After 5 years Andrea Hayes to depart Spikes Asia

Spikes Asia has announced that Andrea Hayes will stand down as festival director after five years in the role.

Hayes (pictured) assumed the role of festival director in 2013, having already spent five years at Haymarket Media Asia. During her leadership, the festival hit record-high attendance and awards entry figures and successfully integrated new sectors such as health, innovation and entertainment into the event. She was also instrumental in the evolution of the Digital Asia Festival awards and the Asia Marketing Effectiveness & Strategy awards into the Tangrams Effectiveness @ Spikes awards. The Tangrams are now the premier awards honouring outstanding marketing strategies that deliver real business results.

Says Terry Savage, co-chairman, Spikes Asia and chairman, Cannes Lions: “The current status of Spikes Asia as the region’s premier creativity festival is down to Andrea’s tireless passion for the event. As a festival director Andrea leaves a powerful and lasting legacy and her successor has some very big shoes to fill. I’d like to thank her personally for all her hard work and energy she has poured into the event over the last five years.”

Says Tim Waldron, co-chairman, Spikes Asia and managing director of Haymarket Media Asia: “Andrea hit the ground running when she assumed leadership of the Festival. The industry and the Festivals which serve it have undergone enormous change, and Andrea ensured that Spikes Asia rose to meet every challenge. Her tenacity was much admired and we thank her for her contribution and wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

Says Hayes: “I’m extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to champion Spikes Asia and of everything the team have achieved over the last five years. Spikes Asia has always been a passion project and it has been a privilege to work with so many gifted and dedicated people. I am very grateful to both Spikes Asia and to Haymarket Media for their support and leave the business knowing it’s in a very strong position for the future. I will always look back on my 10 years in Singapore with many fond memories.”

Hayes remains in her post until 30 April, after which she plans to return to the UK. The recruitment process for a new director is in progress.