Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide has announced Tham Khai Meng as its Worldwide Creative Director and Chairman of its Worldwide Creative Council on 25 November 2008. This move marks the first time an Asian will take on global responsibilities at a renowned agency.

Tham has been Co-Chairman and Executive Regional Creative Director for Ogilvy & Mather Asia-Pacific since 1999.

Effective from 1st January 2009, Tham will join Global Chief Executive Officer Miles Young, at the network’s New York office. Tham will divide his time between New York and the rest of the world. He will also continue to maintain a supervisory role in Asia.

Commenting on the new appointment, CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Shelly Lazarus said, “Khai’s record speaks for itself. He believes in great work that works. And above all, he is an Ogilvy ‘gentleman with brains’ to his bones. We are thrilled that Khai will take up this challenge for us.”

Tham commented, “I’m honoured to take on this worldwide role. I believe opportunities abound in these frightening yet very exciting times. As a global agency, we are in a strong creative position, but we all believe we can do better. I’m greatly looking forward to working with our brightest minds across our international network.”

Under Tham’s leadership, Ogilvy & Mather Asia-Pacific has consistently been recognized as “Creative Network of the Year” in the region for seven consecutive years (2001 – 2008) by Campaign Brief Asia.

In each of those seven years, Campaign Brief Asia also awarded Tham “Creative Director of the Year.” Another industry magazine, Advertising Age Global named Tham as “one of the world’s most influential people in the communications business.”