DDB Creates New Regional Structure in the Asia Pacific Region

HONG KONG, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- DDB Group Asia Pacific has announced two major changes to its regional management structure to complement and reflect its clients' communications and business operations across the region.

The change sees Richard Thomas — currently President and CEO of DDB Hong Kong and Guangzhou — promoted to President of Global Accounts and Chief Integration Officer for DDB Group Asia Pacific.

DDB also announced the creation of a newly formed Greater China subregional network. Headed up by Dick van Motman, DDB Greater China Group will include five office locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Taipei.

John Zeigler, Chairman and CEO of DDB Group Asia Pacific, Japan and India, said, "I believe these changes are vital to maintain the momentum we have generated as a regional network in the past few years."

"These new appointments speak directly to our clients and what we believe they need to succeed in this region. It's about collaboration and focus, but more importantly about achieving superior business results for our clients."

Richard Thomas, President of Global Accounts and Chief Integration Officer for DDB Group Asia Pacific

In his new role, Richard will be responsible for all DDB's multinational clients throughout the Asia Pacific region. This includes brands such as McDonald's, Philips, PepsiCo, Wrigley's, Volkswagen, ExxonMobil and Lipton. As Chief Integration Officer, he will be tasked with developing creative business solutions specifically for these clients that draw from DDB Group's three core agencies: DDB, Tribal DDB and RAPP.

"Richard's new role signals the importance we place on our multinational business partners and the commitment we have to give our clients the best solutions to help business growth, unrestricted by discipline or siloed thinking," said John.

Dick van Motman, President and CEO of DDB Greater China Group

The newly formed Greater China subregion signals further commitment to clients and brands in and around China. This new structure, under Dick, brings together five agencies—Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Taipei—creating its own network of Chinese agencies.

"DDB Greater China Group heralds a new era for DDB in this part of the world. Our clients will look at our multiple Greater China businesses and see a wealth of talent and capabilities second to few other agencies. I know that this move will further consolidate our leadership in all communication areas, and under Dick's leadership we will see continued momentum in the growth of our business, and increased opportunities for our clients, who will be given access to greater depth of capabilities and talented people."

"It's an exciting time to be in the creative business. Following our success at Spikes, and on the heels of our multimarket business growth, I am very pleased to say it is a great time to be at DDB," John added.

The changes will take effect January 1, 2011.

DDB Group Asia Pacific

DDB Group Asia Pacific is a cohesive collaboration of global businesses, including the world's most awarded advertising agency, DDB; the world's leading digital agency and Media's Digital Agency of the Year for 2009, Tribal DDB; the global leader in data-driven marketing and analytics, RAPP; and DDB Health, a specialist agency dedicated to servicing the healthcare and medical field. Group capabilities also include design, sales promotion and public relations orientated agencies in specific countries. DDB Asia Pacific is comprised of 21 offices in 14 countries across the region and is part of the DDB Worldwide communications network.

DDB Worldwide

DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) ranks among the top five consolidated advertising and marketing services global networks, according to Advertising Age. Consistently one of the most creatively awarded networks globally, DDB was Campaign's 2009 Global Network of the Year, the Spikes Asia 2010 Network of the Year, and captured both the Cyber Grand Prix and Film Craft Grand Prix at the 2010 International Advertising Festival in Cannes. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, the DDB Group helps grow the value and influence of leading brands around the world. We believe that creativity is the most powerful force in business, allowing us to develop the ideas that people want to play with, participate in and pass along. We call this Social Creativity, which results in ShareValue, the powerful combination of influence within social communities and tangible business performance. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC).

SOURCE DDB