Y&R opens majority-owned agency in Myanmar

Y&R has opened an office in Yangon. A joint venture with local partners K-Noke Advertising, Y&R Yangon will be led by General Manager Khin Myat Thu, New Business Development Director John Kyaw Myo Htun, and Director Aung Kyaw Oo.

Commenting on the launch, Y&R Global Chairman and CEO David Sable said: “Y&R Yangon is one of the only majority-owned international agencies in Myanmar, which affirms our long-term commitment to the country, and the bright future we foresee there. Moving here is key to our strategy of building strong local offices that, together, resonate globally. Welcoming Yangon to our global family on the occasion of Y&R’s 90th anniversary is a very appropriate and auspicious start to our next 90 years. As we reflect on how far we have come, it’s thrilling to consider the journey ahead, not just for Y&R, but for Myanmar.”

Y&R Yangon’s General Manager Khin Myat Thu (Thu Thu) said: “It’s wonderful to be joining Y&R on its 90th birthday, and we relish being a part of the network’s future. Over the past decade, the people of Myanmar have not had the same access to international brands and services as our neighbouring countries, so demand is high. But there will be many brands jostling for position, local and western, as well as those from China, India and Thailand, so helping clients navigate the landscape will be key.”

Added Y&R Asia President Matthew Godfrey: “Local insight and understanding is always crucial to successful advertising, so it was imperative that we found the right local partners in Myanmar, and we are very confident we have done just that. Taking a majority stake in this venture reinforces our belief that Myanmar will not only catch up, but in some regards potentially leap-frog over, its neighbours in Southeast Asia.”

Y&R Yangon’s leadership team have a combined 49 years of extensive industry experience. Khin Myat Thu has worked client-side at Dagon Brewery Co Ltd, Myanmar Texcorp Ltd and International Beverages Trading Co Ltd. John Kyaw Myo Htun’s previous experience includes Diageo, market researcher MMRD and major local brands. Director Aung Kyaw Oo’s background also spans Today Tourism Magazine, Myanmar Spa Today Advertising, Mango Marketing and Coca Media.