ASIA-PACIFIC – MAY 31, 2012: Leo Burnett Asia Pacific promoted Saurabh Varma, currently chief strategy officer for Singapore and Malaysia to chief strategy officer for Asia Pacific.
In his new role, Varma reports directly to Leo Burnett Asia Pacific president Jarek Ziebinski and oversee all heads of strategy and planning directors across all Leo Burnett Group offices in Asia Pacific. He will also continue as a member of the Leo Burnett Worldwide HumanKind Standards Board.
Commenting on Varma’s promotion, Ziebinski said,” Saurabh’s new role is all about supporting us on our mission to build the agency of the future. In order to continue our growth momentum to evolve into a modern integrated communications company, we need to continue to deliver even more value for our clients through brilliant strategic thinking, which inspires cutting edge creativity that impacts behavior of people and building HumanKind brands. These are the key reasons why we need someone like Saurabh, positioned at the regional level and entirely focused on this vision.”
Continued Jarek,” He will be responsible for making sure that we have the most talented thinkers in all planning disciplines across markets of Asia Pacific and that they are properly trained and well-equipped with all HumanKind tools and processes. This will help us further develop integrated planning and effectiveness culture. It will also allow us to continue to grow our business in all possible dimensions.”
Varma said,” It is a great privilege to partner Jarek and lead close to 100 incredible planners and strategists in Leo Burnett across Asia Pacific. My ambition is to make Leo Burnett the strategic partner of choice for our clients in Asia Pacific. An outstanding strategic product is key for us to continue our momentum and be the fastest growing and most creative network in the region.”
In line with the appointment, Leo Burnett will also be launching a Regional Effectiveness Council, headed by Varma, which will comprise key Effectiveness leaders overseeing sub regions of Southeast Asia, North Asia, India and Subcontinent and Australia. “As one of the region’s creative powerhouse that top leading global creative rankings and award shows, we want to more effectively prove the value of our ideas and reinforce the culture of effectiveness throughout the network. This new Regional Effectiveness Council is our commitment to achieving this goal,” said Varma.
