Ken Mandel departs Yahoo Asia-Pacific

Mandel, who joined Yahoo in January 2008 as regional vice-president and managing director, Southeast Asia, told Campaign it was “absolutely the right time to move on”.

“I can confirm that I am leaving Yahoo, but it was a very hard decision to make,” he added. “Yahoo is a fantastic company that has taught me a lot and given me so many great opportunities. I will miss the people I have worked with over the past few years, especially my current team. I wish them and Yahoo all the best."

During his three-year tenure with Yahoo, Mandel built the company’s business in Southeast Asia, opening offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia.

He also established the first regional agency and brand relations team, working strategically with key regional agency leaders and direct brands on longer-term strategic content programmes and platforms.   

Mandel shifted to the regional role in March 2010, where he was responsible for monetisation and strategy across Yahoo’s entire product line.

Mandel said he is currently looking at new opportunities in the digital space. "The digital market is always hot but even more so now. I am looking at several intriguing opportunities but want to make sure I take enough time to ensure I choose the best possible fit.

“Also, I have a personal venture I want to explore which in a nutshell is connecting Asian internet founders to capital. I will be working with a small portfolio of amazingly talented individuals who have recently founded exciting ventures in need of advisory services, consulting and capital.”

Mandel arrived in Asia in 1994 and has held regional positions at OgilvyOne, Neo@Ogilvy and XM Asia-Pacific.

Mandel’s resignation is the latest in a recent wave of senior staff departures. In October 2010, Yahoo confirmed that three of its executive staff would be leaving the firm’s US operations.

In January this year, the company said it would cut one per cent of its global workforce, just weeks after it announced it would shed four per cent of its staff globally.