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DAN global CEO of creative Dick van Motman exits – Isobar CEO Jean Lin gets expanded mandate

Dentsu Aegis Network’s global CEO of creative and content Dick van Motman has left the agency, eight months after moving into his most recent role. A veteran at DAN having spent seven years at the network, the Singapore-based van Motman was given the mandate of global CEO of creative and content in March this year. Isobar global CEO Jean Lin has now been designated CEO of DAN Creative, which will now include Isobar alongside mcgarrybowen and Dentsu Brand Agencies. The Shanghai-based Lin had been promoted to global CEO at Isobar in 2014 following the departure of Mark Cranmer. In a  restructure in March earlier this year, she had been named non-executive chairperson of DAN China. 

Van Motman had joined DAN in 2012, moving from DDB Group Greater China where he was president and CEO. His tenure saw DAN embark on an ambitious course of acquisitions through the region.  

His departure comes in the wake of a tumultuous year for DAN which has seen many high profile exits – particularly among managers who were formerly part of Aegis; and other changes in structure and senior agency management

The shifts come around the time DAN is shifting to “a one Dentsu approach” that CEO Tim Andree has spoken about in interviews with the media, and which is likely to see the ‘DAN’ name dropped. 

  

In a statement about his departure, van Motman said: “Business transformation is my passion and after nine countries, regional and global leadership positions, transformation assignments in three holding companies, hallmark M&As and most recently leading a sizeable division of over 7000 people, I feel the time is right for me to pursue other ventures where I can apply my global experience on a wider canvas.

“Hence, I will be stepping up my involvement with various startups and (advisory) boards in the new economy space as well as contemplating other opportunities in due time.”

“It has been an exhilarating ride at Dentsu and I have made many friends, mentors, peers and colleagues for whom I have tremendous respect.”

DAN executive chairman and CEO Tim Andree added: “I’d like to thank Dick for his valued contribution to our business over the past seven years and wish him all the best for his next move. 

“He leaves us in a strong position on our journey to cultivate a world-class global creative offering that is tech-enabled and ideas-led, to deliver valuable brand and experience transformation for our clients.” 

Van Motman’s formal exit from DAN will be at the end of the year and he will serve as an advisor to Andree.

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