BANGKOK, 27 MAY 2026 — Vero, a leading communications consultancy in Southeast Asia, has appointed Laura Spence as Senior Advisor, ASEAN, supporting business growth, client experience, and talent development across the region.
Laura brings over 15 years of industry experience, and has worked with global brands across Asia Pacific on integrated communications and corporate reputation. She has played an instrumental role in work that blends PR with social impact and stakeholder advocacy, including the Cannes Lion winning #LetHerGrow campaign for Dove in Thailand.
Laura will work closely with teams from both Vero and government relations consultancy Vero Advocacy to help clients achieve goals and enhance reputations. A certified organizational coach, Laura will collaborate with teams and business units across Southeast Asia.
“I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our incredible teams across Southeast Asia,” said Laura. “Vero’s growth trajectory is nothing short of impressive, and with that momentum comes the opportunity to raise the bar on the impact we create for our clients.”
She added that what drew her to Vero is its energy and culture, saying, “I’ve always believed that the best work comes from teams built on curiosity, kindness and trust. With our team’s collective strengths across integrated communications, strategy, creative, influencer marketing and government relations, I can’t wait for what lies ahead.”
“Laura is passionate about culture, driving excellence in the work, and helping colleagues grow,” said Ms. Umaporn Whittaker-Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer, ASEAN. “Our edge comes from the strength of our people and the quality of the counsel we give clients. Laura is a trusted advisor to clients and mentor to teams, with a rare instinct for connecting innovation and culture with commercial growth. In addition, Laura’s coaching capabilities will help to empower the next generation of leaders, something that has never been more important to our future.”
Laura’s appointment comes amid Vero’s expansion in Singapore and Malaysia via a majority stake in creative communications agency Mad Hat Asia, signaling increased investment in connecting markets, sectors, and disciplines.
“Effective advocacy in Southeast Asia demands more than government relations efforts. It requires the ability to shape narratives, build coalitions, and foster better understanding around complex issues among the public,” shared Mr. Pongsiri Poorintanachote, Managing Partner at Vero Advocacy. “Laura’s experience in corporate affairs and change campaigns strengthens exactly that. For clients operating in markets where business and reputation are interconnected with government and regulatory standing as well as public trust, this integration will add real impact.”
Vero is composed of 300 professionals across communications, government relations, and influencer marketing in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. As a B Corp-certified consultancy across all its offices and a signatory to the Clean Creatives pledge since 2022, Vero is committed to advancing responsible and impactful communications in Southeast Asia.
