THE PHILIPPINES, NOVEMBER 14, 2011: A major management shift is taking place at Ace Saatchi & Saatchi, it was announced to staff last week. Vice-Chairman Matt Seddon ends his stint with the agency, which he joined in February 2008.
Seddon has been in Southeast Asia for over 20 years, with a tour of Saatchis offices in Malaysia and Vietnam. He has been in the country since 2004, initially as CEO of JWT Manila. Known as a turnaround man, he has led both JWT and Ace Saatchi from their status as sleeping giants to award-winning shops by bringing in talents. Under his watch, JWT Manila hired Dave Ferrer and won the country’s first Gold Lion at Cannes. At Ace Saatchi, he took in Andrew Petch and Tony Sarmiento, the team that won the Philippines’ first ADFEST Grand Prix last year. Seddon will transfer to Saatchi & Saatchi India, replacing CEO Kamal Basu.
Mio Chongson, CEO and president at Blue Bottle, has been appointed as chief operating officer effective January 2012. Chongson, currently chair of 4As Philippines, has been in the management of BBDO Guerrero Ortega and Jimenez D’Arcy.
"I’ve had the privilege of working with a fantastic, talented team at Blue Bottle," said Chongson. "A new adventure comes and I am truly excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Ace Saatchi team. To further inspire an already charged-up, creative powerhouse – that will be a fun challenge."
Chairman Arthur Young Jr. takes on the additional CEO role. An official statement from the agency is yet to be released.
[Updated November 16]
