Matthew Godfrey, president, Y&R Asia said, “It is with deep regret that Tanuj has decided to resign from Y&R after over a decade of passionate service. He takes this decision with our respect and best wishes. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for everything he has done. Over the many years I have been in Singapore I have both witnessed and participated in many pitches with Tanuj. His relentless drive and energy to win is legendary.
‘With immediate effect I am taking on the role of Chairman of Y&R Singapore so I can partner with Tanuj and the Singapore leadership team to jointly ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.”
Tanuj Philip said, “I am extremely proud of my achievements whilst at Y&R. Over the years I’ve worked with a strong and committed team to steer the agency through many victories and challenges. With the new business we’ve won in the last few months including Goodyear, Yahoo! and WDA, I truly believe that I’m leaving the agency at a time when momentum is strong and continues to drive the Singapore business forward. Wherever I go next, Y&R will always be part of my DNA.”
Speculation on change at the agency mounted after Y&R and long-time client OCBC issued a joint statement mid-April that the agency would not be participating in the bank’s upcoming creative pitch.
Y&R Singapore had also seen the steady erosion of its Audi business, now with Iris, and the Resorts World Sentosa tactical business, now with Ogilvy, while much of APB’s Tiger Beer creative account is handled by Y&R Malaysia.