligned, scalable people frameworks that take into account local and cultural differences in various markets. Her specific areas of expertise include talent management, leadership development, employee engagement, rewards, and workforce planning, all of which have effectively supported businesses during periods of growth, change, and expansion.
Ronita is an alumna of XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, where she obtained her post-graduate degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. In addition to this, she also holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science & Engineering from Kolkata.
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Finmo Names Joana Liew as Chief Human Resources Officer
Finmo, an international financial technology company, has appointed Joana Liew as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), welcoming her to the executive team as the company pushes forward with its global expansion efforts.
In her new capacity, Joana will be responsible for overseeing Finmo's human resources operations on a global scale, implementing strategies that facilitate the company's growth into international markets. Her duties will involve the development of leadership and performance frameworks, the enhancement of governance and compliance practices across various regions, the alignment of talent strategies with business objectives, and the cultivation of a high-performance, values-driven corporate culture as the company expands.
Joana brings a wealth of experience in leadership spanning over two decades in a variety of industries including financial technology, technology, professional services, retail, marketing communications, property development, and hospitality.
Previously, she has held top HR leadership positions at InCorp Global and Cake Group as Chief HR Officer, where she oversaw organizational restructuring, workforce optimization, and the integration of mergers and acquisitions in the Asia Pacific region.
She also played a key role in establishing regional HR frameworks at TikTok and OKX during periods of rapid growth. Additionally, she is a Certified Executive Coach and has provided coaching to more than 50 senior executives worldwide.
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RecyGlo Malaysia appoints Norliana Aida Ramli as Managing Director and CEO
Norliana Aida Ramli has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RecyGlo Malaysia by the RecyGlo Group, with her tenure commencing in February 2026. Aida brings a wealth of over 25 years of high-level leadership experience encompassing strategic planning, venture development, sustainability governance, and enterprise transformation.
Throughout her career at the PETRONAS Group and its publicly listed subsidiaries, Aida has occupied various C-suite positions and spearheaded multi-billion-dollar strategic projects. These initiatives have included expansion programs sanctioned by the board, intricate negotiations with global partners, and the creation of sustainability strategies in alignment with international ESG frameworks.
Her professional journey attests to a proven record of delivering value, governance excellence, and effective engagement with stakeholders within large and intricate organizations. Previous roles at PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad, Petronas Chemicals Group, and throughout the broader PETRONAS network further highlight her proficiency in strategic expansion and sustainability-focused changes.
In her new capacity, Aida will concentrate on reinforcing RecyGlo Malaysia's reputation as a reliable digital partner in sustainability and compliance for companies navigating ESG, waste traceability, and sustainability reporting regulations. She is anticipated to cultivate strategic alliances, improve governing structures, and propel commercial growth to support RecyGlo's aspirations at a regional level.
Aida earned a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons) from University College London and has obtained certifications in Sustainability Accounting and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.
SHL appoints Ivana Lee as Head of Southeast Asia
SHL, an internationally recognized provider of talent assessment and psychometric testing solutions, has announced its expansion into Singapore through the establishment of a new office and the appointment of Ivana Lee as Head of Southeast Asia. With over 16 years of experience in areas such as business growth and global partnerships, Lee's most recent position was as Managing Director, Asia at imc Learning where she served for seven years.
In addition to her tenure at imc Learning, Lee has held positions at Korn Ferry’s AchieveForum, Arcitura Education, and SP+ Gameday. She brings a wealth of professional expertise to her new role at SHL.
Lee’s educational background includes a BBA in Marketing and Communication from Simon Fraser University, as well as an Advanced Certificate in Integrating Sustainability for a Future Ready Business from Singapore Management University.
Moreover, she is a certified lifestyle and wellness coach from Harvard Medical School, further highlighting her dedication to personal and professional development.