Singapore – Ogilvy has announced the appointment of Richard Brett as president of Ogilvy PR Asia-Pacific, effective 1 August 2025. Brett will take on the expanded role while continuing as CEO of Ogilvy PR Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and Ogilvy Health Australia. He will remain based in Sydney.
The move follows the planned departure of Emily Poon, who is stepping down as President of Ogilvy PR Asia-Pacific after 17 years with the firm, including five years in the regional leadership role. Ogilvy said Poon decided earlier this year to take a break and pursue new ventures.
Chris Reitermann, CEO of Ogilvy Asia-Pacific, praised Poon’s contribution, saying, “Emily has been a driving force behind Ogilvy PR’s strength and evolution in the region. Her leadership and dedication have shaped not only our agency’s success and culture but also the careers of many who worked with her. We wish her all the best in her next adventures.” He added that Brett’s promotion reflects the agency’s commitment to nurturing internal talent: “We are excited to have Richard lead Ogilvy PR Asia-Pacific into our next phase of growth.”
Brett joined Ogilvy PR ANZ in 2013 and became CEO in 2018, taking on leadership of Ogilvy Health Australia in 2021. With more than 25 years of experience in communications consultancy and in-house leadership, he is widely recognised for award-winning campaigns, client growth, and fostering a people-centric culture.
Commenting on his appointment, Brett said: “I’m honoured to step into this role and build upon the momentum Emily and our Asia and Australia teams have established. Ogilvy PR’s legacy is built on a people-first culture, bold creativity and cutting-edge innovations, and I’m excited to lead our talented teams into the future.”
He added that continuing his ANZ and Health leadership roles alongside the Asia-Pacific remit would strengthen collaboration across markets.
Julianna Richter, global CEO of Ogilvy PR, said, “Richard’s strategic brilliance and passion for integrated, earned-first creativity make him the perfect fit to guide Ogilvy PR forward in the region. We are confident he will elevate our capabilities in APAC and inspire our team to continue achieving great things.” Richter also paid tribute to Poon’s “charismatic leadership,” saying she would be greatly missed.
Reflecting on her tenure, Poon described her 17 years at Ogilvy as “truly transformative and enriching,” and said she was proud of leading the APAC team for the past five years. “Ogilvy is more than a workplace, it is a community where I found lifelong learnings and lasting bonds in shared purpose,” she said. “While I’m excited for new horizons ahead, my heart remains with friends at Ogilvy. Richard is an extremely talented and values-driven leader—I couldn’t be happier with him taking on the role.”
