BBDO's Andy Wilson returns to Ogilvy to launch Asia sustainability practice

Ogilvy Consulting Asia has brought on board BBDO Asia's head of strategy, Andy Wilson (pictured), to launch its sustainability practice in Asia as senior partner, sustainability. The practice aims to help clients shape sustainability priorities and solutions in the region, and Wilson will report to Jerry Smith, CEO of Ogilvy Consulting, Asia.

Wilson has over 25 years’ experience in innovation, brand building, and strategic communications planning, and was BBDO Asia's head of strategy since 2012. He returns to Ogilvy where he also previously worked as regional planning director in Singapore and planning director in Tokyo, according to his LinkedIn. BBDO's spokesperson said a search for Wilson's replacement is underway.

Ogilvy’s new practice will focus on Asia’s myriad pressing environmental, social, and inclusion issues. This includes the continued fight against poverty, the balancing of a growing middle-class and urbanisation with the environmental impact, the stress for companies to move faster to net-zero emissions, the desire to transform to alternative energy, and the complex and diverse cultural context for equity and inclusion improvements. While many of the topics are global in nature, Ogilvy said clients are seeking solutions tailored to Asia’s unique market situations and social issues.

According to Wilson, the industry is on the brink of a radical paradigm shift in how it manufactures, markets, and consumes products and services. "We have a critical role to play in helping organisations and brands develop environmentally and socially sustainable solutions and practices. It is an exciting time and I’m thrilled to be able to accelerate this positive transition and help our clients across the region grow profitably whilst solving sustainability issues," he added.

Meanwhile, Smith said Wilson has an exceptional track record of building business by transforming brands and internal cultures for clients in every sector, across global, regional, and local markets and is highly respected throughout our industry. "We are delighted to have Wilson join us to lead Ogilvy Asia's commitment to all stakeholders to create truly sustainable and transformative brands," Smith said.

According to him, Ogilvy has been focusing on creating a sustainable culture and ways of working for some time. Smith explained that sustainability has become a greater priority for businesses, brands, and people, the urgency and importance of this topic means Ogilvy needs to build a more structured solution for its clients. "Our work now needs to take the corporate strategy and mandate and create practical ways to activate that at a regional and local level," he added.

Related articles:
Ogilvy SG doubles down on creativity with 21 new hires
Islamic feminist org Musawah ramps up research and comms efforts with Ogilvy MY
Ogilvy moves Indonesia creative chief Adrian Miller to lead charge in MY
Ogilvy China names CRM and loyalty head