DDB bolsters regional line-up

DDB Hong Kong president and CEO Tim Evill has shifted to a new role as managing director of global clients, overseeing the agency's McDonald's, PepsiCo, Unilever and Johnson & Johnson accounts.

John Zeigler, regional president of DDB Worldwide, said: "We picked up a lot of McDonald's and, with Pepsi last year, acquired 60 per cent growth for multinational business. It's important to have Tim (Evill) in this role to manage our businesses regionally."

"Global accounts are becoming more significant, particularly in Asia," said Evill. "DDB has always been rather more federalist, which has been one of our strengths and one of our weaknesses as well - but I think we are getting better as a network."

Evill added that his successor will be named shortly. DDB Hong Kong managing director Donald Ma is also set to relocate to become MD of the agency's Beijing operations.

"I've probably been a bit regional and local," added Evill. "We need someone who can really concentrate on running the agency here."

In addition, Tribal DDB has promoted Adam Good to regional president, from a previous position of Greater China president. Chris Gordon, former global chairman of WWAV Rapp Collins, has been named regional chairman of Rapp Collins.

Gordon, who was previously group chief executive of WWAV Rapp Collins and has 15 years of experience in direct marketing, will retain some of his global responsibilities.

"To drive Rapp forward, we will be putting integration and analytics into the client's business and into our organisation," he said. "In Asia, we will continue to grow digital and online skills".

The agency has accompanied the staff moves by securing new business in China. Wyeth has selected Tribal DDB to handle online for its Centrum brand, while Rapp Collins has been chosen to handle the travel trade marketing business for Hong Kong Disneyland.

Rapp displaces incumbent OgilvyOne on Disney following a competitive pitch involving several unnamed agencies. The brief will see Rapp handle regional activation, with a focus on through-the-line servicing for travel agents, particularly within the China market, along with developing collaterals for trade to consumer communications.

Rapp Collins declined to comment on the win, and Hong Kong Disneyland was unavailable for comment.