Tom Doctoroff hands J. Walter Thompson APAC stewardship to John Gutteridge
Tom Doctoroff is leaving J. Walter Thompson APAC to move back to the USA, handing John Gutterage the role of CEO of the region.
Tom Doctoroff hands J. Walter Thompson APAC stewardship to John Gutteridge
Gutterage, who was previously CEO of the agency’s operations in Australia and New Zealand, will take over the job, moving to the regional headquarters in Singapore. J. Walter Thompson said the move was known and a long-term succession plan had been underway for some time.
Doctoroff is leaving the company and Asia, after moving to the region in 1994 to work in Hong Kong. He was appointed MD of J. Walter Thompson Shanghai in 1998 and has become a leading voice on Chinese consumers, writing two books on the subject. He has been APAC CEO since 2013.
Doctoroff’s next role hasn’t been made public but he said: “After so long in Asia, a culture I have fallen in love with, it is nonetheless time to go home and pursue the next chapter in my life.
I feel confident that I’m leaving a team and region I care deeply about in good hands. John has a proven ability to unify people around a clear philosophy that puts everyone on the same path to the same goal. That’s a quality that is going to resonate well with staff and clients across the Asia Pacific region,” he said.
Gutteridge first worked for J. Walter Thompson in London but has held MD roles at both the New Zealand and Melbourne offices during the past decade.
"APAC is one of the most exciting places to be right now. We’re continually reminded of its importance in the global economy, and indeed the immense potential for so many businesses here,” said Gutteridge.