Dentsu International has appointed Merlee Jayme chief creative officer, Asia Pacific (APAC), effective immediately. Jayme moves from her role as global co-president, dentsumcgarrybowen and chairmom dentsu Philippines. Her APAC realm will include Isobar, dentsumcgarrybowen, and dentsu creative agencies, dentsu One, dentsu Webchutney and Taproot dentsu.
Jayme will report to Jean Lin, global chief executive officer, dentsu Creative and Ashish Bhasin, chief executive officer, dentsu Asia Pacific. Jayme will also continue as part of the core team in the global creative experience council at dentsu and sponsor of the region’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) programme.
Jayme joined the group through dentsu’s acquisition of her creative agency, JaymeSyfu, and has become one of the most awarded creative leaders in the APAC region. She is a passionate advocate for the power of ideas in changing the world and diversity, equality & inclusion. She was jury president for Radio & Audio at the recent Cannes Lions Awards.
Jayme stated, “My global role at dentsumcgarrybowen has opened my eyes to the integrated opportunities we can create to push creativity and innovation, solving our client’s problems with all creative capabilities across dentsu. I am excited to be back in my home region, working hand-in-hand with our amazing colleagues in Asia Pacific to create great work that matters for our clients”.
Jean Lin commented,“At dentsu, we bring together brand and experience around the organising power of an idea. Dentsu wants to be the most integrated agency network in the world, and compelling ideas and cultural insights play a pivotal role in achieving this vision. Jayme’s inclusive creative leadership, Asian roots and global experience work brilliantly to deliver idea-led transformation in Asia Pacific – one of the most vibrant playgrounds for business creativity. We have an ambitious plan for Asia Pacific and are thrilled to have Jayme focus on the region she calls home.”
Ashish Bhasin added, “Jayme’s creative ability speaks for itself and when the opportunity arose to give her a broader remit across the region, it was a no-brainer. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and innate ability to get the best out of the people she works with make her truly unique, and I am excited to see her instill further excellence across our agencies and unleash the potential of our Creative business, driving deeper connections with our clients and the consumers they’re talking with.”
Dentsu was Network of the Year at Spikes Asia 2021 and Network of the Year for the fourth consecutive year at Adfest 2020. dentsumcgarrybowen recently won a Cannes Lions Entertainment Grand Prix and dentsu Webchutney was the # 1 agency from India in Cannes Lions 2021, receiving seven Lions.
