Woodward takes up global role at Publicis

Hong Kong - Leo Burnett Asia Pacific's regional planning director, John Woodward is leaving the Hong Kong office to take up a global role at Publicis Worldwide in Paris, focusing on new business strategy.

"I have had 6 very exciting years in Asia, and 18 fantastic years at Leo Burnett, but I've been looking to relocate back to Europe for family reasons for some time. I take great pride in the fact that Leo Burnett and Arc are in the top 3 of the Asian new business ladder, where they've been for most of my stay here, and I very much look forward to the challenges I will face in my new role," Woodward said.

"He's been a fantastic strategic partner and asset for the agency on both a regional and global level. John is of that rare breed - he is both creative and highly analytical and has been pivotal in helping us build Leo Burnett's planning strength across the Asia Pacific operation. He now brings this knowledge and expertise to our sister agency, Publicis," Michelle Kristula-Green, President of Leo Burnett Asia Pacific said.

Woodward will take up his new role at Publicis on 2 July and reports to Richard Pinder, chief operating officer of Publicis Worldwide.

"We have some ambitious goals in terms of delivering a high quality product globally to entice new clients to join Publicis and existing ones to value us even more.  John will be at the heart of this effort with the worldwide team in Paris," Pinder said.  

Woodward officially leaves Leo Burnett on 31 May.