Ogilvy Japan's leadership in flux

TOKYO - Less than a year after announcing a revamped leadership structure in Japan, Ogilvy is back to square one. President Todd Krugman will be leaving his post to take up a new position with the network in North America, starting next month.  

Ogilvy Asia-Pacific Co-CEO Kent Wertime will take on the position of interim president until a successor is named "in due course". Wertime is naturally familiar with the Tokyo office, serving as chairman in Japan between 2009-2015.

This latest announcement comes just weeks after Ogilvy Japan's former chairman, Akihiko Kubo began a new role at Williams Lea Tag as representative director for Japan and MD of North Asia. 

Kubo and Krugman took over the Japanese leadership last January when Wertime was promoted to APAC co-chief. Krugman began at Ogilvy Japan as executive director in 2012. The agency says Krugman's departure is a promotion for his excellent work.

“Todd has done a tremendous job during his five years," said Wertime. "He has been relentless in his efforts, along with our local executive committee, to improve our services for clients. I want to congratulate Todd on this important next step in his Ogilvy career, which will be announced soon.” 

The move comes at a pivotal time for the Japanese office, with advertising agencies facing increased scrutiny in areas like transparency, billing and overwork, following a series of scandals at competing agencies in the country.

Ogilvy Japan says it now ranks as one of the network's most awarded agency offices in Asia Pacific.

“It has been a privilege to work with our clients and agency team at Ogilvy Japan," says Krugman. "It is very much with a heavy heart that I leave, but do so with the confidence that this part of the Ogilvy network will continue to flourish.”