Ramsey, who joined McCann Japan in late 2004, takes charge of his third regional network, after previous stints heading JWT and M&C Saatchi. Einhorn, meanwhile, will retain his global chief strategy officer role at McCann’s global headquarters.
McCann Worldgroup chairman and CEO John Dooner dismissed concerns over Einhorn’s brief tenure. “There were no problems at all,” said Dooner. “In Asia, we have strong management. Eric was leading our charge in terms of accountability.”
Ramsey’s ascension comes after turning around McCann’s Japan operation. “He has demonstrated an ability as an operator, understands the product and the development of the product,” said Dooner. “He has done a good job in turning McCann around.”
Dooner said Ramsey will play a key role on China, in collaboration with mainland area director TH Peng, to develop Worldgroup’s presence in that market. “China will continue to report directly into New York,” he said.
Dooner also noted that all McCann regional managers will now retain management of a local market operation.
Einhorn’s tenure in Asia was marked by an expansion of Worldgroup operations, but also saw McCann lose its key Coca-Cola relationship in China. “When we asked Eric to add the regional director role in Asia to his post as top global strategy officer, our goal was to give key clients hands-on counselling and to deepen our own strategic strength throughout the region,” said Dooner.