ASIA-PACIFIC, OCTOBER 8, 2010 – Bates 141 announced Wednesday the departure of Bates 141 Chairman Jeffrey Yu before the end of the year. According to a statement from WPP’s Asia-dedicated network, Yu will leave to pursue other interests after 25 years with Bates 141.
In a personal statement, Yu disclosed that he has been requested to step down as chairman over “disagreements over the future direction of the agency network”.
"I would hope that, after 25 years’ loyal service, acceptable terms can be agreed as to the basis of my departure as Chairman of the network,” said Yu. "Most importantly, I would like to thank all the loyal clients and employees with whom I have worked for the support and friendship that they have shown to me. I wish them all every success and hope that we will have the opportunity to work together again in the future."
Yu joined Bates in 1985 and took over regional responsibility in 2000. He successfully steered Bates Asia to WPP ownership in 2003.
Tim Isaac, Chairman Bates Ogilvy Group Asia Pacific, will become actively involved with the regional management group in the interim while the agency identifies a new regional lead.
Isaac will work closely with Managing Partners Conrad Chiu (overseeing Greater China), Frederique Covington (ASEAN), Sonal Dabral (India) and India Board Member Ranjan Kapur (India) to manage the various sub regions.
Managing Partner David Meredith, will continue to provide strong creative regional leadership and HR support respectively.
Ogilvy shares backroom operations with Bates 141 and reports the latter’s financials to WPP headquarters.
There have been various management changes within Bates 141 in the past few months in a bid to “attract ‘new world’ marketing thinkers”. However, the focus remains on BRIC and N11 markets, as management centers on a more local approach.
