Pitcher's role expands to Australia, NZ, Africa

ASIA-PACIFIC: Saatchi & Saatchi has expanded the responsibilities of Patrick Pitcher, its Asia chief executive officer, to include Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

by | 04/05/2002

The new markets bring to 28 the number of countries which now report to Pitcher, generating US$850 million in annual billings.

The Asia region covers all countries from Japan in the north to India in the east across to Indonesia. The Africa network is run out of Saatchi's Capetown office and covers 14 countries.

"Australia and New Zealand hold a special significance for me. They are leading agencies in the worldwide network, and I have always admired the great creative work they produce,

said Pitcher.

He said the Asia operation had a strong start both in new business and on the creative front. "We did really well to meet budget last year, and we have started 2002 strongly,

he said. In the first quarter, the network put on Ikea, Yi Li ice cream brand, VW Polo and Danone/Robust water in China; personal care chain Mannings in Hong Kong; Becks Beer and Carrefour in Taiwan and the Lottery business in India.

On the creative front, Saatchi picked up 23 awards at last month's Asia-Pacific Advertising Festival in Pattaya, making it the most-awarded network in Asia.