DDB Guoan appoints Russell Wager to gear up for Volkswagen business

Formerly president of TBWA Hakuhodo International in Tokyo, he led global strategy and creative execution for Nissan initiatives across 52 countries. Wager will report directly to Richard Tan, president of DDB Group Guoan based in Beijing.

His first focus will be on the launch of the Volkswagen Beetle in the fall of 2012. VW has never marketed the vehicle in China before this year.

With over 20 years of automotive experience, Wagner has extensive operational leadership across global, regional and local levels — specialising in client relations and global strategy implementation.

Apart from Nissan, he worked on other blue-chip automotive accounts, including Kia Motors, Mazda and Hyundai, during his tenure as managing partner of David&Goliath from December 2006 to June 2010, and EVP cum account director of Doner Advertising from April 2003 to December 2006.

“Russell is one of the best there is at the automotive sector. He is one that is passionately and positively dissatisfied to break new grounds and push the envelope,” said Dick van Motman, president and CEO of DDB Greater China Group.