Kay signs on as MD of Leo Burnett & Arc Malaysia
Robert Kay has joined Leo Burnett Malaysia and its sister division, Arc Worldwide, as its new managing director.
Tan Kien Eng, chief executive officer of Leo Burnett Group Malaysia said, “We have had amazing growth for the past 5 years, almost doubling an already large scale agency. This is the perfect time as we are at a stage where we need to strengthen our management team to ensure that we have the best people to take us on to the next phase of growth. Robert’s vast experience in a variety of fields will be a plus in ensuring the company’s growth”.
Over the years Kay (above) has worked for a number of world-class companies including managing all aspects of marketing and product development for Australasia within a US$2.2 billion division of The Coca-Cola Company; as account leader for Saatchi & Saatchi in both the UK and Australia; and as leader of one of Asia’s most awarded marketing-services companies. His most recent experience in Abu Dhabi as Managing Director for TBWA included working with the national airline of the UAE, Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1, and the government’s Media Zone Authority and investment fund in this rapidly growing city at the crossroads of east and west.
Kay’s passion for creativity and brands has allowed him to engage with some of the most recognised names in travel (Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways), financial services (Westpac, NAB, Invest AD), automotive (Mercedes-Benz & Fiat), beverages (The Coca-Cola Company, Lion Nathan, Carlsberg Tetley) and technology (HP & StarHub). His work has been recognised at Cannes, One Show, D&AD and Campaign Press & Posters and at major effectiveness awards.
Kay’s international perspective has seen him living and working in Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle-East with many brands, businesses and governments all looking to position for growth. More recently his exposure to government strategy and foreign direct investment has been enhanced through his engagements across the developed and developing markets of Asia and the Middle-East.
“It is vital for our senior team to understand the Burnett culture, values and our approach to creating Humankind solutions for our clients. I welcome Robert into our family, as he is a true Burnetter at heart,” added Tan.
2 Comments
Is he the same bloke who ran Bateys?
Robert’s a nice guy, I wish him well. He made some questionable decisions at Batey but they presumably had the Board’s blessing. However, people can change and I hope he does well at LB.