Bala receiving the 1st Runner-Up for CREAM Media Agency of the Year and Best in Quality of Talent Agency of the Year for Carat at the Malaysian CMO Conference yesterday. Sharing the stage are Dr Wong Lai Sum (CEO of MATRADE - Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation) and Dato Seri Shazalli Ramly (CEO of Celcom AXIATA Malaysia).

Independent communications and digital media solutions specialist Carat Malaysia has appointed Bala Pomaleh, previously CEO of Posterscope Malaysia, as the new CEO of Carat Malaysia.

Bala succeeds Roy Tan and was a natural choice for the role with more than 20 years of experience and in-depth knowledge across the media, research and out-of-home media planning industries.

Under his leadership, Bala solidified Posterscope's position (a member of Aegis Media Group) as the market leader in the Out of Home advertising industry. He also oversaw the Singapore market.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Bala's caliber and experience to lead Carat,” said Margaret Lim, Executive Chairman, Aegis Media Group. “Bala is a visionary with a proven track record of execution. He has the right operational and communication skills, and leadership abilities to bring Carat to the next level.”

“I am very pleased to join the Carat team, especially at such an exciting time. The team has such extensive experience, expertise as well as a proven track record in the industry. This will enable us to put into motion the great ambitions we have for Carat and to capitalise on the many opportunities that lie ahead,” said Bala.

Roy Tan, who has been with Carat for 9 years, will head Jumptank, a group of people who operate at the point of convergence and act as a catalyst for innovation for all of Aegis's clients.

Commenting on Tan's move, Margaret said, “We would like to thank Roy, who has made a significant contribution to Carat over the past 9 years. Under his leadership, Carat has undergone an impressive turnaround and its competitiveness improved significantly. Tan has demonstrated that he has the right mix of leadership, relevant industry experience and skills to take the company forward, thus we are positive as the Head of Jumptank, he will take it to greater heights.”