Ogilvy hands Emily Poon Asia remit for PR and influence

Ogilvy has named Emily Poon president of public relations and influence in Asia, succeeding Scott Kronick who stepped down to become the agency's senior advisor. As part of Ogilvy’s Asia leadership team, Poon (pictured) will be responsible for driving continued client-centric innovation, business growth and deepening capabilities for the PR&I business in the region.

Poon will report to Asia co-chief executives, Kent Wertime and Chris Reitermann in her new role, and will work closely with the PR and influence global network of leaders. Alongside her new position, she will continue her current role in managing the agency’s PR and social business in Singapore. This appointment comes after Julianna Richter was named global CEO of PR and influence. 

Since joining Ogilvy more than 12 years ago, Poon has risen through the ranks to be the youngest head of the Singapore PR and influence business, according to Ogilvy. Under her leadership, the agency has won clients including AIA, Changi Airport Group, and OCBC, as well as global regional assignments for Unilever, Gojek, GovTech, and Google. According to Ogilvy, Poon will be its first female leader of the PR and influence business in Asia.

“It is a privilege to have worked closely with Kronick He is a leader who walks the talk, cares deeply for our team and I have learnt a great deal from him. I am grateful to him for his mentorship and also truly proud of our network, creative culture and strong leadership bench strength in Asia. Most of all, it gives me great pride to be working for, with and alongside people that I deeply admire and respect,” said Poon.

Kronick said it is a great honour to be passing the baton to Poon. "We have many internal candidates capable of leading the firm in Asia, however, Poon’s commitment to the people, our clients and her ability to work across the Ogilvy organisation to bring modern public relations to Asia is unmatched," he said. In working with her for these past 12 years, Kronick added he has seen first-hand that Poon is a values-driven leader who is well-positioned to lead Ogilvy and its clients into a new era of communications.

Meanwhile, Wertime said Poon has demonstrated strong leadership in her role in Singapore, knows how to grow a public relations business independently and as part of an integrated client solution, and importantly, she has earned the respect of everyone across the Ogilvy network.

"Poon cares deeply about our culture and we are excited to have her in this role. I also wish to thank Kronick for his partnership, achievements and tireless leadership for the past 29 years in Asia, and we are pleased he will remain involved in the business," Wertime added.

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