McCann Singapore announced the promotion of Gonzalo Olivera to Chief Executive Officer.
Gonzalo was previously the President at McCann, and prior to that with MullenLowe Singapore for nearly 13 years, and under his leadership and guidance the two agencies have come together to form an exciting new version of McCann.
McCann Singapore is entering this new chapter with a clear ambition: to become the most valuable growth partner to clients. Leveraging a challenger mindset with the scale, heritage and identity of Truth Well Told philosophy, McCann is building a more integrated, modern agency, built to help brands create demand, move culture, earn trust and deliver measurable growth.
Gonzalo has been based in Singapore since 2013, when he relocated to manage global Unilever accounts. He spent several years leading growth for MullenLowe Group, before becoming Managing Partner at MullenLowe at the end of 2022. Having also had a stint in the startup world, Gonzalo brings an entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for the complexities and opportunities in Asia, and a firm belief that agencies exist to be true growth partners for clients, not simply campaign delivery engines.
This appointment is part of a 6-month succession plan that will see Paul Soon leave McCann and Singapore. Paul is one of Singapore’s most revered agency leaders with an incredible career spanning more than 25 years. He has chosen to leave McCann and Singapore to pursue a life in the US for personal reasons.
Paul has played a defining role in building the agency’s digital and government client portfolio, while shaping the agency’s pioneering approach to AI. His leadership has helped place the agency consistently among the top three in Singapore’s most respected creative rankings, fuelling growth and success for clients. During his tenure, the agency also became the first Singapore-based agency to win ADFEST’s DIGITAL Agency of the Year.
Paul’s departure is a planned transition, which has ensured continuity for clients and teams and allowed for the leadership team to firmly establish themselves prior to the change.
Gonzalo Olivera, incoming CEO of McCann Singapore, said, “We thank Paul for his contribution in building McCann Singapore into the agency it is today, with creative ambition, a clear philosophy and commercial credibility. This industry may be measured in dollars, but it is built on relationships. Having had the chance to work with someone I can count as a friend has been a real privilege. The culture of this agency has been built on ethics, honesty, transparency and camaraderie, and even with Paul on the other side of the world, that spirit will remain very much alive here.”
“Now we are focused on the next chapter: building an agency where creativity proves growth, integrated systems drive brand performance, and deep partnerships with clients enable us to do meaningful work.”
Sean Donovan, President, Asia, Omnicom Advertising, added, “We wish Paul well in his next season of life. Under his leadership, McCann Singapore has sharpened its point of view, deepened client relationships, and demonstrated that creativity with commercial rigour is one of the most powerful things an agency can offer. Paul is leaving behind an agency that knows who it is, and under Gonzalo’s leadership and direction, is positioned to grow in its next phase. On a personal note, I want to thank Paul for his partnership and leadership over the past six months as we re-imagined McCann Singapore.”
Commenting on his departure, Paul Soon said, “First, I am deeply grateful for the 20 odd years I have had the privilege to be part of Singapore’s creative industry, working alongside some of the finest talents and competing against each other, while maintaining compassion and respect for one another’s craft and perspectives. Thank you for having me. Goodbye for now. I will miss everyone.”
“Second, to my colleagues, new and old, at McCann Singapore, Truth Well Told should never sound easy, should never hide behind more slides, and most importantly, it should be embodied with meaning in everything you do, your work and in your life. The truth will always set anything free. I look forward to more amazing work ahead. Lastly, I would like to thank Sean and Gonzalo for their kind words and close partnership during this period of transition. I am forever grateful for the bonds formed and the generous support given during this period. I will be rooting for you both from afar!”
This announcement is the latest in McCann Singapore’s recent introduction of its leadership team, including the appointment of Rajiv Jayaraj as General Manager and Lead of McCann Content Studios.
