John Seifert, chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) North America, has been
named as Worldwide CEO, O&M. He succeeds Miles Young who announced his
retirement from the agency in June 2015.
Young remains as chairman until 1 September 2016, at which point Seifert will
become worldwide chairman and CEO. Young will take the warden position at New
College, Oxford University, and will hold a non-executive role in the agency. He will
continue to work with O&M and holding company WPP on key global clients.
Seifert has been part of O&M for the past 37 years, seven of which were at the
helm of the North America region – a position he will retain. Prior to assuming
leadership in North America, Seifert was responsible for a portfolio of 25 global
clients and had worked throughout the agency’s worldwide network in client
leadership and general management positions.
“Miles has been an incredible supporter of the South African operation,’ commented
Abey Mokgwatsane, CEO of O&M South Africa, on the announcement. “We are
grateful for everything that he has done for us and wish John all the very best in
this new chapter.’
The agency group also congratulates Paul O’Donnell, chairman and CEO of O&M
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and a member of the O&M South Africa
Holding Board, whose responsibilities have been extended to support Seifert with
agency transformation, as worldwide executive director.
