McCann Singapore has appointed Gonzalo Olivera as chief executive officer, succeeding Paul Soon, who is leaving the agency to relocate to the US for personal reasons.
Soon had previously helmed MullenLowe Singapore as CEO since 2018, before taking on an expanded China remit in 2020.
Soon stepped up as McCann's Singapore CEO when the agencies merged in January following Omnicom's US$9 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group in November 2025.
Olivera, who has served as president of McCann Singapore since January, will assume the CEO role immediately.
“We thank Paul for his contribution in building McCann Singapore into the agency it is today, with creative ambition, a clear philosophy and commercial credibility," Olivera said in a statement shared with Campaign.
"This industry may be measured in dollars, but it is built on relationships. Having had the chance to work with someone I can count as a friend has been a real privilege," he added.
Singapore was carved out as a strategic exception. Omnicom's market-by-market review determined that McCann and MullenLowe were a more natural fit locally, given the size and nature of both businesses.
Olivera has been based in Singapore since 2013, when he relocated from Spain to manage global Unilever accounts at MullenLowe. He spent nearly 13 years at MullenLowe Singapore before being named managing partner in 2023.
Sean Donovan, president of Asia at Omnicom Advertising, thanked Soon for his leadership during the agency's six-month transition period.
"We wish Paul well in his next season of life," Donovan said, adding: "Paul is leaving behind an agency that knows who it is, and under Gonzalo's leadership and direction, is positioned to grow in its next phase."
Soon reflected on his career with the agencies and urged his former colleagues to continue to create meaningful work.
"First, I am deeply grateful for the 20 odd years I have had the privilege to be part of Singapore's creative industry, working alongside some of the finest talents and competing against each other, while maintaining compassion and respect for one another's craft and perspectives," he said.
"The truth will always set anything free. I look forward to more amazing work ahead," he added.
