JWT Singapore’s head of digital Riku Vassinen resurfaces at Ogilvy Africa

Riku Vassinen (pictured), head of digital at J. Walter Thompson, has joined Ogilvy Africa as managing partner, customer engagement, according to his LinkedIn. Vassinen was with JWT for approximately two years and was previously with R/GA as strategy director and associate planning director. He also worked at N2, TBWA\Diego and Spring House, according to his LinkedIn.In a statement to Marketing, Vassinen said that having worked closely with Wunderman during his time at JWT, the merger will be “a great thing” for the agency and its clients. However, he was looking for a new challenge and has consistently pushed himself out of his comfort zone throughout his career. As such, he could not pass on the opportunity to work with a “talented and hungry” digital team at Ogilvy Africa.“During my time in JWT, we were able to build a solid digital foundation for the agency and did some great digital work worldwide for great clients. After seven years in Asia, now it is time for the next chapter in Africa. It is massively exciting, little bit of frightening; just how it should be,” he added.When asked about his vision for his new role, Vassinen said he wants to bring the best of his skillsets and experience, and combine them with new digital thinking in the region to create something unique for clients.“I don’t want to replicate what I have been doing previously in Asia and Europe, or what agencies and brands have been historically doing in Africa. I want to create something that is creative, effective and builds brand in every touch-point,” he added.Marketing has reached out to Wunderman Thompson and Ogilvy for comment.