McCann Worldgroup Philippines confirmed that local media industry icon Venus Navalta is retiring, effective September 15, 2009. To assume her place is Harrison Communications’ Managing Partner Dino Laurena.
Venus Navalta leaves Universal McCann Philippines after growing it into one of the largest and most respected media agencies in the country, and within the UM network globally. Currently, UM Philippines handles media AOR duties for some of the biggest local and regional advertisers, including Globe Telecoms, J&J and Jollibee.
Under her reign, the agency garnered a string of local and international accolades, including winning Media Agency of the Year five times. This June, UM won its highest recognition yet: a Bronze Lion in Cannes and a Bronze award at the Asian Marketing Effectiveness Awards for its "Botelya" campaign for J&J.
According to McCann Worldgroup President and CEO Ricki Arches, “Venus will leave UM with an enduring legacy, as the driving force that propelled the agency to the top in this highly competitive media marketplace. Her outstanding leadership, valuable insights and remarkable contributions will remain as source of inspiration and positive influence."
The youthful Navalta gave no reason for her retirement, only that she was looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Upon Navalta’s exit, Dino Laurena moves to UM. As one of the founders and managing partners, he grew Harrison Communications (McCann’s second advertising agency) into the third largest ad agency in the country.
< width="150" vspace="5" hspace="5" height="150" border="0" align="left" src=" dino-laurena. " alt="" />Laurena spent the most of his advertising career with McCann Philippines, but he held previous account management stints with Dentsu, Young & Rubicam, Lowe, Saatchi & Saatchi and JWT. His more recent experience in managing the Globe Telecom business at Harrison has attuned him to developments in the digital space, which may help strengthen UM Philippines in this arena.
