MD Viertel leaves Leo Burnett

LEO BURNETT   SENIOR DEPARTURES   REGIONAL APPOINTMENT

• Viertel joins CHE Brisbane
• Tan appointed Group CEO
• New model commences 15 October

Regional - Kurt Viertel, managing director of Leo Burnett Singapore is departing the agency to take on the new role as MD of Clemenger Harvie Edge Brisbane while Tan Kien Eng, current managing director of Leo Burnett Malaysia has been appointed as CEO of Leo Burnett Group Singapore & Malaysia.

Viertel began his Singapore role in 2006, having previously managed the Leo Burnett Vietnam office since 2004.

"I've been three years here in Singapore and it's been a great experience. We grown digital through the agency and we've integrated Arc and Leo Burnett. It's been a good run," Viertel told Marketing.

"It wasn't a planned move. Like any of these things, when the opportunities come up you just grab them. It's a chance to return home after nearly 10 years of travelling and working across the world - it was an offer too good to resist.

"I'm interested in working with the biggest group in Australia and being a private group it'll be a new and interesting challenge."

Jarek Ziebinski, president for Leo Burnett Asia Pacific, commented in a statement: "We appreciate the contribution Kurt has made to Leo Burnett during his tenure with us. We respect his personal decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank him again and I am sure his talent and passion will take him far."

Viertel will transition out of his current role by 15 October and begins his new position in November.

According to Leo Burnett, the appointment of Tan is aimed to enhance the synergy between the two country operations.

The move is also part of a strategic plan to build Leo Burnett Group Singapore and Malaysia into centres of excellence on digital and retail respectively, while optimising other services provided by the creative agency such as classical advertising, CRM, direct marketing, and events and promotions.

Reporting to Ziebinski, Tan will oversee the management and operation of both Malaysia and Singapore offices.

Nick Handel, regional director of digital, Leo Burnett Group, and managing director of Arc Worldwide Singapore, will focus on boosting growth of the digital business in Asia Pacific.

The new operation model will be effective commencing 15 October this year.

"I am excited to take on this new role and believe the change will open up more opportunities and allow the Leo Burnett Group to truly operate as one integrated creative network," Tan said.

"With this new operation model, we will continue to best leverage the capabilities of our people to deliver honest through-the-line marketing solutions to provide the greatest value for our clients."

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