Seddon spent more than 15 years in the region and was credited for building Saatchi & Saatchi’s Vietnam office from the ground up. He also ran Saatchi office in Malaysia as its CEO.
Now, after three years at JWT Philippines as vice-chairman, Seddon rejoins the network this January.
In both Saatchi and JWT, Seddon improved agency profitability and creative profile.
Under Seddon’s leadership and with his ECD Dave Ferrer, JWT Manila culminated 2007 with historic wins at the 20th Philippine Advertising Congress Araw Awards (an overall 2nd finish with 38 awards) and at the Cannes Lions with the Philippines’ first Gold Lion (for the Lotus Spa radio campaign).
JWT has yet to announce his successor.
Part of Seddon’s new agenda is to revitalize Saatchi Philippines.
“The challenge of running a successful agency is the same all over the world—put the right team together and focus on selling the big ideas. I think my task is to clearly lay down the vision and expectation while supporting those who wholeheartedly embrace it,” he told Adoi magazine.
Of Seddon’s return, Arthur Young has high hopes.
“Matt joining us is a transformational hire—he’s brought success and awards to his previous jobs and has built a reputation as a turnaround expert. We have every expectation that he’ll empower and enable Ace Saatchi & Saatchi to become the Philippines’ No. 1 advertising agency once again,” said Young.
Seddon is up to the task.
He said, “The Saatchi name is still the gold standard in advertising, and we’re going to make the Manila office glitter. Arthur and his new team have done an impressive job of transforming Ace Saatchi & Saatchi and winning significant new business for the agency, and I’m excited to help drive this transformation and new growth further.”
