BBDO Asia’s Danny Searle to replace Ali Shabaz as Outdoor + Radio jury president for Spikes Asia

Ali Shabaz, Chief Creative Officer, Grey Group, South East Asia has today stepped down as Outdoor and Radio Jury President at this year’s Spikes Asia. Stepping into the role as replacement is Danny Searle, Vice Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, BBDO Asia, Asia Pacific.

Shabaz has stepped down due to the recent diagnosis of a critical illness of a family member.

Joining the jury to replace Searle on the jury is Sandipan Bhattacharyya, Chief Creative Officer, Grey Group, India.

Commenting on the news, Terry Savage, Chairman, Spikes Asia said, “We are deeply saddened to hear the unfortunate news and wish Ali and his family all the best at this difficult time. The mantle of presidency has been passed to Danny and I have no doubt that he will be a fantastic representative, guiding the jury members to award the best work from the past year.”

While extremely sad for Shabaz on a personal level, this development is opportunistic for the Spikes Asia organisers who will now not have to face the possibility of the much publicised Cannes Lions “I Sea” app controversy hanging over this year’s Festival.