Singapore – BBDO/Proximity Asia announces the promotions of Jean-Paul Burge and Carol Potter to new regional positions. At the start of 2010, Burge took on the position of President of Southeast Asia, in addition to his current role as CEO, BBDO Singapore.
Potter became President and CEO of Greater China, expanding on her current role in the region. Both will report to Chris Thomas, Chairman and CEO, BBDO Asia.
“These promotions recognize the exceptional contributions Carol and Jean-Paul have made to the growth and success of our BBDO/Proximity network in Asia,” said Thomas. “Their track record is unsurpassed. We’d be remiss if we didn’t try to make greater use of their talents in helping to further the growth and development of BBDO/Proximity throughout Asia.”
In 2008, BBDO/Proximity was named Creative Network of the Year by Media magazine, and in 2009, BBDO/Proximity was the most awarded agency network, creatively, as measured by Cannes. BBDO/Proximity was also named Network of the Year at the Digital Media Awards and was the most awarded network at the Asia Marketing Effectiveness Awards (AME). “Effective and creative,” noted Thomas.
Both Burge and Potter have been important contributors to this success. Burge joined BBDO in 2003 as regional business development director. He was named to the CEO role in Singapore two years ago. Since then, the agency has won a number of new clients and accounts, including SingTel, NETS, and HP. These are in addition to serving as the regional network lead on current global clients such as P&G, J&J, and Fonterra.
Potter joined BBDO China three years ago and has presided over the rapid development of BBDO/Proximity in that country. Since her arrival, BBDO has opened offices in Beijing to serve clients like Mercedes and HP, and in Guangzhou, to work for Wrigley and P&G. Most recently, BBDO China won the Grand Prix at the China Effie Awards for its work for GE.
“The enlarged responsibilities are designed to provide individual offices with additional network support,” added Thomas. “Carol is a great leader who has built a tremendous team spirit – a spirit that will be extended to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Jean-Paul continues to lead the development of Singapore into a significant regional hub as well as a powerful force in the home market. We have some phenomenally powerful creative agencies in SE Asia – his role will be to help further develop their regional business, talent, and work.”
