Tag: Exit Roles

Singapore – VML has announced that Audrey Kuah, most recently the co-CEO of VML APAC, has stepped down from her role in pursuit of new opportunities–the agency has confirmed to MARKETECH APAC when reached out to.

“Audrey Kuah, co-CEO of VML APAC has decided to transition out of her role to pursue new opportunities. While we are sad to see her go, we’re excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter,” the agency stated.

They added, “During her tenure as co-CEO, Audrey played a critical role to the success of both Wunderman Thompson and VML. Her leadership, experience, and passion have been invaluable during this period of transformation. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

VML has also noted that moving forward, Yi-Chung Tay, previously co-CEO along with Audrey, will assume the role of CEO, leading VML APAC into its next chapter.

Audrey became the co-CEO of VML APAC following the formation of said agency through the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R by advertising holdings giant WPP in October 2023.

Prior to the merger, Audrey was the CEO of Wunderman Thompson APAC where she oversaw the creative and strategic growth of the business across the APAC region.

She joined the agency following a stint at OCBC Bank as its former head, group marketing, global consumer and financial services, and was responsible for driving business and growth-focused marketing initiatives for the bank.

Singapore – Eugene Lee, who was most recently the international chief marketing officer (IDL) at McDonald’s, has announced his departure from the company after spending 15 years with it. 

In a LinkedIn post, Eugene stated that it is time to step out of his comfort zone and explore a world beyond McDonald’s, using the skills he has learnt at this brand to build new things.

“I still remember my very first campaign as a young Marketing Executive – the 2009 Coke Glasses, and the excitement of seeing customers lining up for it at the restaurants. Who would have thought this Malaysian would eventually end up leading Marketing for 80x markets across the globe, spanning Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia as International CMO,” he stated.

He added, “When I reflect on my time with the brand, I realize that it’s the genuine relationships I’ve built with my teams that I’ll miss the most.”

In a quick conversation with MARKETECH APAC, Eugene reflected on his 15-year journey with McDonald’s, stating, “Over my 15-years, whether it was my days as a young marketing executive, or during my time as International CMO, I’ve learnt that “People will forget what you tell them, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. And this applies the most to marketing, where it isn’t about shouting about how cheap, how great, or how amazing your product is… it’s about making them feel something to create an impact.”

When asked for his reason for stepping down, Eugene noted that as he had just turned 40 in December, and after careful reflection, 15 years with a brand is a long time. At a personal level, he opened up how his prolonged travels was taking toll on his personal time with his family.

“I’m excited to be taking some time off for now to spend with family and friends, and be thoughtful about my next step. I’m [also] excited to explore different industries – especially my own passion points like e-sports, music or automotive,” he stated.

Prior to his international role, Eugene served as the regional chief marketing offcer at McDonald’s, and was responsible for the regional rollout of the highly-anticipated BTS x McDonald’s collaboration in April 2021.

Eugene joined the global fast-food chain in 2009 as a senior marketing executive, and has rose to the ranks over time, until he took on the role of marketing director for Malaysia in 2016. He was then promoted to senior director of marketing, strategy & insights in 2019 and then to regional director of marketing and menu for Asia in 2020.

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.