Ogilvy builds up its regional management team

Kent Wertime, O&M’s country head in Japan, will take on additional responsibilities at chief operating officer of O&M Asia-Pacific. He has been overseeing the network’s digital output as part of his leadership of O&M’s digital council since June.

Chris Reitermann, will take on the role of president of O&M Advertising in the region. Currently 360 leader and location head for O&M’s Shanghai office, he will take on the new role from the start of 2012.

Currently in that role, David Mayo will move to become president of O&M’ Asean (Southeast Asia), across all disciplines. He will also take on the new role of Asia-Pacific leader for O&M’s new business and corporate communications.

“I’m really excited, “ Mayo told Campaign, noting the region offered some of the fastest growing markets and greatest potential in Asia-Pacific.  He says he’s also looking forward to working with O&M’s staff in each of those key markets. “It’s a huge opportunity to bring all those skills together (so that) we fight as a team.”

John Goodman, currently president of Ogilvy Action, the group’s shopper marketing arm, will take on added responsibilities (and the presidency of) for Ogilvy Noor, the group’s Islamic branding consultancy.  He will also take on country responsibility for the Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia markets.

Anthony Wong, presently managing director for global brand management, China, will take on the regional presidency for that function. He, along with John Goodman, will also join the regional executive committee.

Paul Heath, chief executive officer of O&M Asia-Pacific, told Campaign the management shuffle has been made with several factors in mind: operational effectiveness, enhancing the senior management focus on clients, and driving O&M’s digital capabilities across all functions. Importantly, the group is looking to ensure both idea generation and O&M’s ability to deliver those digital strategies are enhanced.

“We’ve got to ensure we’ve got the ability to execute what are increasingly complex marketing and communications plans,” he said, adding that the necessary skills were already on the O&M books.

“We’re happy we can provide this focus from existing bench strength,” he said.