OgilvyOne Asia-Pacific has announced the appointment of Jerry Smith as its new regional President, a role that will be effective immediately. He will also join the OgilvyOne Worldwide Board, and will be based out of Hong Kong.
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 President of Ogilvy Japan.
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. Tim Isaac, chairman of Ogilvy & Mather Asia, commented, "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.”
Paul Heath, Ogilvy & Mather Asia chief executive officer, noted that, “Jerry is the perfect pick to lead OgilvyOne Asia since the Group’s growth will come from ongoing expansion of our 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.”
