JWT announces leadership restructure in Asia Pacific

Tom Doctoroff will take on the role of CEO, JWT Asia Pacific (APAC), Colvyn Harris will become CEO, South Asia. While Michael Maedel move into the role of non-executive chairman for Asia.

JWT announced its leadership restructuring in Asia Pacific to reflect Asia's growing global importance, and underscore JWT's commitment to the region's diverse and vibrant markets. The announcement has been made by Bob Jeffrey, Worldwide chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), JWT.

As per the new structure, JWT's North Asia Area director and Greater China, CEO Tom Doctoroff will take on the role of CEO, JWT Asia Pacific (APAC), at the end of this year. In his role, he will oversee Northeast and Southeast Asia, as well as Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.

JWT India CEO Colvyn Harris will become CEO, South Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Nepal) and take on added responsibilities of JWT's Indian companies, including Contract Advertising, Hungama Digital Services, JWT Mindset and Encompass. Doctoroff and Harris will report to Jeffrey.

Whereas Michael Maedel who has spent 22 years in leadership roles in JWT will move into the role of non-executive chairman for Asia. He will be based in Singapore and will work with Doctoroff and Harris in an advisory role until he retires 2014.

In an official communique, Bob Jeffrey, Worldwide chairman and CEO, JWT says, "Tom and Colvyn are both dynamic leaders with strong connections to the markets, the consumers and the clients. By leveraging the strengths and strategic insights of these two very talented people, JWT is uniquely positioned to maximize growth in this critical and dynamic region."

"We are in the midst of a revolution of consumer empowerment. I look forward to working with client partners in this fast-changing region to find new synergies between classic brand building and next-stage consumer engagement in the digital era," says Doctoroff on his new role.

Doctoroff, who has been with the agency for almost 20 years', continues with his commitment to build the agency's footprint in Asia. Under his leadership, JWT North Asia has diversified into customer relationship marketing, field marketing, promotion network management and digital engagement.

Doctoroff joined JWT in 1992, moved to Hong Kong in 1994, and became the managing director of JWT Shanghai in 1998. In 2002, he was appointed Greater China CEO and Northeast Asia Area director, a remit that included Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In 2008, Doctoroff assumed the role of North Asia Area Director. Prior to JWT, Doctoroff worked for Leo Burnett.

While Harris, who has spent 33 years at JWT, continues to lead the agency as CEO, South Asia. He has held various industry leadership roles, including president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, and has addressed global audiences as a speaker at the World Economic Forum, London Business School and The Wharton School.