OGILVY ANNOUNCES MAJOR LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS AS KENT WERTIME RETIRES

Ogilvy has announced leadership transitions with Kent Wertime retiring from his global and APAC roles at the end of June, and Chris Reitermann stepping away from his APAC position to focus on WPP Greater China. Their decade-long partnership shaped Ogilvy APAC’s growth, with successors for Wertime’s global roles to follow.  

Ogilvy has announced significant leadership changes across its global and Asia Pacific networks, marking the retirement of Kent Wertime, one of the agency’s most respected figures. Wertime will step down at the end of June from his roles as Co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC, Global Chief Operating Officer of Ogilvy, and Global CEO of Ogilvy One.  

In parallel, Chris Reitermann will also transition away from his position as Co-CEO of Ogilvy APAC to dedicate his focus entirely to his role as CEO of WPP Greater China, a market critical to WPP’s global growth strategy. Together, Wertime and Reitermann have co-led Ogilvy APAC since 2016, steering the agency through a decade of digital acceleration, creative expansion, and market transformation.  

Wertime’s departure has implications beyond the Asia Pacific region, with successors for his global roles to be announced in due course. In the interim, APAC leadership responsibilities will be managed by the regional leadership team, working closely with local market leaders and Ogilvy’s global headquarters to ensure continuity.  

Joining Ogilvy in 1999 as CEO of Ogilvy Interactive Asia Pacific, Wertime was an early champion of digital transformation. Over nearly three decades, he rose to take on multiple global mandates simultaneously, a rare feat that underscored the confidence the network placed in him. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is admired as a mentor, writer, and lifelong student of culture and technology.  

Laurent Ezekiel, Global CEO of Ogilvy, paid tribute: “Kent is a true Ogilvy giant. From pioneering our early digital transformation in Asia to holding three of the most demanding roles in our global network, Kent’s impact is immeasurable. We are immensely grateful for his dedication, wisdom, and legacy of mentorship.” Ezekiel also praised Reitermann’s leadership, noting that APAC flourished under their joint stewardship.  

Reflecting on his career, Wertime said: “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to help lead this incredible agency across global and regional frontiers. I leave with absolute confidence in the talent, character, and ambition of this network.” Reitermann added: “Leading Ogilvy APAC alongside Kent has been an extraordinary journey. Our partnership was built on trust and friendship, and I am proud of what we achieved together.”  

This transition marks the end of an era for Ogilvy APAC, while signalling a new chapter for the agency’s global leadership as it continues to evolve in a rapidly changing industry.