BurdaLuxury names new managing director for SG and MY ops

Independent media house BurdaLuxury has named Lena Kwek to managing director of BurdaLuxury Malaysia and Singapore, effective 1st November 2024. Kwek (pictured) served as managing director and publisher for BurdaLuxury Singapore since 2018, where she has been noted for driving growth in the luxury market. 

In her new role, Kwek will manage the editorial, marketing, and sales divisions across both Malaysia and Singapore. The new structure aims to encourage collaboration across its brands, including Prestige, Lifestyle Asia, PIN Prestige, AUGUSTMAN, and Travel + Leisure, while respecting local market preferences.

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“I am honoured to step into this expanded role and the opportunity to build on our positive momentum in both markets. I look forward to working closely with our exceptional teams in both Singapore and Malaysia to deliver best in-market creativity and media solutions for our clients," said Kwek. 

Kwek has over twenty years of experience in publishing and sales. Prior to joining BurdaLuxury, she was the general manager of sales at Atlas Press for T: The New York Times Style Magazine Singapore and the general manager at Edipresse Singapore for Tatler Singapore. 

Meanwhile, Natasha Kraal, who has served as publisher for BurdaLuxury Malaysia, will remain in her role until the end of November. 

“I’m very proud of what we as a company have collectively achieved over the past 18 months. By focusing on empowerment, community, and culture, we’ve successfully reinforced our editorial expertise, strengthened our engagement particularly through the Prestige Malaysia Women of Power Summit and AUGUSTMAN Master Your Mind series, and supported communities in Malaysia through philanthropic partnerships, as well as created a purposeful value system through the corporate culture at BurdaLuxury Malaysia," said Kraal.

"As I transition to focus on projects in both Malaysia and Europe, I wish Kwek continued success in her new role," she added. 

In tandem, Björn Rettig, CEO of BurdaLuxury said he is thrilled to continue working with Kwek as she steps into her new role. “I’ve worked with Kwek for over four years and am confident that she will bring the same dedication, vision, and commercial acumen to the Malaysia business that I’ve seen her bring to BurdaLuxury Singapore," said Rettig. 

"I also want to thank Kraal for the great work she’s accomplished during her time as Publisher, from bringing a solid editorial focus to our brands to revitalising our events. I wish her all the best for the future," added Rettig. 

Earlier in July, BurdaLuxury appointed Farhan Shah as the editor-in-chief of AUGUSTMAN Singapore and Malaysia.

Based in Singapore, Farhan will spearhead the editorial direction and strategy for the editions in both countries. He will also oversee the editorial teams across Singapore and Malaysia. Farhan has a decade of experience within the luxury, editorial and publishing industry. He previously held the role of editor-in-chief at a+, Apical Media and The Peak Singapore.  

In his new role, he will report directly to Lena Kwek, manging director and publisher of BurdaLuxury Singapore. Meanwhile, editor of AUGUSTMAN Malaysia, KC Yap, will report to him. 

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