leadership transition Archives - MARKETECH APAC https://marketech-apac.com/tag/leadership-transition/ Making Marketing for all Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:22:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.5 https://marketech-apac.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/marketech-icon.png leadership transition Archives - MARKETECH APAC https://marketech-apac.com/tag/leadership-transition/ 32 32 Kent Wertime to retire from Ogilvy after 27 years; Chris Reitermann shifts focus to WPP Greater China https://marketech-apac.com/kent-wertime-to-retire-from-ogilvy-after-27-years-chris-reitermann-shifts-focus-to-wpp-greater-china/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:22:23 +0000 https://marketech-apac.com/?p=144838 USA – Ogilvy is reshaping its global and Asia-Pacific leadership structure as Kent Wertime retires and Chris Reitermann exits his APAC role to focus fully on leading WPP Greater China. Wertime will officially retire at the end of June, stepping down from his roles as co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC, Global Chief Operating Officer of Ogilvy, […]

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USA – Ogilvy is reshaping its global and Asia-Pacific leadership structure as Kent Wertime retires and Chris Reitermann exits his APAC role to focus fully on leading WPP Greater China.

Wertime will officially retire at the end of June, stepping down from his roles as co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC, Global Chief Operating Officer of Ogilvy, and Global Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy One.

He joined Ogilvy in 1999 as CEO of Ogilvy Interactive Asia Pacific and went on to hold a series of regional and global leadership positions over nearly three decades. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw multiple responsibilities across the network and played a key role in the agency’s digital transformation efforts.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to help lead this incredible agency across both its global and regional frontiers. I have had the honor of working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in our industry worldwide,” Wertime said. 

“I want to thank Chris, my partner of ten years, for a shared journey in Asia Pacific filled with trust, mutual respect, and plenty of laughs. My deepest gratitude goes to our clients and the entire Ogilvy family globally and in APAC. I leave with absolute confidence in the talent, character, and ambition of this global network as it steps into its next chapter.” 

Alongside Wertime’s retirement, Reitermann will also step away from his role as co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC to focus exclusively on his position as CEO of WPP Greater China.

Reitermann said, “Leading Ogilvy APAC alongside Kent has been an extraordinary journey. Our partnership has been built on deep trust and friendship, and I could not have asked for a better partner to navigate the highs and challenges of this dynamic region. As I transition to focus entirely on driving WPP’s growth and integration in Greater China, I am incredibly proud of what we have built together.”

“I know the APAC region is in great hands with Kyoko and our regional leadership team, and I wish Kent nothing but happiness in his retirement.” 

Wertime and Reitermann have jointly led Ogilvy APAC since 2016, overseeing the network through a period marked by digital acceleration and evolving market dynamics across the region.

Wertime’s departure also leaves vacancies in his global positions as Ogilvy’s chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Ogilvy One, with successors yet to be announced.

In the interim, leadership responsibilities previously shared by Wertime and Reitermann will be assumed by the regional leadership team, which will work with local market leaders and Ogilvy’s global headquarters to maintain continuity across the network.

Commenting on the changes, Laurent Ezekiel, Global Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy, said, “Kent is a true Ogilvy giant. Over his 27 years with the agency, he has demonstrated a rare combination of vision, sharp commercial acumen, and steady leadership. From pioneering our early digital transformation in Asia to simultaneously holding three of the most demanding roles in our global network, Kent’s impact on our business and our clients is immeasurable. We are immensely grateful for his dedication, his wisdom, and the incredible legacy of mentorship he leaves behind. We wish him the absolute best in a very well-deserved retirement.” 

Laurent added, “We also want to thank Chris for his outstanding leadership as Co-CEO of APAC alongside Kent. Under their joint stewardship, our APAC network has flourished as a creative and economic powerhouse. While Chris moves away from his Ogilvy regional role, we are thrilled that WPP Greater China will continue to benefit from his exceptional leadership, focus, and drive.”

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Astro Group CEO Euan Smith steps down, leadership transition underway https://marketech-apac.com/astro-group-ceo-euan-smith-steps-down-leadership-transition-underway/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:43:30 +0000 https://marketech-apac.com/?p=144098 Malaysia – Astro Malaysia Holdings has announced that Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Euan Smith has stepped down after six years in the role, including two term extensions during his tenure. Euan joined Astro in April 2020 as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of TV before being promoted to GCEO in February […]

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Malaysia – Astro Malaysia Holdings has announced that Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Euan Smith has stepped down after six years in the role, including two term extensions during his tenure.

Euan joined Astro in April 2020 as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of TV before being promoted to GCEO in February 2023.

The announcement was made by the company via its official website.

While the company searches for a permanent successor to the GCEO role, it has appointed Henry Tan, who previously served as GCEO of Astro from February 2019 to January 2023, as interim GCEO effective 16 June 2026.

Henry will oversee overall leadership of the company and be responsible for its performance and operations, supported by Astro’s executive leadership team.

Euan will continue to provide technical advisory support to the Board until 6 December 2026.

“With the platform transition well advanced, it is timely for a change of leadership at Astro to navigate the business moving forward,” the company wrote. “The Astro Board would like to record its appreciation to Euan for his leadership and contributions over the past 6 years and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

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GoTo nominates Hans Patuwo as new CEO, succeeding Patrick Walujo https://marketech-apac.com/goto-nominates-hans-patuwo-as-new-ceo-succeeding-patrick-walujo/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:29:44 +0000 https://marketech-apac.com/?p=126847 Indonesia – PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GoTo Group) has announced a major leadership change, naming long-time executive and COO Hans Patuwo as its new CEO, succeeding Patrick Walujo, who is stepping down after leading the company through a strategic turnaround. Patuwo’s appointment is subject to approval at the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders […]

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Indonesia – PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GoTo Group) has announced a major leadership change, naming long-time executive and COO Hans Patuwo as its new CEO, succeeding Patrick Walujo, who is stepping down after leading the company through a strategic turnaround.

Patuwo’s appointment is subject to approval at the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) on 17 December 2025. The nomination and transition follow a structured succession process prepared by the Board of Directors, aimed at ensuring stability, strategic continuity, and operational discipline as GoTo enters its next phase of growth and profitability.

Patuwo brings nearly eight years of experience across Gojek, GoPay, and GoTo, having led several key business lines. He joined Gojek in 2018 as chief operating officer, focusing on driver-partner and transport operations, and later played a strategic role in developing and expanding GoTo Financial (GTF), serving as President as it became one of Indonesia’s most prominent fintech platforms.

Currently serving as COO and president of on-demand services (ODS), Patuwo oversees operations across the ecosystem, driving growth, efficiency, and profitability through data-driven management. Before joining Gojek, he held roles in the US, China, and Singapore, including as a partner at management consulting firm McKinsey.

His appointment comes amid speculation of a possible merger between GoTo and Grab, which the Indonesian firm has denied.

Patuwo will take over from Walujo, who has served as CEO since June 2023. Walujo is also a co-founder and managing partner of Northstar Group, and was an early investor in Gojek, the on-demand services arm of GoTo.

Commenting on the transition, Walujo said, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone within the GoTo family for their unwavering dedication throughout the transformation of the past two years. I am deeply proud of the collective effort of the team, whose hard work has been instrumental in bringing the company to the position of strength it is in today.”

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Hans, who has played a pivotal role in GoTo’s journey for nearly a decade. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations, ranging from on-the-ground experience to high-level organisational strategy. His proven leadership capability as well as his integrity make him the right person to lead GoTo into its next phase,” he added. 

Alongside the CEO transition, GoTo is making several changes to its board. Ade Mulyana, director of public affairs and communications, has resigned to focus on family and other professional commitments. Commissioners Pablo Malay and Winato Kartono have also stepped down. Andre Soelistyo and Santoso Kartono have been nominated to fill these vacancies, bringing strategic experience in technology and investment to strengthen the Board’s supervisory and governance functions.

Agus Martowardojo, president commissioner of GoTo, stated, “I would like to thank Patrick for his brilliant leadership over the past two and a half years, during which we have witnessed a period of remarkable transformation. Since his appointment in June 2023, he has steered GoTo through a disciplined and strategic turnaround—one that has fundamentally strengthened our financial foundation, sharpened our operational focus, and restored clarity on our long-term direction.”

He continued, “I would also like to congratulate Hans on his nomination to become GoTo President Director and CEO. His significant experience within the ecosystem, as well as his commitment to driver-partner and merchant welfare, make him the ideal candidate to drive the company forward.”

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