DDB China restructure sees Richard Thomas and Dick van Motman promoted to new roles

DDB Group Asia Pacific has announced two major changes to its regional management structure to complement and reflect its clients’ communications and business operations across the region. The change sees Richard Thomas – currently President and CEO of DDB Hong Kong and Guangzhou – promoted to President of Global Accounts and Chief Integration Officer for DDB Group Asia Pacific. DDB also announced the creation of a newly formed Greater China subregional network. Headed up by Dick van Motman (pictured left), DDB Greater China Group will include five office locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Taipei.

John Zeigler, Chairman and CEO of DDB Group Asia Pacific, Japan and India, said, “I believe these changes are vital to maintain the momentum we have generated as a regional network in the past few years. These new appointments speak directly to our clients and what we believe they need to succeed in this region. It’s about collaboration and focus, but more importantly about achieving superior business results for our clients.”

In his new role, Thomas will be responsible for all DDB’s multinational clients throughout the Asia Pacific region. This includes brands such as McDonald’s, Philips, PepsiCo, Wrigley’s, Volkswagen, ExxonMobil and Lipton. As Chief Integration Officer, he will be tasked with developing creative business solutions specifically for these clients that draw from DDB Group’s three core agencies: DDB, Tribal DDB and RAPP.

“Richard’s new role signals the importance we place on our multinational business partners and the commitment we have to give our clients the best solutions to help business growth, unrestricted by discipline or siloed thinking,” said Zeigler.

The newly formed Greater China subregion signals further commitment to clients and brands in and around China. This new structure, under van Motman, brings together five agencies–Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Taipei–creating its own network of Chinese agencies.

“DDB Greater China Group heralds a new era for DDB in this part of the world. Our clients will look at our multiple Greater China businesses and see a wealth of talent and capabilities second to few other agencies. I know that this move will further consolidate our leadership in all communication areas, and under Dick’s leadership we will see continued momentum in the growth of our business, and increased opportunities for our clients, who will be given access to greater depth of capabilities and talented people. It’s an exciting time to be in the creative business. Following our success at Spikes, and on the heels of our multimarket business growth, I am very pleased to say it is a great time to be at DDB,” Zeigler added.