SINGAPORE – Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) Singapore has appointed Ogilvy veteran Chris Riley, currently Managing Director for IBM Brand Services, to the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) post, effective immediately. Riley takes over the COO position from Giri Jadhav who was promoted to Vice President, Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, Asia Pacific, in September 2014.
In the COO role, Riley will partner with Fiona Gordon, O&M Singapore Group Chairman, on the strategic leadership and management of the O&M Singapore operations as the Group further develops its offerings in data and customer engagement, and continues to serve as a vital global hub for the O&M network in Asia Pacific. In addition to his new COO responsibilities, Riley will continue to lead O&M’s IBM relationship across the region, a position he has held since 2011.
“Re-invention and innovation have been continual themes for Chris who has a diverse background working across advertising, digital, direct and data,” said Fiona Gordon, Group Chairman, O&M Singapore. “Since joining O&M Hong Kong in 1995 Chris has successfully worn a number of hats, including leading OgilvyOne through periods of great change and growth and overseeing a number of our largest accounts, such as IBM, across multiple emerging and developed markets in the region. I’m delighted to welcome such an accomplished partner to the Singapore leadership team.”
Commenting on his appointment Riley said, “During the past 10 years I have witnessed O&M Singapore go from strength to strength to become the major industry force it is today.
It is a privilege to now be able to play a leading role in the management and development of this pioneering and integrated agency group, together with Fiona. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to evolve our services, creative reputation and talent with the aim of helping clients ensure their marketing is world-class.”
Prior to this appointment, Riley held various positions in Singapore including Managing Director, IBM Brand Services from 2011, Regional Director of OgilvyOne South Asia from 2009 and Managing Director, OgilvyOne Singapore from 2004.
