Independent Out-of-Home (OOH) managed services agency Billups has named its first CEO for the APAC region, appointing former global OOH lead lead for Dentsu, Ben Milne.

Milne, who spent close to a decade with the Japanese holding company, will be based in Singapore for the new role. He will lead operations and business development initiatives across APAC, a region which has become a key driver of Billups’ global growth. Billups uses proprietary and patented AI-powered technology to plan, optimise, and report on media effectiveness.

"This is an incredible time to join and lead a rapidly expanding business in the region. There is great confidence in and respect for the Billups team and technology, and we will help marketers expand their reach and performance with engaging, measurable Out-of-Home solutions throughout APAC and worldwide," said Milne.

The agency has also appointed former Wieden+Kennedy global chief financial officer Claudia Valderrama as its new global chief operating officer. In the new role she will oversee worldwide operational strategy including accounting, finance, IT, and people operations.

"I have seen what it takes to build a leading global independent agency network. Out-of-Home is becoming a central component of media plans and there is a huge opportunity to grow on Billups’ track record of global expansion, technology innovation, and the highest levels of client support," said Valderrama.

Both Valderrama and Milne will report to David Krupp, Global CEO of Billups. "Claudia and Ben each bring a wealth of experience, vision, and leadership to Billups at a pivotal stage in our development. We are realising our goal of making all Out-of-Home easily accessible and accountable. Hiring Claudia and Ben represents another step towards enabling our customers to achieve greater value from their Out-of-Home investments. Claudia’s stellar track record in operational excellence and Ben’s insight and experiences in the APAC region will deliver on that promise and support our global expansion," said Krupp.

The appointments come as Billups looks to build on its international growth after making four acquisitions in the last 12 months across Australia/New Zealand and Malaysia. The company has seen a 123% revenue growth over the past three years.