Publicis hires Kevin Ramsey as regional CEO

The appointment follows a decision by the agency’s Asia CEO, Matthew Godfrey, to return to his native Australia. Godfrey, who was promoted to the Asia CEO post in mid-2007, is expected to take up a senior position within Publicis Mojo Group Australia and New Zealand. Godfrey will remain in the region for some months to facilitate a stong handover.

According to Richard Pinder, the Publicis Worldwide chief operating officer, Ramsey’s remit will cover the entire Asia-Pacific region, based out of Hong Kong.

Pinder said: "Kevin has impeccable credentials - he builds winning teams, has tremedous operational experience across the region and combines blue chip global clients expertise with entrepreneurial flair. Importantly we share common values - a commitment to creativity, to digital marketing solutions and to creating contagious ideas thaat change the conversation to drive growth for our clients and their brands. I regarded him as a formidable competitor when I was working in the region and I am proud to have him join us."

Regional vice-chairman and chief creative officer Calvin Soh will remain in his dual role, reporting to Ramsey.

“When we gave Matt [Godfrey] the Asia CEO job, he informed us then that he couldn’t do it more than a couple of years and would return to Australia for family reasons,” Pinder said. "Matt has done a great job for us and as a result we have a strong platform in the region as evidenced by the excellent performance in the 2009 Agency of the Year Awards. He can be extremely proud of his legacy. He leaves with my very best personal wishes and our warmest thanks."

Ramsey said: "I am excited to be joining Publicis. The network has an intriguing point of difference and is uniquely prepared to deliver growth to clients in today's new reality. Matt has developed excellent client relationships across the region and we will be working together through a transition period while I get up to speed. I am also looking forward to working with Calvin Soh. The creative work has fuelled a new dynamism for Publicis which we can take real advantage of."

The Publicis appointment represents a quick return to a senior agency role for Ramsey, and marks his fourth stint at the head of a regional network.

He was previously Asia chief of JWT and M&C Saatchi, and most recently served as Asia-Pacific president and CEO for McCann Worldgroup until August 2009 when Michael McLaren took over the role.

Ramsey spent just over two years in the dual role of McCann regional chief and Japan CEO.

Pinder has made a number of key hires in the region in recent months, including the high profile appointment of Craig Davis, the former worldwide creative officer at JWT, as co-chairman and chief creative officer of Publicis Mojo last year.

In Singapore, Publicis announced a series of restructures to its creative department, promoting Ajay Thrivikraman to executive creative director following the departure of senior creative director Raymond Quah.

In August last year, it named Sam Cassels chief executive in Singapore following the merger of Saatchi & Saatchi with Fallon in Japan.