Edwin Leong departs after 13 years

(Marketingmagazine.com.my)- Edwin Leong, J. Walter Thompson Malaysia’s Deputy Chairman and Executive Creative Director has departed from the agency having been there for 13 years.
Edwin assumed the role of deputy Chairman and ECD of the agency in 2004 having served as the Group Creative Director of Grey Worldwide.

One of Malaysia’s most highly regarded and iconic creatives, Edwin’s roster of high-profile campaigns include “Missile Car” for Channel Nine, an imaginative guerrilla outdoor campaign to promote the cable channel, which won Southeast Asia’s first and Malaysia’s only – Cannes Lions Grand Prix, as well as the Kleenex “Let it out” and Scott “Superabsorbent” campaigns, both of which won numerous awards including Gold at Cannes. His list of firsts also includes Malaysia’s first ever Best of Show at Adfest, that helped JWT clinch Network of the Year, and stewardship of a young team that brought home the country’s first Cannes Young Lions prize.

Recently, his focus on business growth helped secure three substantial new business wins in a row including F&N, Tourism Malaysia for a third consecutive 3-year tenure, and a subsequent shortlist for Campaign Agency of the Year 2014.

“Edwin joined JWT in 2003. Within the year the Malaysian office leapt nearly 100 places to rank as one of Asia’s Top 20 Hottest Agencies. Over the years, he has propelled JWT Malaysia and produced some of the most iconic and highly awarded work in the region”, recalls Tay Guan Hin, Regional ECD for J&J at J. Walter Thompson Asia Pacific.

“Edwin’s passion and commitment will be sadly missed when he leaves. His presence in the Asia Pacific Creative Council has made a tremendous impact to the overall regional creative output. I wish him nothing but the very best as he embarks on his next exciting adventure”

“I’ve had a great time at JWT, and I’ll take with me the priceless moments and so many good years. My thanks to my mentors and colleagues both past and present. It has been a real privilege to be part of the team,” Edwin shared.

“I’ve been restless for awhile – it’s time to explore. The industry is highly fragmented now and there are many ways creativity can serve brands and business.”

When asked about his replacement, the statement from JWT was,

Edwin leaves behind a team of senior creative talents in JWT who understand our client’s business and are more than able to carry on all creative responsibilities.  Further announcements will be made in due time.