Malaysia – Creative agency Ogilvy in Malaysia has appointed Michelle Ong, former CEO of Dentsu One Malaysia, to be its new executive group director.
In her new role, Ong will be driving the agency’s borderless creativity strategy, approach, and opportunities across key clients, as well as elevating the diversity and business leadership capabilities across existing and potential clients. She will be reporting to Nizwani Shahar, CEO of Ogilvy Malaysia.
Moreover, Ong will be joining the agency management team and will be working closely with Adrian Miller, Ogilvy Malaysia’s chief creative officer, Paul Gage, Ogilvy Malaysia’s strategy director, Edmund Quah, Ogilvy Malaysia’s senior program director, and the Ogilvy leadership Team. While she will focus primarily on account management, Ong’s general management experience will be critical in driving the agency’s goals. Her role will also entail streamlining the agency’s internal processes, managing key department operations, and providing guidance and leadership to agency staff members.
Ong is an experienced and solid communications practitioner with 30 years of experience in building a diverse range of brands strategically and creatively. Prior to her recent role at Dentsu One Malaysia, she also served as the COO of Leo Burnett Malaysia. Ong has also spent time in Indonesia where she was the managing director of McCann Worldgroup. Additionally, she has managed blue chip clients and brands, including Coca-Cola, Nestle (Nescafe, Breakfast Cereal), and McDonald’s, as well as Philip Morris, and Dutch Lady, amongst others.
Commenting on her appointment, Ong said, “Ogilvy Malaysia was my jumping-off point in this industry and after a great adventure, I am so glad to return home to where it all started. Ogilvy is a strong network agency which has not only great brands, but also powerful, passionate people that drive creativity with the goal of inspiring brands and people for the better. I look forward to working with Niz and the leadership team to scale greater heights together.”
Meanwhile, Shahar shared that Ong is someone she deeply admire and respect, and with her experience, drive, and proven leadership qualities, Ong brings not only vision and skill but also her wealth of experience in business leadership as well as general management.
“This is another huge step forward for Ogilvy Malaysia as we move from strength to strength, improving our talent density across all levels and departments, and creating a diverse makeup of senior leadership to chart the path of growth. I am thrilled to have Michelle back in the family and greatly look forward to working alongside her again,” she said.
