JWT hires one to replace two lost to Facebook Creative Shop

The appointment of Versolato fills a senior talent gap created when former CCO Valerie Cheng left to take up the role as head of Facebook Creative Shop for Southeast Asia, in mid-February. That same month also saw Juhi Kalia, JWT’s former global ECD for Lux, joining Cheng at Facebook, as the head of Creative Shop for India and Indonesia.

Peter Womersley, CEO of JWT Singapore, said Versolato’s appointment is “a key part of our continued drive to transform the office in response to the changing dynamics of the marketing and communications industry.”

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the agency and I’m so pleased to be welcoming Marco to our team,” he added.

Versolato joins from Brazil’s DM9DDB, where he most recently served as VP and executive creative director, a role he held for five years. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as creative executive VP at Y&R Brazil, TBWA Brazil and DPZ&T.

Matt Eastwood, JWT’s worldwide CCO, said Versolato “loves what he does and it shows.”

“Marco [Versolato]’s creative reputation alone makes him a great fit for our global network and his emphasis on digital innovation is a welcomed add-on that will make him right at home at JWT,” he added.

Versolato has worked with brands including Ita Bank, InBev’s Guaraná, Intel, Telefônica-Vivo, Whirlpool, McDonalds, L&G, and Johnson & Johnson.

His work has earned him more than 30 Cannes Lions and he has also been recognised and awarded at key industry festivals like D&AD, One Show, Clio, and El Sol.

Versolato expressed excitement over his new role, calling JWT Singapore an ideal place due to its diversity.

“I have always believed that creativity is best fostered within a diverse environment,” he said. “I am excited not just for the incredible opportunity to work on the iconic Lux brand but also for the chance to join an office that has such a dynamic creative reputation and an impressive client roster that includes Friso, Nikon and Johnson & Johnson.”