Willingham joined BBDO Singapore in December 2014 as chief client officer and regional business director. As CEO, he is tasked with leading the management team, driving growth and overseeing creative work.
“BBDO Singapore is critical to our regional success and is one of our most successful offices," Burge said in a press release. "I have known Chris for some time and have from day-one wanted to see him use his experience and drive to continue that success."
This is Willingham's second stint with BBDO. He was earlier with the company between May and August 2013 where he oversaw the agency's Singtel business on a project basis. Prior to rejoining BBDO, his LinkedIn page lists him as CEO of Starcount, a data science company. He's also held positions with Fallon London, TBWA, Grey and Saatci & Saatchi.
In March, after nine years as head of BBDO in Asia, Chris Thomas became CEO of the Americas for the agency. Burge, the then CEO of Southeast Asia, was named CEO of Asia-Pacific.