Publicis Communications appoints Steve Walls as chief strategy officer for its Singapore operations

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steve walls1.jpgPublicis Communications has promoted Steve Walls (pictured) to Chief Strategy Officer for its Singapore operations, effective immediately. In his newly-created role, Walls will oversee the strategic planning function across Publicis Communications agencies in Singapore. Since its formation at the start of the year, Publicis Communications Singapore has invested in strengthening its strategy function, which has since doubled in size in the last five months. He will report to Lou Dela Pena, CEO, Publicis Communications Singapore.

She said, “Steve has the uncanny ability to get to the heart of a client’s problem in an instant, articulate it with clarity, and inspire some of the sharpest ideas to address these issues. As we continue to shift from silos to interdependence between agencies, it will become increasingly critical for our planning and strategy teams to be able to look at a brief and access our full range of expertise and specialities in order to solve the most complex issues faced by our clients. Steve is a great example of a creative strategist who sees the big picture and can inspire others to do the same. Plus, he truly is one of the most authentic people around – it’s incredibly fulfilling and fun to work with him.”

Ed Booty, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Worldwide, said, “Steve is one of a kind. He’s 10% crazy and 100% excellent. He’s the strategist that everyone wants to work with; clients and creatives alike. As well as being a thoroughly nice chap, Steve has the creative brilliance and versatility to get to ideas that defy the boundaries of traditional disciplines. As our agencies in Singapore work ever more seamlessly together, Steve is perfect to lead this change by example.”

Walls said, “I’ve always wanted to be part of the circus, and what I love about the strategists and planners across Publicis Communications, is that they’re as weird as they are wonderful. Diverse, dedicated, driven and deviant, this is a bunch of people who I think can raise the bar not only across the Groupe, but across the country. I’m looking forward to helping them get their freak on.”

Prior to his promotion, Walls was the Executive Planning Director at Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore. In his 20-year advertising and innovation career, he has led the strategic thinking behind household names like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Ford, JetBlue, Unilever, Blackberry, SingTel, BMW Singapore, ABN AMRO and CNBC Asia.