SINGAPORE — Rupen Desai is departing his role as Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa vice chairman at Edelman, the Holmes Report can reveal. 

Desai joined Edelman two years ago as one of its key adland hires, entrusted with helping the world's largest PR firm unlock bigger marketing budgets. Prior to Edelman, Desai spent more than two decades with Lowe, rising to the position of Asia-Pacific president.

"I came in to build a strong integrated brand practice in the region," Desai told the Holmes Report. "During my time at Edelman, we added brilliant creative, planning and digital leaders across key offices in the regions. The integrated brand practice of 750+ talent has been winning lead agency assignments with clients like Arla, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Direct Asia etc. I am really proud of the teams and work I leave behind."

Desai's departure comes after last year's exits of global brand chair Mark Renshaw, North American creative chief John Clinton and global digital chair Kevin King. Edelman has also restructured its practice head offering, as the firm focuses on regional and local P&Ls in a bid to reinvigorate growth. 

An Edelman spokesperson confirmed that Desai had decided to leave the firm.  "Jesse Lin, regional CEO (and another senior advertising hire), will work closely with the senior leadership to look at the shape of the team and the requisite skills needed to help drive the business forward during this transition period, building on the success of recent years."