Vietnam – Huw Gildon has rejoined Publicis Groupe Vietnam as chief strategy officer (CSO), returning to the agency for the first time since his departure in 2015.
Bringing 25 years of international and APAC experience, Gildon joins Publicis Groupe to strengthen the agency’s strategic capabilities in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. Effective immediately, he will lead strategy across the Groupe’s agency brands in Vietnam.
Gildon previously served as executive vice president and global planning director for Samsung at Leo Burnett’s Chicago headquarters, where he earned a Cannes Titanium Lion and Gold Lion for the brand and contributed to shaping Leo’s HumanKind philosophy.
After leaving Publicis in 2015, he moved to Hong Kong and most recently served as CSO for Edelman APAC.
“I am honestly thrilled to be coming back to Publicis Groupe – a priority market for many CMOs owing to its growth, dynamism, and massive creative potential, as well as its incredible portfolio of local brands,” said Gildon.
“The business world is more complex than it’s ever been, and as a result, creativity has never been more valuable. Diverse teams working within an integrated ‘Power of One’ model can solve the most complex business problems – I believe this is a source of huge and distinct value for Publicis Groupe Vietnam,” he added.
Gildon comes on board at a critical time, with Publicis Groupe Vietnam achieving record growth over the past two years through innovative client models that aim to redefine marketing transformation standards.
Kate Bayona-Garcia, CEO of Publicis Groupe Vietnam, commented, “Together with our existing strategy teams and creative leaders, Huw will ensure that our thinking for clients is of the highest order, inspiring, groundbreaking – and effective – creative ideas. He will also collaborate with our media and PR experts to engineer an integrated and holistic approach to problem-solving. As a voice of truth, integrity and rigour, we can’t wait to make magic together.”
