ASIA-PACIFIC – NOVEMBER 2010 – McCann Worldgroup promotes Ben Lightfoot to the position of CEO of McCann Worldgroup Singapore, effective January 1st 2011. He takes the reins from Tony Savarimuthu, who will continue to focus on his role as CEO of McCann Worldgroup Malaysia and his industry commitments. Sue-Ellen Craig will continue to oversee McCann’s New Zealand operations as General Manager of Auckland.
Lightfoot’s mandate is to continue to build on the integrated team of Worldgroup agencies, as Singapore remains an important market for the network in the region.
Lightfoot has worked across the creative disciplines – brand, retail, direct and digital with BKP Leo Burnett, Ogilvy and Ogilvy One. He joined the network in 2008 and re-established the New Zealand office, which has grown exponentially and now boasts an impressive client list of both global and local brands. He has sat on the Australasian Board of McCann Worldgroup and is the Chairman of the Australia New Zealand Creative Council.
Says Lightfoot , "I’m incredibly excited about the move to Asia, and looking forward to utilising the skills I’ve developed in my career so far to add to what is already a strong Worldgroup offering in this dynamic region…. My goal is to ensure that McCann Worldgroup Singapore will consistently be at the forefront of innovation, reacting quickly to market momentum both in Singapore and beyond. We will be strengthening our offering with key investments in people,
technology, shopper sciences and digital innovation.”
Michael McLaren, Regional Director of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, says “Ben is one of the rising stars in our network and I am excited to see him move into Singapore. He’s got a unique blend of business and creative skills, with the drive and the passion to help bring our operations in Singapore to the next level.”
