Laurent Thevenet leaves BBDO Proximity for RGA Singapore

Thevenet's notable work at BBDO Proximity includes technical direction for the ‘World under water’ campaign. Over the last few years, with his background in technology and startups, he has been a strong voice for the creative-coding movement while bringing technological creativity to the ideation processes and execution within BBDO Proximity.

Thevenet’s role at RGA will be to put the technology capabilities of the Singapore office on the map within the region and globally.

“I am not simply talking about the capacity to build and deliver, which is the most basic thing we should be doing,” he said. “But also foster an environment where even our people in the New York office are requesting a move to Singapore because of the culture of innovation and thinking we would have put in place.”

Ambitious when it comes to technological creativity, Thevenet believes RGA Singapore is at the intersection of western and eastern influences. “It’s a culture that could deliver work that would have massive impact in Asia while also influencing and bringing something fresh in the eyes of the western markets,” Thevenet added.

According to Thevenet, the agency’s technology-led approach has made him feel that his skills are “organically woven into the work”. At the same time, the talent of his peers has been a source of motivation within a short period of time.

“You really have to up your game,” said Thevenet. “Think twice about what you want to say because whoever you are talking to has probably thought about the same thing twice.”

Thevent will report to Jim Moffatt, EVP managing director, RGA Asia Pacific.

Here, Thevent talks about creative coding and digital talent in Asia, while offering advice on integrating technology with traditional marketing and creative processes (the video was filmed at Adfest 2015, when he was still with BBDO Proximity):