David Tang relinquishes DDB Asia chief role, leaves agency after 25 years

DDB Asia CEO David Tang will be leaving the global network at the end of this month.  Tang has been CEO of DDB Singapore for 20 years before transitioning the role to Jeff Cheong in 2022. Together with Neil Johnson, they have built DDB Singapore to become a formidable agency.

Over the last seven years, Tang has also led DDB Asia.  Tang is also known for some of the most iconic work created in Singapore's telco industry. Some of his most successful campaigns include "I am a hub" for StarHub, alongside "Everywhere under the sun" and "Dads for life" for M1. Tang, who has been at DDB since 1998 thinks of creativity as being clever is something and Tang believes the world needs more of “in these times” along with innovation and fresh thinking.

Commenting on his departure, Tang said, “Once in a lifetime, passion and perseverance come together. I was at the right place, at the right time. Truly, I want to thank a generation of talent which includes clients and colleagues who have become friends. They have been great to work with and they made the work great. They were a wonderful, hardworking bunch. Now I’m moving on, with faith and hope, to the next chapter of my lifetime.”

DDB Worldwide CEO Marty O’Halloran said “We would like to thank Tang for his passion, friendship and enduring commitment to DDB over the past 25 years. Everyone across the DDB network wishes David the very best in his endeavours ahead.”  

DDB also added that Tang’s departure results in increased leadership responsibility from key talent in local DDB offices across the region. DDB global president and chief operating officer Alex Lubar said: “We are thankful for Tang’s contributions over the years. Leadership remains strong in our markets across Asia as we continue to prioritise the region.”

Local DDB offices in Asia remain supported by DDB Worldwide management teams and have a proven track record of innovative client solutions and award-winning creativity. The leaders across Asia will report into Alex Lubar, in partnership with regional CFO Esther Selvanayagam who is based in Singapore.

Meanwhile, in 2022, DDB appointed Cheong as chief executive officer for its Singapore office. As part of its succession plan, Cheong will take over the Singapore office CEO role from David Tang, DDB Asia CEO who will also assume the role of chairman for the agency group.

Over the past 15 years, Cheong has worked side-by-side with Tang and vice chairman Neil Johnson to grow DDB into Singapore’s leading agency group. Cheong joined DDB in 2008 as managing director and executive creative director of Tribal Worldwide Singapore. Under his creative leadership, he has shaped Tribal into an award-winning digital agency.

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