Publicis reshuffles as Ordonez retires

Publicis has named Maria Teresa Villanueva as chairman and chief executive officer of its Manila office, to succeed Herminio Ordonez who retires in January.

As part of the reshuffle, Publicis managing director Paolo Mercado has been named vice president of Publicis Dialog for Southeast Asia, and will also become CEO of the Philippines Dialog operation. This new operation counts ex-Coke brand activation and promotions director Gidget Aguinaldo as chief operating officer. Leo Gonzales, former associate VP for creative services at GMA7, comes aboard as creative director.

"We aim to fast track our ascent to the top three by opening new revenue routes with Publicis Dialog while simultaneously extending new business reach of the creative agency with the incorporation of Villanueva's high industry credentials," said Ordonez.

Villanueva joins from sister Publicis agency JimenezBasic, where she was senior executive officer for client service and business development. Publicis Manila is also promoting current executive creative director Marlon Rivera to take on the additional role of president. Ronald Barreiro takes on a new role as executive vice president, after leading the agency's Nestlé business.