DDB’s John Zeigler awarded 2013 Global Marketer Award from the Academy of Marketing Science

John Zeigler the Chairman & CEO of DDB Group Asia Pacific, India & Japan was named Global Marketer of the Year at this year’s Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress (WMC) held in Melbourne yesterday.

Zeigler is only the third Australian-born marketing practitioner to be honoured by the Academy since it was established in 1971. The 16th biennial Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress brought together 375 of the world’s leading marketing academics and researchers.

Barry J. Babin, & Joseph F Hair Jr, Joint Chairs of the AMS Board of Governors, said: “The AMS Global Marketer Award is reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves in the practice of marketing.  As part of our selection criteria, the recipient will have demonstrated his/her accomplishments through their actions and statements, and will have at all times acted with integrity and high ethical standards. As an award winner, John has demonstrated throughout his career his support and appreciation of the role of marketing and its contribution to global business development. On behalf of the AMS Board of Governors and all AMS Fellows, we would like to congratulate John on his achievements and on being named AMS Global Marketer 2013.”

“I’m honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. Having worked in marketing for over 30 years – both on the client and agency side – I’ve never dreamed that I would be recognised by peers and academics in this way,” said Zeigler. “When I look back at my achievements and success, this award should really be dedicated to those who have supported me throughout my career. It’s these talented people that should really be given the credit. Thank you.”

A great believer in reinvention, Zeigler has constantly pushed the boundaries of industry trends – an essential skill in a global ever-changing marketing landscape. Throughout his working life, his passion has always been the pursuit of great ideas, creativity and effectiveness.

Zeigler has worked across virtually every industry including automotive; food and beverage; entertainment; banking and finance; and, travel and leisure amongst others. Having worked in noted roles across three continents, he started his career at Nabisco Brands, Carnation Company, Nicholas Kiwi and Campbell’s Soups.

In 1986 he launched quite possibly the world’s first integrated agency which gained global notoriety when it was acquired by DDB Worldwide in 1992.

Currently Chairman and CEO of DDB Group Asia Pacific, India. Japan, Zeigler’s responsibilities span 33 agencies in 14 countries, and more than 3,200 employees.

One of the most successful agency network leaders in Asia Pacific in recent times, under his watch, DDB Group Asia Pacific was awarded Campaign’s Creative Network of the Year in 2010. That same year he was also named Campaign’s Agency Head of the Year. The agency network was awarded Creative Network of the Year again in 2012 and was named Network of the Year by Mumbrella in 2013. To further affirm DDB Group Asia Pacific’s creative prowess, it was also crowned Spikes Asia Network of the year in 2010 and 2011, as well as AdFest Network of the Year for 2011 and 2012.

Prior to his Chairmanship role, Zeigler was Director of Digital Services Worldwide and Worldwide Chairman of Tribal DDB based in New York; President & CEO, DDB Australia and New Zealand; President & CEO, DDB Singapore and President & CEO and Chairman of DDB South East Asia Region; President, CEO and founder of DDB Focus, an integrated services agency in Dallas; and Managing Director of DDB Melbourne.

“When I started in this business, marketing was established but was still finding its role amongst more seemingly credible professions. In 2013, Marketing has proven it significant role in the success of a brand, and we know that brands and other intangibles play a crucial role in generating and sustaining the financial performance of businesses.

“However, in many companies, despite the scope of work and the money being spent, marketing is still seldom afforded its rightful place at the boardroom table. This I believe is, as an industry, our next challenge, and I hope to be part of re-inventing a new model in this very exciting industry,” he added.

Established in 1971 the Academy of Marketing Science is an international, scholarly, professional organisation whose premier marketing research publication, the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (JAMS) was recently recognised as one of the top 10 most cited academic journals in all of business.

Pictured: John Zeigler (right) with Barry Babin, Co-chair Academy of Marketing Science Board of Governors, and Joe Hair, Co-chair Academy of Marketing Science Board of Governors.