Ogilvy’s Richard Brett expands remit as Emily Poon departs
Emily Poon, Richard Brett
Ogilvy PR and Ogilvy Health’s local CEO, Richard Brett, has expanded his remit, taking on the role of president for Ogilvy PR Asia Pacific.
He assumes the role from Emily Poon, who is stepping away after 17 years with the agency to “pursue new ventures”. She had spent the past five years as president.
Brett first joined Ogilvy PR ANZ in 2013, and was appointed to the CEO role in 2018. In 2021, he took on the additional leadership of Ogilvy Health Australia.
“I’m honoured to step into this role and build upon the momentum Emily and our Asia and Australia teams have established,” he said of his appointment, which is effective August 1.
Emily Poon, Richard Brett
“Ogilvy PR’s legacy is built on a people-first culture, bold creativity and cutting-edge innovations, and I’m excited to lead our talented teams into the future – both within Australia and New Zealand, and now the broader region.”
He said continuing his current roles while taking on this additional responsibility, will also allow him to spend more time with the various teams across the business, “providing an opportunity to foster even greater collaboration throughout the region”.
Under Brett’s leadership, Ogilvy PR has grown significantly, “becoming Australia’s most awarded large agency”, according to the release. The agency has been awarded six Agency of the Year gongs over the past three years.
Chris Reitermann, CEO of Ogilvy APAC, said he is excited to have Brett lead the agency through its next phase. He described his leadership as “world-class”.
“We are always delighted when our capable internal talent can step up into larger leadership roles,” he said.
Reitermann also thanked Poon for her contributions over the past 17 years.
“Emily came to us in the beginning of the year with her desire to take a break and plan for the next chapter of her career,” he said. “During her tenure, Emily has been a driving force behind Ogilvy PR’s strength and evolution in the region.
“Her leadership and dedication have shaped not only our agency’s success and culture but also the careers of many who worked with her. We wish her all the best in her next adventures.”
During her tenure, the agency expanded its PR and Influencer offering in diverse markets, spanning 26 locations in the region. It also won numerous regional and global awards, and was the most-awarded agency at the 2025 PR Awards Asia-Pacific.
Reflecting on her legacy, Poon said: “My past 17 years at Ogilvy have been truly transformative and enriching on so many levels. It has also been my privilege leading Ogilvy PR in APAC for the past five years. Ogilvy is more than a workplace, it is a community where I found lifelong learnings and lasting bonds in shared purpose.
“While I’m excited for new horizons ahead, my heart remains with friends at Ogilvy.”
She described Brett as an “extremely talented and values-driven leader”, and said she will be “cheering him” on from the sideline.
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