Former Publicis global exec Chris Foster replaces Matthew Godfrey as Y&R Asia president
Following a turbulent year that saw a number of senior departures, Y&R Asia has appointed Chris Foster as regional president.
Chris Foste
Foster, who was previously Publicis Groupe’s global clients president, will relocate from New York to Singapore and report to Y&R global president David Patton.
He was previously based in Singapore, where he held a raft of leadership roles at Saatchi & Saatchi. These included worldwide chief operating officer and chairman and regional CEO, Asia Pacific and Greater China.
Canadian-born Foster replaces former president Matthew Godfrey, who recently left the agency after seven years to join Singapore-based food start-up Nutrition Innovation as CEO.
Shortly after Godfrey’s departure, Y&R South East Asia CEO, Sanjay Bhasin, left the agency to join Dentsu Aegis Network as the head of IndoChina.
In Singapore, the agency recently appointed Shirley Tay to replace Melvin Kuek as the country’s CEO.
“We are excited to have Chris join Y&R. He’s a dynamic, energising leader and brings extensive client expertise, deep knowledge of the region as well as a strategic global perspective,” said Patton. “Chris’ success in Asia, as well as his track record of building strong, collaborative teams will be key to building upon our creative and strategic excellence, expanding our business capabilities and helping our clients grow their brands in the region and beyond.”
Foster added: “I am eager to return to the dynamic markets of Asia, and do so with great excitement and optimism as part of Y&R. The talent and resources of the Y&R network have contributed to Y&R’s reputation for work that is highly strategic, creative and innovative.
“Collectively the Asian economies are the strongest in the world at this time, and the enthusiasm for all things digital among consumers means there are enormous growth opportunities for local, regional and global clients. I am looking forward to making an immediate impact and bringing my regional and global experience to bear on our clients’ brands and businesses.”
Eleanor Dickinson is the editor of Mumbrella Asia. Eleanor joined the Asia platform from Dubai, where she acted as senior reporter for Campaign Middle East.
Chris Foster. Marcus Rebischini. Harri Ramnatans. Does it get any less challenging than that?
Other WPP APAC teams at Ogilvy, JWT and Grey must be celebrating already.
ReplyTried clicking the Contact us links (HR/New biz/Creative Opps) on the Y&R Singapore web page? Truly unusual and just the kind of snafus you’d expect from WPP APAC’s least celebrated office.
ReplyPoor Chris has been out in the Saatchi wilderness ever since Kevin Roberts’ fall from grace and Djaba’s crackdown on the old guard. Let’s hope Chris can fund himself a respectable retirement plan at Y&R, though it’s going to be an uphill task, with bleak bedfellows like Rebischini and the Harri Ramnatans chap for huddles.
ReplyThey replace a mediocre white guy with….. another mediocre white guy. With the number of women and locals in the region who are changing the game and know the industry inside out this is yet another sign of how short sighted businesses can be.
ReplyAgreed.
I have no idea if Chris is mediocre (or if indeed Matt was), although I have little memory of his time at Saatchi, so I am guessing he wasn’t exactly pulling trees.
But this is a missed opportunity for a move away from the middle aged white man cliche and to start something exciting at Y&R. Instead, more of the same.
ReplyAfter six months wait, this is what Y&R truly deserve. Can’t wait to see the turnaround!
ReplyWow, how fucking negative can you get? I have worked for Chris before, he’s a great guy and will give sleepy ol’ Y&R a much needed kick up the arse
ReplyYou can tell him how great he is when you catch up with him on the golf course.
ReplyHave your say