After a stretch of service with McCann, advertising veteran Kevin Ramsey is set to leave his post by November this year.
Ramsey held the dual role of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific regional director since 2007 and McCann Worldgroup Japan president and CEO since 2004. Ramsey previously headed the regional networks of JWT and M&C Saatchi.
“Given my desire to remain in Asia, and the McCann system of having the Asia-Pacific president also run the biggest market, Japan, the natural consequence is that I will now look for another opportunity,” Ramsey stated, as reported in Brand Republic.
“I am very proud of the progress we have made in the last few years in building the capabilities, profile and product quality of Worldgroup and would like to thank John Dooner (McCann Worldgroup chairman and CEO) for giving me the chance to work with such a great brand. I have been supported by a talented team of people second to none in both Japan and the region,” he added.
Of Ramsey’s decision, John Dooner, said, “Kevin has done a great job of positioning our Asia Pacific operations for ongoing success. We have the highest respect for him, wish him the best, and hopefully will work with him again in the future.”
With the reasons to leave his posts still unclear, it has been reported that Ramsey had been in talks regarding his succession of late, declaring “ Japan has been a challenging market from a business and personal perspective.”
In related news, Michael McLaren, current CEO of WorldGroup EXP has been appointed as Ramsey’s replacement. McLaren also takes on the post of McCann Worldgroup Japan president and CEO. Another McCann veteran, having joined the advertising giant in 1999, McLaren is on top of North American multinational account. His other positions in McCann include McCann Erickson US president, and worldwide director of global accounts.
“He understands the needs of global clients, has operational experience in our single largest market, as well as entrepreneurial success. All of those assets will be key to running McCann Worldgroup’s most extensive geographical region, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets,” said Dooner of McLaren’s appointment, as reported in Media Post.
Replacing McLaren at Worldgroup EXP is Matt Ross, current McCann Worldgroup San Francisco president. Worldgroup EXP is McCann’s digital, broadcast and print production arm.
