Ogilvy Consulting, the global growth and innovation arm of Ogilvy, has launched its Sustainability Practice in Asia to help clients shape sustainability priorities and solutions in the region. The new practice will be headed by Andy Wilson, who joins Ogilvy from BBDO, and will report to Jerry Smith, CEO of Ogilvy Consulting, Asia.
Amidst urgent calls from scientists, experts, activists, and government leaders, sustainability is a dominant global issue. It has also quickly become a key factor in consumers’ selection of brands and services, with more people seeking to make a positive, personal impact through the businesses, brands, and products they use.
Ogilvy’s new practice will focus on Asia’s myriad pressing environmental, social, and inclusion issues. This includes the continued fight against poverty, the balancing of a growing middle-class and urbanization with the environmental impact, the stress for companies to move faster to net-zero emissions, the desire to transform to alternative energy, and the complex and diverse cultural context for equity and inclusion improvements. While many of the topics are global in nature, clients are seeking solutions tailored to Asia’s unique market situations and social issues.
Jerry Smith, CEO of Ogilvy Consulting, Asia said: “We have been focusing on creating a sustainable culture and ways of working for some time. Sustainability has become a greater priority for businesses, brands, and people, the urgency and importance of this topic means we need to build a more structured solution for our clients. Our work now needs to take the corporate strategy and mandate and create practical ways to activate that at a regional and local level.”
Andy Wilson, Senior Partner, Sustainability – Ogilvy Consulting Asia said: “We are on the brink of a radical paradigm shift in how we manufacture, market, and consume products and services. We have a critical role to play in helping organisations and brands develop environmentally and socially sustainable solutions and practices. It is an exciting time and I’m thrilled to be able to accelerate this positive transition and help our clients across the region grow profitably whilst solving sustainability issues.”
Smith added: “Andy has an exceptional track record of building business by transforming brands and internal cultures for clients in every sector, across global, regional, and local markets and is highly respected throughout our industry. We are delighted to have Andy join us to lead Ogilvy Asia’s commitment to all stakeholders to create truly sustainable and transformative brands.”
Wilson has over 25 years experience in innovation, brand building, and strategic communications planning, and is one of the most awarded effectiveness leaders in Asia over the last decade. Wilson formerly held the position of Head of Strategy at BBDO Asia since 2012 before joining Ogilvy.
