SPH appoints chief technology officer and chief product officer

Glen Gary Francis will be joining as CTO with effect from 21 May 2018. As CTO, Francis will be responsible for the technologies and digital capabilities for SPH’s businesses. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Prior to joining SPH, he was the founder and president of CIO Academy Asia. He was also the former Group CIO of Global Logistics Properties.

Glen Gary Francis

Reporting to SPH CEO Mr. Ng Yat Chung, Francis will initially focus on overseeing the digital technology team which is responsible for SPH’s suite of digital media products like The Straits Times, The Business Times and Lianhe Zaobao. Subsequently, he will also take over the IT division with effect from 1 August 2018. Low Huan Ping, current EVP of IT division, will assist in the transition and will retire in October 2018. 

Mr. Ng said: “On behalf of SPH, I would like to welcome Glen to the management team to spearhead the development of our technology and digital capabilities across the Group. I would also like to thank Huan Ping for his many years of contributions to the Group, and for positioning us well for our next phase of digital growth and development. I wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

Mr. Francis added: “SPH is facing exciting times of transformation and I look forward to being part of the team that will help steer the company ahead in this digital age. I strongly believe that SPH can overcome current challenges to seize every opportunity that comes with technological advancements and evolving media consumption habits.” 

Gaurav Sachdeva will be joining as CPO with effect from 14 May 2018 and will report to Anthony Tan, deputy CEO of SPH. He will be working with the Media Group division on the vision, design, development and monetisation of its digital media content and products. Apart from leading a team of product managers, he will also work closely with Francis’ technology team on bringing the best-in-class products to SPH’s audience.  

Gaurav Sachdeva

Sachdeva brings with him some 14 years of experience in technology companies, with nine years in managing product development and five years as a senior research and development engineer. He was most recently the head of product for Growth Hacking & Innovation, and chief-of-staff for products at Grab and before that, product management leader for Autodesk (Asia). 

Mr. Tan said: “I am happy that Gaurav is joining the SPH Media Group, and am sure that his experience in consumer-focused firms like Grab and Autodesk will help bring new product ideas, improve our existing digital media products in terms of features as well as functionality to grow and engage our audience better.”

Sachdeva added: “SPH boasts a full suite of digital products and strong media content. I have full confidence that we can enhance our existing products and develop new ones so that we will always stay ahead of new technologies and changing needs.” 

Julian Tan

Following the restructuring of the technology teams, the current head of the digital division, Julian Tan, will focus on growing SPH’s portfolio of investments in digital businesses. Reporting to Mr. Ng, Mr. Tan will be redesignated as chief of digital business.

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