Saatchi & Saatchi has appointed a new collaborative structure - the Creative Quorum - to direct and oversee its creative leadership throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Chris Foster, chairman and regional chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi Asia Pacific (pictured), has announced that the region's five leading ECDs will collectively take on an expanded role for the agencies' creative success regionally, as well as specific projects through the region as needed.
The Creative Quorum combines the talents and expertise of:
- Damon Stapleton, executive creative director, Australia
- Antonio Navas, executive creative director, New Zealand
- Bruce Matchett, executive creative director, Singapore, Malaysia
- Andrew Petch, executive creative director, The Philippines
- Joel Clement, promoted to executive creative director, Thailand
The new Quorum follows a decision by Asia Pacific regional creative director, Andy Greenaway to leave the agency to pursue other creative interests.
Greenaway, who has been a much awarded creative director with the agency since 2004, is also an accomplished painter, author, playwright, and has created comedy for internet projects.
"Andy's been instrumental in building up this exceptional team of ECDs and today's announcement is a tribute to his leadership strength, particularly over the past two years."
"I've really enjoyed our partnership. He's a great team player who has helped us raise our game. We wish him all the best in his various creative pursuits," Foster says.
"I'm leaving Saatchi & Saatchi after an incredible eight years. I have very fond memories of my time there and have made some great friends. The agency has been re-energised under Chris Foster's leadership. It has a talented leadership team and a bright future. I wish them the best of luck,"' Greenaway says.
Foster says the Creative Quorum will drive new creative thinking and further develop Saatchi & Saatchi's offering to clients. While the ECDs have always collaborated at a creative level, the Creative Quorum formalizes their individual and collective role to lead Saatchi & Saatchi's creative success region-wide.
"These guys share a passionate belief in the unreasonable power of creativity and that the best ideas come from collaboration and diversity - within the agency, with our partners, clients, and with consumers," Foster says.
"Expanding their current remit to oversee all creativity in the region is a natural and logical step forward."
Since his appointment last year, Foster has actively championed collaboration around the region. CEOs, ECDs and Planning Leaders frequently connect to develop regional strategy, and share new thinking and ideas. He says the "one team, one dream" approach is already delivering significant new ideas, business and client benefits across the regional network.