Kamal Basu moves out of Saatchi & Saatchi; Matt Seddon to take charge

Saatchi & Saatchi has announced what it terms to be “the first step in a major renewal of the agency’s India office” with the appointment of new chief executive officer, Matt Seddon. He will be replacing Kamal Basu, who has been with the agency since 2001. Seddon is currently the chief executive officer at Ace Saatchi & Saatchi Manila, where he has been based since 2008 and will take over his new role from 1 December.

Commenting on the development, Chris Foster, chairman and chief executive officer, Saatchi & Saatchi Asia Pacific, said, “Saatchi & Saatchi India should be recognised worldwide for its work but the agency is yet to realise its potential. India is a thriving, dynamic economy and we’re determined to make a difference in this market.”

Talking about his stint at the agency, Basu said, “The last ten years with Saatchi & Saatchi has been fantastic but I felt it’s time to take on something new. I am in the process of finalising my next move and I am talking to some people about some exciting opportunities. I will be working closely with Matt to ensure a smooth transition.”

Seddon says Saatchi & Saatchi India has all the ingredients to achieve great things – an impressive client roster, a strong brand and an inspirational dream to create world-changing ideas. “The world-famous Saatchi & Saatchi spirit – nothing is impossible - can be a true differentiator for us in India. My passion is to lead the number one agency in the country, a magnet for talent, and the agency that every client wants to work with,” he added.

Elaborating on the agency’s India plans, he explained, “There is some remarkable talent and fantastic ideas in India right now. Our focus is to tap into that, giving our people the confidence to express great ideas and our clients the confidence to do something new. We have a great core group of people. I am certain we can quickly move from good to great.”

Over the last 15 years, Seddon has led the Saatchi & Saatchi offices in Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines to win numerous local and international awards for creative work. He has won Agency of the year in Malaysia (2003, 2004), and in the Philippines (2010). Born in England, Seddon grew up in Singapore and has spent his working life in the Asia Pacific region. He and his wife have two teenagers.