India
Pune-Based Elephant Expands Into Asia Pacific With New Hub in Singapore: Elephant Design, India’s leading independent design and brand consultancy, has officially expanded its footprint into the Asia Pacific region by opening a new hub in Singapore. The move marks a strategic step to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia and support global brand partnerships.
The newly launched APAC hub will be led by Swetha Iyer, who brings extensive international experience. Previously, she worked with Why by Lonsdale in Singapore and Landor in India, while also maintaining a long-standing association with Elephant. With expertise in design strategy and client relations, she will focus on guiding global consumer brands across the region.
Founded in 1989, Elephant operates with over 70 strategists, researchers, and designers across multiple cities. The consultancy collaborates with prestigious brands including Tata, Reliance, Himalaya, Emami, Marico, Coca-Cola, Domino’s, Revlon, L’Oréal, and Chicco. Furthermore, Elephant is a founding member of The Design Alliance Asia, a network of independent design agencies that has fostered collaboration for more than 25 years.
Transitioning into this new chapter, Ashwini Deshpande, Co-Founder & Director of Elephant, emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity.
“This is not just an augmentation.
We see APAC growing to match, or even surpass, our India practice in the coming years. Our ability to draw cultural insights and collaborate with diverse talent will be the driving force,” she stated.
By establishing operations in Singapore, Elephant seeks to expand its reach in the fast-growing FMCG and consumer brand sector of Southeast Asia. At the same time, the consultancy will continue serving its established clients in the region.
Adding to this, Swetha Iyer, Growth Director – APAC, shared her excitement:
“My association with Elephant has been built on shared values and a passion for consumer brands. Returning to lead the APAC practice feels like a natural continuation of that journey.
Singapore, as the gateway to Southeast Asia, offers a vibrant and diverse cultural footprint that reflects Elephant’s design vision and ethos.”
