Ex-O&M creative takes on Locke's role in Singapore

Steve Straw, Ogilvy & Mather's former creative director in Johannesburg, took over the Singapore role from May 3. Locke said Straw's appointment would allow her to focus on her regional work. "I will retain an active role in Singapore as agency chairman, continuing to work with key clients in Singapore and regionally." John O'Shea, the managing director of Leo Burnett Singapore, described Straw as the future. "He is very talented and determined to improve the quality of the work. It's great for Leo Burnett and for Singapore overall." Straw, O&M Johannesburg's creative director for the past two years, said he decided to join Burnett because of its strong creative reputation. "For a creative person, the client list is always a major draw card. LB certainly has a few gems in its bag. "Leo Burnett is also known as the network people join and never leave, which was an attraction for me." Straw has also worked at Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis and BLGK Bates in South Africa and has Cannes, One Show and the Lories awards to his credits. This is Straw's first posting outside South Africa.