Expats to inspire local talent at Saatchi & Saatchi: Matt Seddon

As the newly appointed CEO, Seddon has chalked out a plan that he fondly calls the 'business model to provide transformational ideas'. In conversation with afaqs!, he talks about his plans for the agency in the next four months.

The Publicis Groupe has roped in Matt Seddon as CEO (chief executive officer), for the Indian chapter of its group company Saatchi & Saatchi, which so far, has mostly kept a low profile. Seddon, who replaces outgoing CEO Kamal Basu, has already chalked out a business model to provide transformational ideas.

Speaking to afaqs! exclusively, Seddon says, "The first priority will be to create an agency structure and support my team with all the wherewithal, in order to create strategies and ideas for the existing businesses. I will study the existing clients and the way they function, and be ready to present a 360 degree solution to them. In the last three days that I have been here, I have spent most of my time meeting the team, understand the way the agency functions, as well as meet clients."

Going forward, in the next three-to-four months, Saatchi & Saatchi India will be focussing mainly on two aspects. The first aspect will be to attract the right talent. According to Seddon, the agency will hire local talent, as they are better positioned to understand the Indian market. He further adds that the agency will bring in expats from international markets for short durations, in order to inspire the local team. This process will help take the Indian agency closer to the global network.

The second aspect which Seddon plans to focus upon is to beef up its other divisions such as public relations, shopper marketing, events, and activations. "The idea is to provide solutions and engage with clients across all platforms. For this, we will use in-house resources, and if the need arises, will also utilise third party resources. At the same time, we will look at potential acquisitions, mainly in the space of mobile and digital," says Seddon.

Seddon, who has spent a considerable span of his professional career in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Philippines, feels that the vastness of the Indian market, while it presents a pot full of opportunities, provides a big challenge, as well. "Saatchi & Saatchi needs a strong India to ensure growth, and my job will be to create a strong business," Says Seddon.