John Koo replaces Jae Hong Kim as MD, Cheil South West Asia

Koo comes in as managing director for Cheil Southwest Asia. He was the managing director of Cheil Worldwide, Italy.

Cheil Worldwide has appointed John Koo as the new managing director for Cheil Southwest Asia region. In his new role, he shall, therefore, also be in charge of the Indian operations. Koo was the managing director for Cheil Worldwide Italy, for the last six years.

Koo replaces Jae Hong Kim, who will move to Cheil's headquarters at Seoul to take a position in the global division.

Koo brings an experience of over 20 years at Cheil, in various positions. In his earlier position at Cheil Italy, Koo was instrumental in planning 'explosive' growth for the agency, which now claims to be ranked amongst the top 10 in that market by size, winning many new businesses from Italian companies. One of his primary thrust areas was digital marketing.

Commenting on his appointment in the Southwest Asia region, Koo remarks, "India is a market with great opportunities and holds a strong position in Cheil's global expansion plans. I am quite impressed with the developments here in the last few years and I will focus on making Cheil the best integrated agency for the digital age in India."

Koo adds that the agency has many plans for expansion and integration that will make it a 'highly competitive agency' in this market. "I look forward to my Indian journey," he says.

Exiting MD Kim comments on his stint with the agency here, "India has been an unbelievable experience for me personally. The vast and diverse culture and the passion of Indian people have been particularly enlightening to me." He adds that he takes 'great pride' in the achievements of Cheil in the last few years. "I am sure the agency will grow from strength to strength from here. I leave with a bit of India in me," he further adds.

Koo will officially take over on April 1.