Mumbai - Saatchi & Saatchi has announced the first step in a major renewal of the agency's India office with the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer, Matt Seddon.
Seddon is currently CEO at Ace Saatchi & Saatchi Manila where he has been based since 2008.
Chris Foster, Chairman and CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Asia Pacific, who signalled changes were needed earlier this year, said Saatchi & Saatchi is excited about taking advantage of the opportunities in India with new leadership and a focus on outstanding creativity.
"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," says Foster.
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," says Seddon.
"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'm certain we can quickly move from good to great," says Seddon.
While Saatchi & Saatchi India already has a strong digital and activation focus, Seddon says the agency wants to be digital by nature, not by design. He will be reviewing the business model, and building a truly integrated team structure producing ideas that stand out across all media.
Current CEO Kamal Basu is leaving the agency, feeling it's time for a change.
"The last 10 years with Saatchi & Saatchi has been fantastic but I felt it's time to take on something new. I'm in the process of finalizing my next move and I'm talking to some people about some exciting opportunities. I'll be working closely with Matt to ensure a smooth transition," Basu says.
"I've known Kamal for a number of years," Foster says. "He's a great guy, and a talented leader. He's played a vital role in the agency's recent evolution. I wish him every success."
Seddon is an award-winning creative leader within Saatchi & Saatchi's Asian network, with an outstanding track-record for building successful agencies. Over 15 years he 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.
Seddon takes up the CEO role on 1 December 2011.
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