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M&C Saatchi promotes executive creative director Ben Welsh to creative chairman of Asia

Welsh

Welsh

M&C Saatchi executive creative director Ben Welsh has been named as the agency’s creative chairman of Asia, with Welsh to be focused on pitching for both international and national brands across the region.

The move comes six months after the agency took Leo Burnett chief creative officer Andy DiLallo for the newly-created role of chief creative officer, and comes as the agency is embroiled in a pitch to retain one of its largest clients Optus.

Welsh has been with M&C Saatchi for 18 years, joining in 1997 as a senior writer before being promoted to creative director in 2003.

Moray MacLennan, CEO Worldwide at M&C Saatchi, said in a statement: “This appointment underlines our commitment to the core of our business – the creative product. Ben is the best combination of strategic thinker and creative leader.

“Add in his boundless energy and Asia will be hugely strengthened. He is also an excellent brand ambassador for M&C Saatchi having worked for us for the last 18 years.”

Welsh will also be responsible for attracting creative talent and developing the creative output of the five agencies the M&C network runs in the Asian region.

Commenting on his promotion Welsh said in a statement: “I’m really excited at the thought of what we can do in the region. We have some brilliant people and I look forward to working with them to create an impact in such a diverse part of the world.”

The appointment follows on from the announced departure of M&C Saatchi regional CEO Chris Jacques in May. Jacques remains with the agency until the end of the year.

Welsh will commence in his new role on October 1 and will be based in Sydney. His new role will involve regular travel to Singapore, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Welsh will start his new role on October 1.

M&C Saatchi Sydney clients include Commonwealth Bank, Lexus, Wotif and Etihad.

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