THE PHILIPPINES, MARCH 5, 2012: JWT Manila’s chief executive officer signs off today to pursue a personal venture. His shoes will be filled by a joint management of the following: client services director Miriam Pangan, executive creative director Dave Ferrer, CFO Jeff Sulit, and executive planning director Pam Garcia. The said management will be implemented until a new CEO is assigned.
“I’d like to thank Jos for all the hard work he has put in during his four-year tenure with JWT. I wish him all his best in his new adventures,” said Michael Maedel, president of JWT Asia Pacific.
“JWT Manila has a very strong management team, and I have every confidence in their ability to provide continuity and maintain the agency’s upward trajectory as we move forward,” said Maedel.
“I am confident that JWT Manila will continue its growth momentum,” concurred Ortega. “We have built an enviable collaborative culture and environment that creates the best solutions for our clients.”
Ortega first joined JWT Manila in July 7, 2008 as chief executive officer. Prior to JWT Manila, Ortega was one of the founding members of BBDO Guerrero Ortega in 1998 along with David Guerrero, whom he has worked with in Ogilvy & Mather Philippines. Ortega was vice-chairman of the agency for 6 years until he withdrew from the management and operations to concentrate on BrandLab. On June 6, 2008, BBDO confirmed that Ortega had sold his equity in the Manila agency, leaving him free to join JWT, a WPP agency. Thus, BBDO Guerrero Ortega, one of the region’s leading creative agencies, renamed itself as BBDO Guerrero.
When asked by adobo on his departure, Ortega hinted, "I was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug again." His next steps will be announced soon.
Rumor has it that he will be part of Havas’ new creative agency Collab Manila. Other speculations circling around is thathe will be forming his own agency or brand consultancy firm with a foreign partner.
