Yonder expands Asia Pacific presence with Singapore operation
With demand for its services expanding across Asia Pacific, Yonder has launched a new office in Singapore. The move bolsters the UK headquartered consultancy’s regional presence, which also includes an outpost in Hong Kong.
“Southeast Asia is an extremely dynamic and entrepreneurial region,” commented Manfred Abraham, co-CEO of Yonder. “The fast-growing economy means interesting opportunities are being created across many sectors perfectly aligned with what we do. We truly believe that there is no other firm that can deliver what we can – Yonder’s blend of insight, strategy, and imagination we bring to our clients is really resonating with clients and delivering incredible results.”
Founded in 2020, via the merger of four specialist advisory brands, Yonder commenced life as a unified entity in 2020. Led by Abraham and counterpart Michael Simmonds, its client list included Amazon, BT, Costa Coffee, Formula 1, Lane Crawford, Marks and Spencer, Nationwide, Premier League – and the firm served them via a network of 175 people across London, New York and Hong Kong.
As Yonder looks to grow that capacity, it has entered the Singapore market, through the acquisition of boutique player Chapter & Verse. Founded by CEO Jonathan Bernstein in 2007, Chapter & Verse focuses on three lines of business: brand development, design, and brand experience. Its clients include Jardine Matherson, Barito Pacific Group, Multiverse Labs, Myanma Apex Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, SCG, and Philippine Airlines.
Bernstein has been based in Asia for 15 years, and was formerly the Managing Director of Interbrand in Southeast Asia. Since launching Chapter & Verse, he has led brand development programmes for leading companies including Jardine Matherson, Barito Pacific Group, Multiverse Labs, Myanma Apex Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Philippine Airlines and SCG Thailand.
Terms of the merger have not been disclosed. However, as Chapter & Verse rebrands as Yonder, the deal will see Bernstein push forward the company’s growth ambitions in Singapore.
“I’m excited to bring a new type of consultancy,” said Bernstein. “The Southeast Asian market is a market ready for a new approach and we’re ready to deliver. The success of Yonder in the US, Europe and Greater China shows the power of such a unique approach in delivering beyond the expected for clients, enabling them to innovate and grow by getting closer to their customers.”
Yonder recently celebrated its second anniversary, and as the business looks to build on the momentum of the 20% growth it saw over its last financial year, growing in South Asiais seen as an important goal. Yonder has several longstanding client relationships in the region, while the firm hopes that the addition of Chapter & Verse’s team will position it well to respond to increasing demand for insight and strategy there.
