MUMBAI: Custom research company TNS has restructured its operations in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Under the new structure, Singapore will become the APAC regional headquarters. This will be followed by the re-organisation of TNS operations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa into two separate regions: TNS Africa and Middle East (AME) and TNS Asia Pacific (APAC).

Said CEO Africa, India and Oceania Chris Riquier, "This structure responds to feedback provided to us by clients and staff; it will allow us to be more dynamic and responsive to the many opportunities and challenges presented by this exciting growth region."

According to the company, the new structure was created to reflect the differing needs of APAC‘s diverse markets, increase the level of focus on clients, improve efficiency and take advantage of Singapore‘s status as the regional hub for global clients and the headquarters location for many Asian companies.

Chris Riquier, currently CEO Africa, India and Oceania, will become CEO Asia Pacific effective from 1 January next year. He will be joined by Heather Payne as CMO and supported by Neerja Wable who, in addition to her responsibility as India and Sri Lanka CEO, will focus on APAC client development.

Reflecting the importance of China and Indonesia as rapid growth markets, Serene Wong, (CEO China) and Raghavan Srinivasan will report directly to the APAC CEO.

While Hamish Munro has been appointed as managing director of Singapore, Wade Garland (CEO Hong Kong) will assume line management for Taiwan led by Manny Inocencio. Ralf Matthaes will oversee Vietnam and Malaysia while Grant Bertoli will oversee Thailand and the Philippines. Yazid Jamian (MD Malaysia) and Gary de Ocampo (MD Philippines) will report to Ralf and Grant respectively.

APAC will be led by a five member board comprising Chris Riquier (CEO), Paul Durant (CFO), Heather Payne (CMO), Michelle Griffin (CTO) and Neerja Wable (CEO India and Sri Lanka) supported by Chairman Jamie Hall.