McCann Worldgroup makes global and regional planning appointments

McCaughan, previously director of strategic planning for Asia-Pacific, will continue to oversee McCann Worldgroup Japan along with Yasu Katagi, president and chief executive of that business unit. McCaughan has also been named global planning director for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

McCann is investing heavily into the Truth Central division, according to a spokesperson. The division has published thought-leadership research on social media and mobile marketing so far this year, with additional reports in the pipeline focusing on beauty, digital-savvy mothers, celebrities, class and wellness.

Richard McCabe

McCaughan established McCann Asia's thought leadership program 16 years ago. "With the creation of McCann Truth Central we are now seeing an elevation in our network’s commitment to dig deep and lead the industry away from the wooly thinking that often is credited as ‘consumer research’ and provide some true global thought leadership,” McCaughan said in a statement.

McCaughan will work closely with Laura Simpson, Global IQ Director at McCann Worldgroup, supporting Truth Central's Asia Pacific's efforts.

McCabe joins from Publicis/Publicis Modem, where he established and led a team of brand strategists. He has a 15-year history in Asia and has worked with brands including Procter and Gamble, Heineken, BMW, Citibank, HP and Garnier.

"Richard is a very experienced Asia hand – a significant part of which has been spent in the digital and communications planning realm, which is a clear focus for the future of our company," Charles Cadell, regional president for McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, said in a statement. “I am pleased to have two such talented senior planners in the region."