Morris Sim
Morris Sim, previously chief executive of Brand Karma, now chief marketing officer (CMO) for Next Story Group, said, “It is difficult for asset owners to ensure what they have today will be relevant and monetisable for tomorrow's consumers. Being a part of Next Story Group means asset owners can count on us to differentiate and respond to market changes faster.”
SilverNeedle Hospitality Group has acquired the new media marketing agency, Brand Karma.
The group hotel management division is now branded Next Hotels (formally SilverNeedle Hospitality). Together Next Hotels, Virsa - SilverNeedle's in-house architecture and design agency - and Brand Karma form Singapore-based Next Story Group.
Along with the launch, Next Story Group has appointed veteran hotelier Patrick Imbardelli to its Board of Directors
Anand Nadathur, CEO of Next Story Group, said, “The hospitality landscape is changing and we're evolving in important ways.
“Over the past year we've developed in-house architecture and design capabilities via Virsa, identified new media marketing competency as a must-have which led to the acquisition of Brand Karma.
“We now have the right set of specialised services, and are ready to move forward to help asset owners future-proof their real estate by giving consumers something fresh and relevant.”
Morris Sim, previously chief executive of Brand Karma, now chief marketing officer (CMO) for Next Story Group, said, “It is difficult for asset owners to ensure what they have today will be relevant and monetisable for tomorrow's consumers. Being a part of Next Story Group means asset owners can count on us to differentiate and respond to market changes faster.”
Next Story Group comprises of the following businesses:
• Next Hotels: Named after the group's flagship hotel brand, Next Hotels is a specialised developer of hotels across Asia-Pacific.
• Brand Karma: Award-winning new media marketing agency that builds brands through virtual reality experiences, digital-marketing and creative storytelling. Past clients include Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, AccorHotelsGroup, IHG, Marriott, Tourism Australia, Gap Inc., Honeywell, and Lincoln Motor Company.
• Virsa: Virsa leads the design and development of all hotel, F&B, and urban spaces within Next Story Group, as well as the group's innovations in building tech.