Colvyn Harris and Tom Doctoroff to take on larger leadership roles in JWT APAC restructure

JWT worldwide chairman and chief executive officer Bob Jeffrey has unveiled a leadership restructure in the region, which is said to reflect Asia’s growing global importance, and underscore JWT’s commitment to the region’s diverse and vibrant markets.

JWT India chief executive officer Colvyn Harris, and JWT’s North Asia area director and Greater China chief executive officer Tom Doctoroff, will succeed Michael Maedel in the restructured region.

    

Harris will become South Asia chief executive officer (India, Sri Lanka and Nepal) and take on added responsibilities of JWT’s Indian companies, including Contract Advertising, Hungama Digital Services, JWT Mindset and Encompass.

Doctoroff will take on the role of chief executive officer, JWT Asia Pacific (APAC), at the end of this year. In this role, he will oversee Northeast and Southeast Asia, as well as Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand. Doctoroff and Harris will report to Jeffrey. 

Maedel, who has spent 40 years in the industry and 22 years in leadership roles at JWT, including eight as president of Asia Pacific, will move into the role of non-executive chairman for Asia. He will remain in Singapore and work with Doctoroff and Harris in an advisory role until he retires in 2014.

“Tom and Colvyn are both dynamic leaders with strong connections to the markets, the consumers and the clients,” said Jeffrey.  “By leveraging the strengths and strategic insights of these two very talented people, JWT is uniquely positioned to maximise growth in this critical and dynamic region.”

“We will continue to build and acquire the most diversified platforms to deliver on the market ambitions of the clients we service, thereby further consolidating our leadership position. Brands are the center of our focus, and with our skills and capabilities we deliver marketing solutions across the most diverse of offerings to meet the challenges of the dynamic markets we operate in,” said Harris. “This new development ensures that our clients continue to have greater access to the best of our services and talent, not only in the country, but across South Asia.”

“I am very excited to build on JWT’s past accomplishments across Asia Pacific,” said Doctoroff. “We are in the midst of a revolution of consumer empowerment. I look forward to working with client partners in this fast-changing region to find new synergies between classic brand building and next-stage consumer engagement in the digital era.”

Commenting on the role Maedel has played in building JWT in the region, Jeffrey said, “Michael’s exceptional leadership skills have cemented JWT’s reputation as a leader in both strategy and creativity in every region he managed, from Europe to Asia. The creative and commercial success that JWT APAC has enjoyed is a testament to his leadership.” 

Jeffrey continued, “Michael is deeply respected by staff and clients, and the entire company has benefited from his vision and guidance. He is an unparalleled resource, and we are thrilled that he will remain a core part of the management team until his retirement.”

“I’ve had the real pleasure of charting a course for our company in some of the world’s most dynamic regions through periods which have seen our industry go through some pretty seismic changes. I’ve also been privileged to work with some of the most talented people around the world,” said Maedel.  “I look forward to working with Tom and Colvyn through this transition period.”