Simon Handford and Sandy Chan quit M&C Saatchi for Ogilvy & Mather

The duo (pictured), who were promoted from the roles of ECD in March, will continue working at M&C Saatchi until mid-December. The news was announced internally earlier this week.

Chris Jaques, M&C Saatchi's regional CEO, will assume the role of MD in Hong Kong. Rowan Chanen, unveiled as regional ECD earlier this year, will assume that role with immediate effect.

"They have been an inspirational team since they joined us, and under their leadership we have created some of the finest creative work in Hong Kong," said Jaques.

The duo become joint ECDs at Ogilvy & Mather Hong Kong, effective 1 January. "I have always been a fan of Simon: he's one of Asia's best writers and finest strategic brains," said Eugene Cheong, creative president of Ogilvy & Mather Asia-Pacific. "Sandy is the yin to Simon's yang. Her energy and insider's knowledge mean we'll have an even stronger presence in the Hong Kong market."

Today Ogilvy also confirmed the appointment of Juggi Ramakrishnan as deputy regional ECD.