Ogilvy Malaysia’s creative chief steps down

Graham Drew has stepped down as chief creative officer of Ogilvy Group Malaysia, less than a year after taking on the role overseeing the creative output of both Ogilvy and Grey in the market.

Drew announced his departure on LinkedIn, saying that he was stepping away to focus on his family, describing the decision as “extremely tough”.

Drew was named CCO of the group in December 2025, effective 1 January 2026, after WPP moved Grey under Ogilvy. 

In a statement to A+M, Ogilvy Malaysia confirms that he has resigned from his role as Chief Creative Officer. The agency thanked him for his contributions and wished him every success in his next chapter.

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In his group role, Drew oversaw the creative output of Ogilvy and Grey Malaysia, working alongside group CEO Irene Wong.

He had previously served as CCO of Grey Malaysia for nearly five and a half years, a role he held alongside his position as global ECD.

Drew joined Grey in 2014 and during his tenure worked across brands including P&G, WWF, SK-II, Tesco, Reckitt, Pantene, Volvo and Carlsberg. His work spanned brand, experience and commerce.

In announcing his departure, Drew reflected on his 12 years in Malaysia, saying the period had been defined by learning, travel and working with people who offered him “genuine genius”, kindness and mentorship.

He said he was leaving to focus on being a son and father, adding that he did not view the move as a permanent exit from the industry.

“I'm not done, I'll be back, I love doing this too much,” Drew wrote, adding that he may reconnect with industry contacts in 2027.

Before joining Grey, Drew was creative director at VCCP in London.

A+M has reached out for more. 

His exit follows a year of change at the group. In August, Ogilvy Thailand appointed Mettipapan Tongton as Ogilvy lead, as longtime CEO Jiravara Virayavardhana prepared to retire after more than three decades with the agency. 

Meanwhile, in June, long-time APAC co-CEOs Kent Wertime and Chris Reitermann stepped away from their regional roles after a decade leading the network together, with Wertime retiring after 27 years with the agency.

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