Rowan Chanen joins M&C Saatchi Asia
Aussie expat and former Y&R Asia regional creative director Rowan Chanen (who started his career at DDB Melbourne) has joined the M&C Saatchi Asia network in the same role. Speaking about his new role, he said: "What's truly important these days is doing big ideas for big brands. And that's what M&C Saatchi Asia will be all about. The network is so diverse with so many great opportunities. Being the last truly independent agency network gives us a special place to operate within. BBH and Wieden have blazed the trail before us and done some of the best and most meaningful work for great iconic brands. As a big fan of both those agency brands, they've set the standard that we all need to aim for. Now that I'm back with my two old partners Chris Jaques and Rob Campbell, we'll be in a position to try to make that happen across the region."
Over a 3-year period at Y&R, Rowan re-established the Y&R Asia's creative profile and oversaw a tenfold increase in creative awards, lifting the network's overall standing in Asia. He departed Y&R following the appointment of Aussie expat Marcus Rebeschini as chief creative officer for Asia.
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"Being the last truly independent agency network gives us a special place to operate within."
What exactly does this mean in English?
Did Wieden & Kennedy get bought recently and I missed it?
Why not appoint an Asian?
To me, this shows the lack of integration the network has with the region.
No disrespect to Rowan and I acknowledge that he has form in the market, but a true local would have shown a far greater commitment to and comfort with the Asian marketplace.
Looking at his website, all his BIG IDEAS for BIG BRANDS must not have been uploaded yet.
http://rowanchanen.com/integrated.html
Read his CV, you idiot!
The guy has more experience in the Asian market than he needs to nail his new gig.
M&C Saatchi Asia - which office exactly? Shanghai? It's the only office left right?
Dear 3.39, I smell Xenobophia. There are plenty of Asians who can scam just as good as ang mohs. Asians at JWT Singapore recently won gold at Cannes for their work on the WWF. Actually that idea was from a European. And boy, is he pissed. See ads of the world. Asians for Asia! Grow up.
7:22
It's not just about winning awards, if that's your point.
It's about building deep links with the region that will promote a long-term business connection.
Employing a genuine local would be beneficial, I think.
Xenophobic? Maybe. Astute? Probably.
Worked with him before. The guy's great at what he does.
No problems on the whole Asian - vs - White guy in a regional gig.
Good luck Rowan - no doubt you'll turn around M&C the way you did Y&R.
you can tell alot about an industry by its blogs.
compare the shite above to how the same story was received in asia.
in the words of the great jim richards: "you're a pack of assholes"
http://www.campaignbrief.com/asia/2009/07/rowan-chanen-joins-mc-saatchi.html#comments
3:39. You're 100% right. Lets get rid of all the Asians in positions of authority in Australia as well. After all, how can an Asian show true commitment to Australia?
if your logic is that any agency in asia should only have a local (an asian) cd, then it follows that no asian should be cd of any agency in usa or europe or aus.
i'm sure your fellow asian working abroad may have something to say about that.
All I was simply saying is that hiring a true local may have helped communicate a deeper and more committed connection to the region. I certainly wasn't trying to get any Asians fired from agencies in non-Asian countries. Clearly, the Toms and everyone who has commented thus far on this blog disagree with me. Let's see how M&C's Asian foray progresses. If it falters, I may be vindicated. I hold no malice either way.
3.39pm / 5.45pm. Astute? No. Racist? Definitely. It's better to have people think you're an dimwit than open you mouth and prove them right. The point remains; the job should go to the best man or woman, regardless of race or religion.
Never underestimate the power of symbolism, 3:07.
Obama's election did more to heal the race divide in the US than anything else.
Why?
Symbolism.
9:09 America never had a black American president.
There are loads of asian cds in asia.
It doesn't need a symbolic gesture.
Unlike yourself Rowan's local knowledge extends beyond a Wanchai bar fine....
I don't know you personally Rowan, but you are wonderfully talented.
A world class act. Great writing plus great art direction = great communication.