Ramsey has spent slightly over two years in the dual role of McCann Worldgroup’s regional chief Asia and CEO of McCann Worldgroup Japan. He took on the Asia-Pacific responsibilities in June 2007 after heading McCann Japan operations since late 2004. He previously headed the regional networks of JWT and M&C Saatchi.
Talking about his departure, Ramsey said that he had been discussing the issue of his succession with John Dooner for some time as Japan “has been a challenging market from a business and personal perspective.”
“Given my desire to remain in Asia, and the McCann system of having the Asia-Pacific President also run the biggest market, Japan, the natural consequence is that I will now look for another opportunity,” he said.
McLaren has been with McCann since 1999, and his current role has oversight of a number of key McCann Worldgroup multinational accounts based in North America. From May 2007 until January of this year he held the post of president of McCann Erickson US. Prior to this, he was worldwide director of global accounts.
Commenting on McLaren’s appointment, John Dooner, the network’s global chairman, said: “He understands the needs of global clients, has operational experience in our single largest market, as well as entrepreneurial success. All of those assets will be key to running McCann Worldgroup’s most extensive geographical region, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
“I am very proud of the progress we have made in the last few years in building the capabilities, profile and product quality of Worldgroup and would like to thank John Dooner for giving me the chance to work with such a great brand,” added Ramsey. “I have been supported by a talented team of people second to none in both Japan and the region.”
Matt Ross, the president of McCann Worldgroup San Francisco, will be taking over as the CEO of Worldgroup EXP.