Leo Burnett Malaysia announces new creative structure as ECD exits

Executive creative director, Eric Cruz (pictured), who has been with Leo Burnett Malaysia for the past three and a half years will be leaving the agency. Having been based in the USA, Tokyo and London before his stint in Malaysia, Cruz says he has always thrived in the adventure behind new experiences but feels it is time to settle and spend time with his family.The agency will be restructuring its creative leadership to form a creative council of six creative directors. More details will be shared at a later time.Cruz said: “It was a difficult decision to make but I’d really like to focus on my family and be closer to home. I’m very thankful to Kien for inviting me to be part of Leo Burnett Malaysia. It was a great honour to have him entrust me with the responsibility of upholding Yasmin Ahmad’s legacy and striving to reinvent Leo Burnett Malaysia into the agency of the future. We’ve worked closely together over the past few months in finding the right talent to ensure our work remains the best and the most progressive, bar none.”“I’ve truly enjoyed my time here and hopefully I’ve made a positive impact on the incredible team. I also wish to thank everyone who has partnered and supported us during my time here. It has been a pleasure, privilege and an honour. I wish Kien and everyone at Leo Burnett Malaysia the very best,” added Cruz.“Best wishes and heartfelt thanks from all of us to Eric for his wonderful contribution and support that has helped shape our business over the past few years,” said Tan Kien Eng, CEO of Leo Burnett Malaysia.Speaking about the new creative structure Tan said, “Over the years, Leo Burnett Malaysia has grown tremendously, with double digit growth year on year. The agency has evolved from creating film and advertising to being a fully integrated communications agency. While we have succeeded in creating fresh content, incorporating new digital media to engage with our audiences, we know we need to hit refresh on the way we work to ensure we continue to stay relevant in the changing communication landscape. With Eric’s departure, we took the opportunity to restructure our creative leadership to form a Creative Council consisting of six senior award-winning creative directors who will continue to take the helm and steer our agency to bring it to the next level. We will be sharing the details of the new creative structure and key leaders in the next announcement shortly.”