DDB creates new regional structure in Asia Pacific

The change sees Richard Thomas - currently president and CEO of DDB Hong Kong and Guangzhou - promoted to president of global accounts and chief integration officer for DDB Group Asia Pacific.

Thomas, president and CEO of DDB Hong Kong and Guangzhou since 2007, becomes president of global accounts and chief integration officer for DDB Group Asia-Pacific.

As chief integration officer, Thomas will be responsible for all DDB's multinational clients throughout the Asia Pacific region, a client portfolio including McDonald's, Philips, PepsiCo, Wrigley's, Volkswagen, ExxonMobil and Lipton. He will be tasked with developing creative business solutions specifically for these clients that draw from DDB Group's three core agencies: DDB, Tribal DDB and RAPP.

"Richard's new role signals the importance we place on our multinational business partners and the commitment we have to give our clients the best solutions to help business growth, unrestricted by discipline or siloed thinking," said John Zeigler, chairman and CEO of DDB Group Asia Pacific, Japan and India.

Meanwhile, in Greater China, there will be a newly formed Greater China subregional network, headed up by Dick van Motman, president and CEO of DDB China Group.

This new structure brings together five DDB offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Taipei, creating its own network of Chinese agencies.The agency said the new structure signals further commitment to its clients and brands in and around China.

"These changes and new appointments compliment and reflect its clients' communications and business operations across the region," added Zeigler. "It's about collaboration and focus, but more importantly about achieving superior business results for our clients."