MUMBAI: Digital and direct marketing agency OgilvyOne Asia-Pacific has appointed Jerry Smith as its new regional president. Smith will be based in Hong Kong and will also join the OgilvyOne Worldwide Board. His new role takes effect immediately.
In his new role, Smith will oversee the OgilvyOne operations in 12 local markets across the region. This will involve oversight of all aspects of the OgilvyOne business, which includes a consulting division, digital labs (in Singapore and China), the digital media operation, Neo@Ogilvy, which will continue to be run by Neo@Ogilvy‘s Asia president Susana Tsui and a large number of digital and direct marketing specialists.
The current OgilvyOne Asia president Kent Wertime will now take on the role of chairman of OgilvyOne Asia while he continues his current responsibilities as Ogilvy Japan president.
Smith is a long-term Ogilvy Asia veteran, having worked previously as COO of OgilvyOne Asia and more recently as chairman of Ogilvy‘s Red Works operations.
Said Ogilvy & Mather Asia chairman Tim Isaac, "Jerry has made many significant contributions to Ogilvy over several years. He is both an Ogilvy thought leader as well as an important commercial leader of our business."
Ogilvy & Mather Asia CEO Paul Heath noted that Smith is the perfect pick to lead OgilvyOne Asia since the group‘s growth will come from ongoing expansion of its capabilities in new areas of the business. "Jerry has a mission to ensure that OgilvyOne extends its market leadership position at a time when clients are increasing their digital marketing commitments - and need informed agency guidance on the most effective ways to connect with Asian consumers."
Smith‘s appointment comes at an important time for OgilvyOne Asia. The regional network continues to expand its operations in the region in-line with the growth of digital marketing, analytics, and offshoring demands from clients.
Kent Wertime commented, "I am happy that Jerry is taking on leadership of the OgilvyOne Asia, as I know he will drive the next chapter of OgilvyOne‘s growth in Asia. In the coming several months, OgilvyOne will continue to have more news to share as it expands in areas such as digital consulting, digital production, mobile, and other areas of client need."
