Singapore – Chris Riley, who served recently as the group chairman for Ogilvy in Singapore and Malaysia as well as CEO for Ogilvy Singapore, has announced his departure from the agency to join Glydways, a US-based transportation and technology company, where he is appointed as its new chief commercial officer.
Riley began his career in 1995 at Ogilvy Hong Kong, where he now works for the company. The past six years have seen him serve as Ogilvy Singapore CEO and chairman of the board for Singapore and Malaysia, as well as supervising the agency’s experience business in Hong Kong. He has also led IBM’s growth into 147 new markets.
Kent Wertime, who now serves as co-CEO of Ogilvy Asia, will also serve as group chairman for Ogilvy Singapore and Malaysia, and a new Singapore CEO will be chosen soon. Wertime has worked closely with the Singapore Group over the past two decades and is already extremely familiar with the office and clients. Wertime and Riley will collaborate closely to ensure a smooth transition. Announcements on further senior appointments in Singapore will be made in due course.
Wertime said, “I’ve worked closely with Chris for over two decades and would like to thank him for his many contributions to Ogilvy. He has been a true example of Ogilvy at its best. We will miss him but wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Riley commented, “I’m eternally grateful to Ogilvy for providing such stimulating career opportunities which I’ve thoroughly embraced. I’ve worked with fantastic clients, colleagues and friends, and now have an opportunity to apply my skills and experience to something completely new and different.”
Ogilvy shifted to a new global structure with five businesses last year, with regional and local leadership in each. The agency will continue to build the agency and leadership roles while offering clients with complete continuity.
