Wain Choi leaves Ogilvy to join Cheil Worldwide as VP & Executive Creative Director

Cheil Worldwide has appointed Wain Choi to lead its global creative division, as Vice President & Executive Global Creative Director. Prior to joining Cheil, Choi was Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Diamond Ogilvy Korea, where he worked on global brands such as Nike, Motorola, Olympus, Korea Exchange Bank, Pizza Hut, and Unilever.

Born in South Korea, Choi spent his formative years in Canada, graduating from the prestigious Ontario College of Art. His first job in advertising came in 1992, where he worked at Bates and soon after, established himself as a rising talent in the Canadian advertising industry.  During this period, he collaborated with brands such as Hyundai, Warner Lambert and Hilton Hotels. He then joined Canada’s largest advertising agency, Cossette Communications, as Associate Creative Director and made his mark and contributions on reputable brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, GM and Bombardier.  In May 2001, Choi made a significant leap and joined Young & Rubicam as Vice President & Group Creative Director. Before his appointment to Diamond Ogilvy Korea, Choi also worked at Dentsu Belgium as Executive Creative Director.

He has won many awards in his career, most notably The One Show, Communication Arts, London International Festival, New York Festival, Clio, Eurobest and Cannes Lions.

“Wain’s global experience and success combined with his extensive knowledge of the Korean advertising business will be a great asset for Cheil Worldwide and our clients. We are delighted to welcome him to our family. ” says Bruce Haines, Global President and COO of Cheil Worldwide.

“Cheil is such a powerhouse in Korea. The real challenge will be to do the same globally. The only we can do this is through our work. Then everything will take care of itself,” says Choi.

Wain Choi will report to Bruce Haines and be based at the Seoul headquarters.