Retail in Asia

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Former CEO of LifestyleAsia.com as new BD Director of a distribution firm

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ASH Asia International has recently appointed Sebastian Svensson, former CEO of Asia’s online magazine LifestyleAsia.com, as new Director of Business Development.

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As member of the board since 2009, Sebastian has already a long working relationship with the current management team.

ASH sales has grown CAGR 32% between 2013 – 2017 and the recruitment is a strategic initiative in bolstering the management team to diversify the revenue base of the company.

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Source : ASH

Sebastian will lead the development of new opportunities outside of retail and wholesale.

He will manage the newly recruited team which holds an extensive experience in B2B related sales across Asia. The primary territories will include Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The team has already formed partnerships with reputable hotel brands such as Six Senses, Alila and Akyra.

Real estate developer Raimon Land as well as electronics company, Asus are other partners of the company.

“Sebastian is the perfect leader of our new B2B division and he is already working on exciting new projects with several key customers” – Says CEO, Adam Reuterskiold Arnback.

Sebastian has 11 years experience of building successful media companies in Asia. He founded Lifestyleasia.com in 2006 where he was the CEO until September 2017 (acquired by Burda International in December 2016) Sebastian has an extensive network in Media, Events and B2B sales in Asia.

Retail in Asia met Sebastian to know more about his appointment, as  coming from the media industry we wanted to highlight his contribution to ASH.

RiA : Why appointing someone coming from the media industry for a BD role in a distribution firm?

Sebastian : Working in a digital media firm for 11 years, my former team has been instrumental in consulting retail brands with their digital marketing strategy around Asia. ASH believes that understanding of the local digital media landscape is an increasingly important asset to achieve success.

The rapid changes and need to adapt in the digital media world has nurtured a culture where status quo is constantly challenged to stay ahead of competition.

Distribution is undergoing similar changes where these experiences will come in handy.

RiA : What do you think you can contribute to the company differently from a business-trained candidate?

Sebastian : I believe I can contribute with a holistic understanding of what our clients are looking for, not only in regards of marketing leading products but other values such as marketing and PR support.

The company will also, through my engagement, diversifying the revenues. A creative sales unit with focus in B2B opportunities is a product of my experience in the media segment.

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Launched in 2009, ASH markets and sells premium consumer electronics goods and wearables in Asia. With offices in Thailand (HQ), Malaysia and Singapore the company has quickly positioned itself as the distributor of choice for brands who are looking to enter South East Asia. ASH exclusively distributes brands such as Marshall, Vifa, Mionix, RHA and Urbanears through over 400 points of sale in 6 markets.