Fitch boosts Asian team

Retail and brand consultancy Fitch has named two senior executive appointments in Asia.

Ian Bellhouse has been appointed regional CEO for Asia Pacific and Greater China, reporting into Worldwide CEO Simon Bolton. With more than 20 years at Fitch, Bellhouse moved from London to establish the Singapore business in 1999 and has played a key role in the consultancy’s growth in the region. He also set up operations in China in 2012.

Bellhouse will switch from his current role as global strategy director.

Darren Watson, previously creative director for the Singapore studio, has been promoted executive creative director, overseeing creative output across all client work in the region.

Watson has spent 10 years at Fitch, leading creative strategy for multiple-award winning projects such as Asian Paints in India and Vivid Homes in China, a subsidiary of B&Q.

Watson will continue to report into Fitch’s chairman and chief creative officer Tim Greenhalgh.

Bolton said both executives have developed a special partnership, which has led to great work on behalf of clients over the years and in turn to a very successful business.

“Operating from the Singapore hub, I’m confident that they will emulate these achievements in other parts of the region including South East Asia, North Asia and China as they continue to expand Fitch’s horizons.”