The Canadian-born executive will take on the role of chairman and regional CEO for Saatchi & Saatchi Asia-Pacific, based in Singapore, from 1 June.
Foster held a number of roles in Asia – based in Hong Kong and Tokyo – between 1998 and 2005. For the past three years, he has been CEO of Fallon in Minneapolis, US.
Kevin Roberts, worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, says he is extremely pleased to have such a leader in the growing region. “His return to Asia-Pacific is good news for clients,” he said.
While the remit excludes China, it does take in a combined two billion person-strong market of 13 nations, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
“Serving the everyday needs of these people is a serious business and Chris is our natural leader for this region,” Roberts said.
Foster replaces the Sydney-based Ian Rowden, who has returned to the US with his family.
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