Ogilvy promotes PR head to group MD in Singapore

SINGAPORE - Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) Singapore has appointed 16-year Ogilvy veteran Ee Rong Chong, currently managing director of Ogilvy Public Relations Singapore, to the newly created group managing director post, effective immediately.

In the new role, Chong will partner with O&M Singapore group chairman Chris Riley to accelerate implementation of the agency’s global ‘Next Chapter’ strategy. She will also continue to serve as MD of Ogilvy Public Relations Singapore.

The new strategy, outlined by Ogilvy’s global chief John Seifert in an interview with Campaign Asia-Pacific earlier this month, centres on deeper integration across the group’s disciplines and the advancement of modern marketing services such as data analytics, marketing automation and digital media.

Chong and Riley will work together on delivery transformation and future-proofing existing service offerings in a bid to stay ahead of the curve in Singapore’s competitive communications market.

In statement, Riley said he believes the partnership will drive greater alignment toward a shared purpose and "integrated operating system" that makes it easier for clients to find the creative solutions and agency brand experience they seek.

Chong said David Ogilvy often spoke about being the company of giants, and that the Ogilvy network boasts immense talent. She added that her focus will be on making sure the company continues to groom these “giants” who share the passion for creating great work.

“I will also focus on making brands matter, our own included, by bringing the best of Ogilvy and giving our all in everything we do,” she added. 

Scott Kronick, president & CEO of Ogilvy PR Asia Pacific, said Chong’s appointment is testament to the shared belief that public relations continues to play a central role in building clients’ brands and businesses.

“As one of the most experienced and sought-after practitioners in our network, Ee Rong [Chong]’s leadership will be an asset to clients across the Ogilvy Group seeking strong, integrated, content-led campaigns built on solid foundations of earned influence,” he added.

Since joining Ogilvy PR in 2000 in Kuala Lumpur, Chong has made the most of Ogilvy’s global network, living and working around the region, leading client relationships and campaigns spanning key markets such as Singapore, China Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Asia, Seifert said in the earlier interview, has a real opportunity to help lead integration, since it has long embraced collaboration, largely out of necessity.

“When you’re growing at double-digit rates, which we have been in Asia for many, many years, people are so busy just trying to cope with all the new opportunity, you don’t sit there and worry about protecting your end of the business,” he added.