Lion & Lion Announces Leadership Change: Fredrik Gumpel Steps Down as CEO, Cheelip Ong Appointed Successor

Lion & Lion, a leading digital marketing agency under the umbrella of Septeni Holdings, has announced that Group CEO Fredrik Gumpel will be stepping down from his role in early 2025 after an impactful tenure spanning over five years. The agency emphasized that this transition is part of a well-coordinated succession plan designed to maintain continuity and stability within the organization.

During his time at the helm, Gumpel guided Lion & Lion through an era of transformation and resilience. His leadership was instrumental in driving a financial turnaround, a critical achievement that set a robust foundation for the agency’s growth. Notably, Gumpel steered the company through the unprecedented challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, implementing strategies that not only sustained operations but also ensured the agency’s relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Gumpel also tackled significant industry disruptions head-on, fostering innovation and adaptability across the agency’s teams. His tenure has been characterized by a focus on strengthening Lion & Lion’s operational framework, enhancing client relationships, and expanding its competitive edge in the digital marketing space. The company lauded Gumpel’s contributions, highlighting his role in positioning Lion & Lion as a more resilient and forward-thinking organization prepared for the future of marketing.

“Each challenge we faced only strengthened our resolve to innovate and succeed. With the cost base reduced, the organization is agile and competitive, so the task for 2025 is clear: converting pitches into wins to ensure Lion & Lion’s continued growth. Cheelip has been instrumental in our success and embodies the creative excellence and leadership required to steer Lion & Lion into its next chapter,” Gumpel said.

After Gumpel’s departure, Cheelip Ong, a pivotal creative leader at Lion & Lion for the past five years, will step into the role of Group CEO. Ong’s appointment underscores the Septeni Group’s commitment to continuity and its belief in the power of creative leadership to drive the agency forward.

Daisuke Suefuji, Senior Executive Officer at Septeni Group, also praised Gumpel’s contributions. “Fredrik’s tenure has been nothing short of transformative. He took on the challenge of a significant operational overhaul and successfully repositioned Lion & Lion as a competitive player in the industry. We deeply value his contributions and are confident in Cheelip Ong’s ability to carry forward this momentum. Cheelip’s appointment ensures continuity, trust, and a creative vision aligned with our future ambitions.”

Lion & Lion expressed gratitude for Gumpel’s leadership and commitment, emphasizing the agency’s readiness to enter its next phase under Ong’s direction.