SINGAPORE, January 8, 2019 – Ogilvy today announced that Shirley Tay is returning to the agency as Executive Group Director in Singapore, effective immediately.
In her new role, Tay will drive integrated marketing work across industries in Singapore and internationally deploying Ogilvy’s full range of modern marketing capabilities. She will report to Chris Riley, Chief Executive, Ogilvy Singapore, and will join the management team in Singapore.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Shirley, our shining alumni, back at Ogilvy! With her strong background in advertising and the edge she gained through building a start-up business from the ground up at Zoo Group, Shirley returns to us with the full suite of skills and values that are so highly desired in an agency leader. She is multi-talented and known for her work ethic, integrity and sense of purpose. I am eager to see the impact that she will have on our team and in the integrated work that we’ll be delivering for clients,” said Chris Riley, Chief Executive, Ogilvy Singapore.
Tay brings with her more than 20 years of experience in integrated marketing and communications. Most recently, she was Chief Executive Officer of Y&R Singapore and also served as Managing Director and founding partner at creative agency Zoo Group. She started the latter’s Singapore office from scratch and built a team that achieved business results for clients by infusing creativity with data, behavioural science and technology.
Tay began her marketing career with Ogilvy in Singapore and quickly rose through the ranks during her 15-year tenure, eventually becoming the first woman to hold the crucial position of Managing Director at the agency. Her leadership was defined by strong employee retention and warmth for colleagues and clients. Notably, she led Health Promotion Board’s integrated ‘I Quit’ campaign which took home Singapore’s first-ever Gold at the IPA Effectiveness Awards in 2012.
Tay said, “Returning to Ogilvy makes me feel right at home. This is an agency that helped to shape my career and has remained close to my heart because of its people, culture and creative excellence. I am excited to inject a new energy and perspective in Singapore’s leading agency at a time of great transformation for our clients and industry.”
