In addition to his succession of Miles Young, he retains his leadership of Ogilvy & Mather North America as Chairman and CEO
Ogilvy & Mather has named John Seifert (pictured) to the position of Worldwide CEO, which he assumes with immediate effect. He also steps into the shoes of Worldwide Chairman on 1 September 2016, at which point the dual appointment will mark his complete succession of Miles Young, who will retain a non-executive role.
The latter is slated to serve as Warden at his alma mater, New College, at Oxford University. Meanwhile, his secondary commission will see the long-time leader maintain a presence at the firm and parent company, WPP, where he will work on key global accounts.
Thirty-seven-year O&M veteran, Seifert, was most recently Chairman and CEO of North America, a portfolio he will maintain seeing as his leadership of the market over the past seven years has resulted in a reinvigoration of the region, substantial revenue growth, digital excellence, and impactful talent recruitment.
Prior to his helming of Ogilvy & Mather North America, Seifert was responsible for a portfolio of 25 global clients totalling nearly $1 billion in revenue. He has worked throughout the agency’s worldwide network in client leadership and general management positions in Los Angeles, Chicago, Bangkok, and Singapore.
He will partner with Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer, who will also become Co-Chairman of the network’s worldwide board. Young will remain Chairman of the board until 1 September 2016, at which point Seifert will assume the responsibility while based in New York.
“John Seifert is truly an exemplary Ogilvy citizen. His values and the brand’s are indistinguishable. If you talk to his clients, you will find a fan club united in admiration of him. I am delighted that he is moving into this new role and I look forward to working with him up to September and beyond,” said Young of his chosen successor.
Young also announced an expansion of responsibilities for two regional directors. Paul Heath, Chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Asia-Pacific and Paul O’Donnell, Chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) will support Seifert, Tham, and the executive team.
