Billingsley will sit on the worldwide executive board, representing the only single-country region. He will report directly to Kevin Roberts, CEO worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi, while working closely with Chris Foster, the newly-appointed regional CEO of Asia-Pacific.
The agency says the organisational restructuring of Saatchi & Saatchi Greater China attests to the importance that the head office attaches to China and confirms the intention to increase investment in China in the future.
“China is one of the most important advertising markets in the world, and boasts the most potential. We will continue to enhance and boost business growth in this region,” Roberts commented during his recent visit to China.
“The direct accountability of Saatchi & Saatchi Greater China to head office marks the recognition of our work over the past two years," added Billingsley, "I am fortunate that we have strong management teams and outstanding employees in all our branches, and their efforts make our prosperity possible. With this direct access and resources we will grow even faster. ”
After taking up the position as CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Greater China in May 2009, Billingsley has led the agency in winning key clients like Pernod Ricard, Sanofi-Aventis, Carlsberg, Lexus digital and China Telecom.
Billingsley was previously brand marketing director at Orange in the UK, and has also been global marketing director for Nokia, and brand director for Coca-Cola UK.
Saatchi & Saatchi launched in China in 1992 and now has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.