Chris Thomas, CEO of BBDO Asia, gets expanded responsibility for Middle East and Africa

It's another big jump for the senior executive who has headed up BBDO's Asia operations since 2005. Just two months ago, he was given the Proximity responsibilities,

Then, he joked that one of his tasks would be "figuring out how to turn 24 hours a day into 25". That may now need to be 26 or more.

Still, the network's US leadership is confident Thomas won't be spread too thin. Andrew Robertson, CEO of BBDO Worldwide, said the move would allign Thomas' regional responsibilities with many of the group's global clients.

"Over the last five years, Chris has done an outstanding job leading the transformation of our offer, reputation, and business in Asia," he added. " This move will allow us to leverage his experience and proven ability to build our business in other high population (and) high growth markets.”

Thomas is currently on leave and could not be contacted by Campaign Asia-Pacific today.