BBDO/Proximity Singapore ECD Juggi Ramakrishnan confirmed rumors that he is ending his term this Christmas, to join Ogilvy Asia Pacific, effective February 1, 2010. He told adobo magazine that he would take on the newly created position of deputy regional executive creative director, reporting to Eugene Cheong. .
Said Eugene Cheong, creative president, Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific: “Juggi is a rare talent, he is one of Asia’s most respected creatives; I’m thrilled he’s joined our team. Despite the downturn, we remain committed to investing in top talent for the sake of our clients and their business. Juggi’s remit is to elevate the standard of our overall creative output, with a special emphasis on Southeast Asia."
Ramakrishnan is the latest addition to Ogilvy’s regional bench, after Cheong. With Thai Khai Meng’s promotion to global ECD, Asia is obviously wielding more influence in the Ogilvy network.
He joined BBDO/Proximity Singapore as ECD in 2007 and played a major role in its growth. However, a statement from Jean-Paul Burge, CEO of BBDO/Proximity Singapore indicated that the agency and his star creative differed on priorities.
"In the last year it has been become even more important for us to deliver integrated ideas for all our clients. Juggi has shown a desire to concentrate on award-wining projects, his ambition to continue on this path will be better met at a different agency. As such he will leave the agency at Christmas. I have an immense amount of respect for Juggi and we all wish him the best; however, it is our responsibility to delver ideas and produce hard-working campaigns for all our clients. As such we are restructuring our creative department and bringing in the talent that share these ambitions."
Upon Ramakrishnan’s departure, Danny Searle, chief creative officer and chairman of BBDO/Proximity Singapore, will retain overall control and direction of the creative department director.
