Memac Ogilvy has appointed its EMEA chief digital officer and 22-year company veteran Patou Nuytemans as its new CEO, who will succeed founder and chairman Edmond Moutran as he shifts his focus to the executive chairman role.

Nuytemans’s experience in the modern marketing world has seen her represent Ogilvy in five markets across multiple continents, including South Africa, France, Belgium, and the US and UK. She has served in her current role as the chief digital officer for EMEA for 14 years, and has been one of the company’s most influential figures in transforming Ogilvy from a traditional agency to a digital age group.

Nuytemans will continue her role as EMEA’s chief digital officer, creating an even stronger relationship between Memac Ogilvy and the regional leadership team.

Moutran will maintain his position as executive chairman of Memac Ogilvy, having served dual responsibilities since he founded Memac in Bahrain in 1984. After building a one-client, one-office company into the region’s most awarded agency, covering 14 countries, with more than 1,000 employees, he sold a majority share to Ogilvy in 2013.  

“At the beginning of the year, John Seifert and the global leadership team announced Next Chapter: a paradigm shift in the way we think, work, and deliver. This global evolution has been many years in the planning, and seeks to unify Ogilvy’s many parts, and create a truly integrated agency,” said Moutran.

“Creating One Ogilvy is not only in line with our thinking as a company, and our everlasting goal of making brands matter, but also in response to the changing landscape of industries, societies, and economies around the world.

“We are a people company, with clients at the heart. Adaptation and evolution are essential requisites to building the most relevant and successful brands, and maintaining our position as one of the leading agencies in the world. It is with this in mind that we proudly and whole-heartedly announce Patou Nuytemans as the new Chief Executive Officer of Memac Ogilvy group. She is an undeniable talent, and true leader in the digital age. We are confident she will drive Memac Ogilvy forward with creativity and gusto,” he continued.

Nuytemans will assume her new role on September 17,  and be based in Memac Ogilvy’s hub office in Dubai.

“The success and legacy that Mr. Moutran has built with Memac Ogilvy is seldom seen in any market around the world. It’s an honour and a privilege to be taking the helm at such a connected, passionate, and creative group,” said Nuytemans.

“The Middle East region that Memac Ogilvy covers is recognized as one of the most important regions in our global network, and one with incredible potential. This comes down to the amazing talent on the ground, their new ways of thinking, and unrivalled dedication to delivering excellence when serving our clients. We are a people company, with clients at the heart, and it is the people that make Memac Ogilvy what it is. I cannot offer Mr. Moutran enough praise for the legacy he has built, and the team he has around him. I am confident this group will continue to deliver amazing work and grow into one of the global network’s biggest agencies,” she added. – TradeArabia News Service