Ogilvy, Bates join forces with Riverorchid in Cambodia, Laos

The move follows a decision by sister WPP agency JWT to appoint riverorchid as its sole partner in Phnom Penh. Santiphong Pimolsaengsuriya, regional CEO of Riverorchid, noted that the decision signalled a new and exciting phase in the agency’s history.

The new venture, which will use the Riverorchid name, will commence operation in Phnom Penh this month. Riveorchid is a communication agency with offices in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

John Goodman, regional director of Ogilvy & Mather, said the rise in living standards and increase in disposable incomes means new opportunities for clients.

“This enables the agency to offer a more comprehensive service,” he added. “By combining all these different streams of expertise under one roof, we feel we can better serve the needs of our clients and respond to the fast-changing business and media scenes in these two significant markets.”

Marketers and agencies are increasingly moving into the market. In June, market research company TNS said it would be following its global clients by venturing into Cambodia. Quantum Publicity, a media agency specialising in press and broadcast publicity campaigns, also opened its doors in Cambodia.