ASIA-PACIFIC – VIETNAM, AUGUST 2011 – Y&R Asia has named Matthew Collier as the new CEO for its Vietnam office. Collier was Client Services Director at Y&R Dubai, the regional head office for Middle East/North Africa (MENA) where he helped make the agency the most shortlisted and awarded for creativity in MENA for three years running. He takes over the role from Tarun Dhawan who is leaving the company to explore new opportunities.
Collier brings over 20 years’ advertising industry experience gained both in Asia-Pacific and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) including stints at Clemenger BBDO and 141 Worldwide, working with global brands including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Visa and British American Tobacco.
At Y&R Dubai, Collier worked with many of the network’s global clients including Colgate-Palmolive and Land Rover. His shopper marketing and digital experience gained while in Dubai will be invaluable to Y&R Indochina as both are a key future business focus for the region. He also has a strong entrepreneurial streak, having also established and run his own print/press production management company in the early 1990s.
Commenting on his appointment, Sanjay Bhasin, CEO, Y&R Indochina said, “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew on board. His positive impact, both creatively and from a business revenue perspective on the Y&R network whilst in Dubai is indisputable. Vietnam is a key growth market for Y&R and I am sure Matthew will help lead us to great success here. We already have a very healthy presence in the country thanks to Tarun who has done a great job building our reputation and growing the business. I wish him the very best in whatever he decides to pursue in the future.”
In May this year, Y&R Asia announced a new structure across Indochina to consolidate its strengths in that region and provide the necessary infrastructure and leadership needed to maximize regional business opportunities and existing synergies across Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
