Singapore – McCann Singapore has promoted Gonzalo Olivera to Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition as current leader Paul Soon prepares to leave the agency and relocate to the United States.
Olivera previously served as president of McCann Singapore and had earlier spent nearly 13 years with MullenLowe Singapore. During his tenure, the two agencies were brought together to form the current iteration of McCann Singapore.
The agency said it is entering a new phase with the ambition of becoming a growth partner to clients, combining a challenger mindset with the scale and heritage of its “Truth Well Told” philosophy. McCann aims to further develop a more integrated agency model designed to help brands drive demand, influence culture, build trust and deliver measurable growth.
Olivera has been based in Singapore since 2013, when he relocated to manage global accounts for Unilever. He later led growth for MullenLowe Group and became managing partner at MullenLowe Singapore at the end of 2022. The agency said Olivera brings an entrepreneurial perspective to the role, including experience from the startup sector and a focus on agencies acting as growth partners for clients.
The appointment follows a six-month succession plan that will see Soon depart the agency and Singapore for personal reasons. Soon has spent more than 25 years in the country’s advertising industry.
During his tenure, Soon helped expand the agency’s digital and government client portfolio and advanced its work in artificial intelligence.
According to the agency, the transition was planned to ensure continuity for clients and teams while enabling the leadership group to establish itself ahead of the change.
Gonzalo Olivera, incoming CEO of McCann Singapore, said, “We thank Paul for his contribution in building McCann Singapore into the agency it is today, with creative ambition, a clear philosophy and commercial credibility. This industry may be measured in dollars, but it is built on relationships. Having had the chance to work with someone I can count as a friend has been a real privilege. The culture of this agency has been built on ethics, honesty, transparency and camaraderie, and even with Paul on the other side of the world, that spirit will remain very much alive here.”
“Now we are focused on the next chapter: building an agency where creativity proves growth, integrated systems drive brand performance, and deep partnerships with clients enable us to do meaningful work.”
Sean Donovan, President for Asia at Omnicom Advertising, said, “We wish Paul well in his next season of life. Under his leadership, McCann Singapore has sharpened its point of view, deepened client relationships, and demonstrated that creativity with commercial rigour is one of the most powerful things an agency can offer. Paul is leaving behind an agency that knows who it is, and under Gonzalo’s leadership and direction, is positioned to grow in its next phase. On a personal note, I want to thank Paul for his partnership and leadership over the past six months as we re-imagined McCann Singapore.”
Commenting on his departure, Soon said, “First, I am deeply grateful for the 20 odd years I have had the privilege to be part of Singapore’s creative industry, working alongside some of the finest talents and competing against each other, while maintaining compassion and respect for one another’s craft and perspectives. Thank you for having me. Goodbye for now. I will miss everyone.”
“Second, to my colleagues, new and old, at McCann Singapore, Truth Well Told should never sound easy, should never hide behind more slides, and most importantly, it should be embodied with meaning in everything you do, your work and in your life. The truth will always set anything free. I look forward to more amazing work ahead. Lastly, I would like to thank Sean and Gonzalo for their kind words and close partnership during this period of transition. I am forever grateful for the bonds formed and the generous support given during this period. I will be rooting for you both from afar!”
The leadership change follows several recent appointments at McCann Singapore, including the naming of Rajiv Jayaraj as general manager and lead of McCann Content Studios.
