TBWA\Asia adds a ‘disruption master’ with Steve Walls leaving Publicis to take up the new role

TBWA\Asia has hired Steve Walls as ‘disruption master’ – a new regional role designed to add further depth to the network’s strategic capabilities.

Walls (left) is based out of the Singapore agency and will join Robin Nayak in supporting strategic planning across the agency collective in Asia.

Prior to joining TBWA, Walls was chief strategy officer at Publicis Communications Singapore, where he looked after Leo Burnett, Saatchi and Publicis. Over the course of a 25-year career in advertising and innovation, he has worked in the UK, Singapore, Australia, US and Canada, at agencies including BBH, JWT, BBDO, and Ogilvy.

Walls has led strategic thinking behind global brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Ford, JetBlue, Blackberry, Unilever, FWD, Agoda, and has also run major innovation projects for Citibank, Diner’s Club, Nestle and Audi.

“When the TBWA guys asked me to come over and help turn every brief into a gift for the creative teams there could only ever be one answer – yes,” said Walls. “It’s a dream job, made even better with a ridiculous title.”

“Our ambition as a collective is to create truly disruptive strategies for our clients that lead to exponential business results. Steve is one of the industry’s most disruptive big thinkers and there’s no better home for his superb talent and fabulous energy,” said Ian Pearman, president of TBWA\Asia.