M&C Saatchi Sydney's long-serving executive creative director, Ben Welsh, is stepping up to take on the role of the network's creative chairman of Asia.
Welsh has been with M&C Saatchi Sydney for 18 years and his appointment follows the departure of Chris Jacques who was regional CEO.
He will be based in Sydney but regularly traveling to Singapore, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Tokyo.
The global network said Welsh's appointment marks an emphasis on the region within the business, with markets in the region growing dramatically over the past few years.
According to ZenithOptimedia’s Advertising Expenditure Forecasts, while ad growth has dipped slightly in China it is still growing twice as fast as the world as a whole.
Welsh’s focus will be pitching for both international and national brands in each region, attracting creative talent and developing the creative output of the five agencies the network runs there.
Welsh helped to establish M&C Saatchi Sydney as one of the leading creative shops in Australia – and has led the agency to its biggest trophy-haul yet at Cannes this year. M&C Saatchi Australia came home with a coveted Titanium Lion, one of only five up for grabs, to cap off a 10-Lion haul.
Moray MacLennan, CEO worldwide at M&C Saatchi, said: “This appointment underlines our commitment to the core of our business – the creative product. Ben is the best combination of strategic thinker and creative leader. Add in his boundless energy and Asia will be hugely strengthened. He is also an excellent brand ambassador for M&C Saatchi having worked for us for the last 18 years.”
Welsh commented that he's excited at the thought of what the business can do in the region.
“We have some brilliant people and I look forward to working with them to create an impact in such a diverse part of the world,” he said.
Welsh joined M&C Saatchi Sydney in 1997 as a senior writer and was then promoted to creative director in 2003. Previously, he led a team of more than 50 creatives working across digital, direct, retail and above the line media in the agency.
He will start his new role on 1 October.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.