TBWA\Asia president Ian Pearman exits agency

TBWA confirms Ian Pearman (pictured), TBWA\\Asia’s president, is leaving the collective to join a consumer services start-up headquartered out of Singapore. Pearman joined as TBWA\\Asia president, based out of Singapore, nearly two years ago. During his tenure, the region has added new talent and launched a number of specialist units to service evolving client needs, including consulting, data insights and production offerings. Pearman said: “It has been an amazing adventure at TBWA and I’ve achieved more than I ever hoped in relatively short order. After 23 years in the advertising business, the timing feels right to scratch that entrepreneurial itch and the opportunity to join a visionary new venture was just too tempting to say no to.” Troy Ruhanen president and CEO TBWA\\Worldwide said: “Pearman has helped to fuel the existing momentum around innovation for the Asia collective. He has led a great team who will continue to create disruptive work and run a suite of business offerings that will help our clients capture a greater share of the future. I’ve never been one to stand in the way of someone who wishes to try something entrepreneurial and am confident we will have a seamless transition.” Pearman’s successor will be announced in due course. Philip Brett, chief operating officer of TBWA\\Worldwide, who served as president of TBWA\\Asia based out of Singapore for many years, will provide support as needed on an interim basis until a successor is named. The change comes at a time of positive momentum for the agency collective. In January, TBWA was reappointed by Singapore Airlines as its global lead creative agency for a five-year contract. Read also: Ara Hampartsoumian takes CEO role in TBWA\Singapore TBWA\Asia names regional head to lead newly formed post-production arm BOLT TBWA\Worldhealth launches in Asia starting with Singapore TBWA\Asia rolls out data and consumer insight arm Disruption Consulting TBWA\Malaysia chairman Sa’ad Hussein heads to Singapore TBWA\Asia brings on board Steve Walls for regional strategy duties