Kent Wertime, co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC is retiring after 27 years with the WPP owned creative agency.
Wertime’s departure has implications beyond APAC, as he is also the global COO of Ogilvy and global CEO of Ogilvy One. His successor “will be announced in due course”.
In a media release, Ogilvy also announced that Chris Reitermann will also be transitioning away from his role as co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC. He will focus his full energy on his role as CEO of WPP Greater China. Together, Wertime and Reiterman have co-led Ogilvy APAC since 2016.
The APAC leadership responsibilities previously shared by Wertime and Reiterman will be assumed by the regional leadership team, who will work closely with local market leaders and Global HQ to ensure business continuity and strong connectivity across the Ogilvy network.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to help lead this incredible agency across both its global and regional frontiers. I have had the honour of working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in our industry worldwide. I want to thank Chris, my partner of ten years, for a shared journey in Asia Pacific filled with trust, mutual respect, and plenty of laughs. My deepest gratitude goes to our clients and the entire Ogilvy family globally and in APAC. I leave with absolute confidence in the talent, character, and ambition of this global network as it steps into its next chapter,” commented Wertime on his retirement.
Wertime joined Ogilvy in 1999 as CEO of Ogilvy Interactive Asia Pacific. Over nearly three decades, his leadership qualities saw him take on increasingly complex regional and global mandates. His ability to concurrently manage the multiple responsibilities stands as a rare and remarkable feat, reflecting the absolute confidence the global network placed in him. Beyond his corporate achievements, Wertime is widely respected as a writer, mentor, and lifelong student of culture and technology.
“Kent is a true Ogilvy giant. Over his 27 years with the agency, he has demonstrated a rare combination of vision, sharp commercial acumen, and steady leadership. From pioneering our early digital transformation in Asia to simultaneously holding three of the most demanding roles in our global network, Kent’s impact on our business and our clients is immeasurable. We are immensely grateful for his dedication, his wisdom, and the incredible legacy of mentorship he leaves behind. We wish him the absolute best in a very well-deserved retirement,” said Laurent Ezekiel, global chief executive officer of Ogilvy.
“We also want to thank Chris for his outstanding leadership as co-CEO of APAC alongside Kent. Under their joint stewardship, our APAC network has flourished as a creative and economic powerhouse. While Chris moves away from his Ogilvy regional role, we are thrilled that WPP Greater China will continue to benefit from his exceptional leadership, focus, and drive.”
“Leading Ogilvy APAC alongside Kent has been an extraordinary journey. Our partnership has been built on deep trust and friendship, and I could not have asked for a better partner to navigate the highs and challenges of this dynamic region. As I transition to focus entirely on driving WPP’s growth and integration in Greater China, I am incredibly proud of what we have built together. I know the APAC region is in great hands with Kyoko and our regional leadership team, and I wish Kent nothing but happiness in his retirement,” concluded Reitermann.
