Lion & Lion names new group CEO as Fredrik Gumpel steps down

Lion & Lion, a digital marketing agency under Septeni Holdings, has appointed Cheelip Ong (pictured left) as the new group CEO, effective immediately. Ong succeeds Fredrik Gumpel (pictured right), who stepped down from his role after over five years at the helm. 

Ong possesses 23 years of industry experience, starting his career in agencies such as Euro RSCG, Leo Burnett Singapore, Gosh Advertising and Frontage Inc, before moving to China at the end of 2012.

His longest stint was at Beijing advertising company 180.ai where he took on the roles of head of creative, executive vice president, chief creative officer, executive partner and group chief creative officer throughout the six years. 

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Following which he joined Wunderman as its chief creative officer before taking on the role of regional chief creative officer / chief product officer at Lion & Lion in 2019, a position he has held for over 5 years.

“Gumpel's tenure has been nothing short of transformative. He took on the challenge of a significant operational overhaul and successfully repositioned Lion & Lion as a competitive player in the industry. We deeply value his contributions and are confident in Ong’s ability to carry forward this momentum. Ong’s appointment ensures continuity, trust, and a creative vision aligned with our future ambitions," said Daisuke Suefuji, Septeni group senior executive officer. 

Gumpel first joined Lion & Lion in 2018 as its chief commercial officer, according to his LinkedIn. After a year in the role, he was promoted to CEO. Prior to joining Lion & Lion, he was at biosolutions company Novozymes as head of business development and launch management, grain processing and beverages, F&B division. He also held the roles of global marketing manager, oil and fats, F&B division and senior manager, commercial excellence during his time at Novozymes. 

“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Each challenge we faced only strengthened our resolve to innovate and succeed. With the cost base reduced, the organisation is agile and competitive, so the task for 2025 is clear: converting pitches into wins to ensure Lion & Lion’s continued growth," said Gumpel. 

"Ong has been instrumental in our success and embodies the creative excellence and leadership required to steer Lion & Lion into its next chapter,” he added. 

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