Sandpiper promotes three senior leaders across APAC and Middle East

Sandpiper has promoted three senior leaders as the communications group looks to strengthen its capabilities and support its next phase of growth across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

As part of the leadership changes, Elizabeth Chu (pictured left) has been promoted to managing director, Singapore, alongside an expanded regional remit as managing director, financial services. Chu previously served as deputy general manager of Sandpiper Singapore before taking the helm of its Singapore business in 2024.

Meanwhile, Kimberley Spear (pictured middle) has been promoted to managing director, financial and appointed head of employee experience, a newly created role at Sandpiper.

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Spear takes on the position after five years as general manager of the firm's Hong Kong business. In her new employee experience remit, she will focus on developing Sandpiper's people and workplace culture as the firm expands its AI-enabled services and capabilities.

The firm has also promoted Unice Liu (pictured right) to the newly created role of head of growth markets, as it looks to accelerate its expansion across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

In the role, Liu will lead Sandpiper's efforts to support organisations entering, expanding and investing in growth markets. Her remit will include helping clients navigate geopolitical risk, regulatory shifts, reputation and stakeholder engagement as trade and investment flows between Asia Pacific and the Middle East grow.

"Our success has been built on two pillars: exceptional people and an unwavering focus on delivering results for our clients," said Emma Smith, CEO of Sandpiper Group.

"As organisations continue to invest in growth across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, they need advisers who combine local insight with regional reach, specialist expertise, and deep stakeholder understanding," she added.

Smith said the promotions reflect Sandpiper's focus on developing its leadership pipeline internally while strengthening its capabilities for its next stage of growth.

The promotions also build on a series of leadership moves at Sandpiper this year. Earlier in 2026, the group appointed Mokka Mok as deputy general manager for Hong Kong, reporting to Spear, who was then general manager of Sandpiper Hong Kong and head of Sandpiper Special Situations.

Mok's appointment was made as Sandpiper expanded its business across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, spanning 14 locations. The newly created role was introduced in response to the firm's growth in Hong Kong and was aimed at strengthening its leadership and capabilities in the market.

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