TBWA creates top new regional role for Asia

<P>TBWA\Asia- Pacific has tapped Emmanuel Andre for the newly-created senior management role of regional director.<BR>Andre, who is expected to arrive in Hong Kong in early July, will report to Keith Smith, chairman of TBWA\ Asia-Pacific. He has been tasked with business development, acquisitions, and further expansion of the network's brands and resources, including Tequila, Disruption and Connections.</P> <P><br><br><BR>"The region has opportunity problems, meaning that it is proving difficult to keep pace with growth," said Andre. "The biggest challenge is to make a difference and be useful. There's a lot of talent at TBWA in Asia, and I'll be looking to leverage that." </P> <P><br><br><BR>Previously, Andre was TBWA's New York-based director, corporate office. He has spent considerable time <BR>in the region through his role as worldwide account director on global brands such as Pernod Ricard. </P> <P><br><br><BR>Smith said Andre would spend significant time working with him in exploring growth opportunities, which arise either organically or through acquisitions. "We've got specific areas that we want him to focus on, which includes looking at acquisitions in IndoChina and India," said Smith. "We've reached a point now where we need experienced TBWA hands to help us grow to the next level."</P> <P><br><br><BR>Separately, the agency has promoted The Disruption Consultancy's Asia-Pacific director Michael McComb to the newly-created global managing director role. </P>