Ogilvy Africa has named Mathieu Plassard as its new Chief Executive Officer. He takes over from Nadja Bellan-White who is moving to London in her new global role at Ogilvy and Mather EMEA.
Announcing the changes, Bharat Thakrar, CEO at Nairobi-based WPP-Scangroup which owns the Ogilvy Africa agency network, said Nadja has overseen a major transformation of the integrated communication firm’s Africa business. Mathieu, he added, would continue to drive this agenda as Ogilvy eyes more business opportunities across the continent.
Ogilvy Africa – headquartered in Nairobi – emerged the best agency at the African Cristal Festival held earlier this month in Marrakech, Morocco. The agency bagged seven out of a possible 12 Grand Prix awards most notably for a global campaign dubbed the “Most Eligible Bachelor” to raise funds for the conservation of the Northern White rhino species. Ogilvy Africa also recently clinched an Africa Gold Sabre award for its public relations work on Coke Studio 2016, a Coca-Cola platform that showcases musical talent from across the continent.
“Mathieu has been a key part of the positive change and growth at Ogilvy Africa and we are delighted to have him take over as CEO as this will ensure continuity with the existing team,” said Thakrar.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogilvy group, Paul O’Donnell, Executive Director & Chairman for Ogilvy Europe, Middle East & Africa, said that the group picked Mathieu Plassard as the next CEO because Plassard and Bellan-White have worked closely over the last three years to build a new Ogilvy Africa with a solid and diverse team across the continent as evidenced by the new business wins and large number of awards the agency has recently won.
Plassard, an Ogilvy veteran, previously worked at Ogilvy & Mather in Paris and Ogilvy Action for thirteen years. He will be expected to spearhead the Pan-African agency’s quest to rejuvenate its operations in line with growing demand for strategic communications services especially by global multinational brands pitching tent in Africa.
