DDB Group veteran Leslie Goh wraps up time with the firm after 16 years
share on
Leslie Goh is exiting DDB Group Singapore after 16 years with the agency. Over the past nine years, Goh served as DDB Group Singapore's chief operating officer (COO) and managing partner.
In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Goh said she is stepping away and embracing a new chapter in life. "For now, I'm looking forward to taking a break, recharge and recalibrate," said Goh.
"Though my journey with DDB has come to an end, my passion for this industry remains. I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and always looking for constant new challenges. This isn’t goodbye but a 'see you later' as I prepare for the next chapter of my journey," she added.
Don't miss: DDB Group HK promotes Adrian Tso to chief strategy officer
Goh joined DDB Tribal in 2008 as a senior account executive when the company was just 25-strong. She soon rose through the ranks, pivoting from project management to technology and a business leader, taking on the roles of account manager, senior account manager, project manager and head of operations and project management. In 2015, she was elevated to become DDB Group Singapore's COO.
As COO, Goh's remit included growing the agency's digital business where she led the launch of Total Experience (TX division), Tribal DDB's new consulting division in 2018. TX division featured six core practices in Asia to bring best in class specialists for business consulting, customer experience, data science, technology, creative and social and equator under one roof.
Under Goh's leadership, TX division has helped brands and clients navigate business transformation, develop apps and enterprise-level websites and products. The combination of specialist talents had brought new work such as JTC Corporation in 2020 and Changi Airport Group in 2023.
During her time with the agency, Goh has worked with several notable clients such as Gardens by the Bay, Tourism Australia, StarHub, Senoko, Cycle & Carriage, Samsung, Shiseido, Discovery Network and various government accounts.
"I am grateful for all the opportunities, trust, and partnership in shaping DDB's culture and business together. These past 16 years have been an enriching and fulfilling experience. I wish DDB all the very best and know it will continue to thrive in the future," said Goh.
“It’s been a rewarding journey working with Goh for the last 16 years in this agency. I’ve witnessed her growth and grit from building technology business to engaging the community. Above all, I admire how she makes tough decisions with grace. I thank her for being part of our agency’s story. I am certain her wealth of knowledge and experience will bring her to new heights,” said Jeff Cehong, CEO of DDB Singapore. He also said that to see her grow as a friend and peer has amazing. “She represents the best in all of us,” he said.
Prior to her 16 years with DDB, Goh was a senior account executive at YellowCube and an account executive at Proximity Singapore. According to her LinkedIn, she started her career as a rich media developer at XM Asia Pacific.
In June this year, DDB Group Singapore also so the exit of Tribal Worldwide's executive creative director, Benson Toh who had been with the company for 13 years. Toh confirmed to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that he will be moving to Moon Rabbit Singapore as its managing partner and executive creative director.
Meanwhile, on the agency holding group level, Omnicom is launching a new global organisation that brings together some of its creative networks under one leadership. The new Omnicom Advertising Group (OAG) will include major agencies BBDO, DDB, TBWA as well as leading agencies within the advertising collective including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, GSD&M, Merkley & Partners and Zimmerman.
OAG will be led by Troy Ruhanen as global CEO, Deepthi Prakesh as chief operating officer and Denis Streiff as global CFO. Bringing these agency brands under one leadership addresses clients’ needs for powerful creative solutions like never before, the network said in a statement.
Under OAG, each agency will retain its unique brand, culture and people, while capitalising on the group's shared and scaled investments in innovative tools, technologies, specialist capabilities, and AI platforms
Explore transformative trends to empower your brand for sustainable growth. Join 500+ marketing minds at Digital Marketing Asia 2024 Singapore on 1-2 October and uncover transformative trends to empower your brand, network with industry leaders and collaborate across industries, and discover real-life marketing wins and powerful ideas.
Related articles:
Naga DDB Tribal picks new ECD, expands creative leadership team
Naga DDB Tribal explains intent of controversial allyship IWD post featuring male staff
Naga DDB Tribal platform She Speaks Power creates IG directory spotlighting women
share on
Free newsletter
Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top marketing stories.
We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's marketing development – for free.
subscribe now open in new window