J. Walter Thompson's Australian CEO, John Gutteridge, has been named as the agency's new Asia Pacific lead as Tom Doctoroff heads back to the US.
In this new role Gutteridge will continue to oversee the Australian and New Zealand businesses, however he will now be based in Singapore.
Gutteridge began his career with J. Walter Thompson in the UK and in 2004 he became managing director of J. Walter Thompson New Zealand. Four years later was appointed MD of J. Walter Thompson Melbourne, and in 2011 promoted to CEO of Australia and New Zealand.
J. Walter Thompson's worldwide CEO, Tamara Ingram, says: “Tom’s indefatigable passion for building domestic and global brands, and his expertise on China has set him, as a business leader, and our agency, apart in this critical, high-growth market. He has left a real legacy of robust growth and thought leadership, not just in China but across Asia, for our network as a whole.”
“I’m confident John will build on that momentum. He is a strategic thinker and a decisive leader who injects a very infectious energy and passion into everything he does,” she added.
Gutteridge's ascendancy has been in the works for a while, with both Gutteridge and Doctoroff working together on what the next steps for the leadership in APAC would be.
Doctoroff, who has spent 24 years with the J. Walter Thompson Company, including 22 years in Asia, and 18 in China, is moving back to the US to pursue a new opportunity, which the agency is currently remaining tight lipped about.
"APAC is one of the most exciting places to be right now. We’re continually reminded of its importance in the global economy, and indeed the immense potential for so many businesses here,” Gutteridge says.
“Tom has been an inspiration to many, and I admire the sense of community he’s worked hard to create across such a diverse group of countries. I’m looking forward to working with our leadership team to ensure we deliver a future focused model with a best in class product.”
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