Jeffery Seah steps down after 15 years with SMG

It is understood that his role will not be filled. The Southeast Asia markets now fall under the purview of the newly created Publicis One, led by regional CEO Nicolas Menat.

Gerry Boyle, CEO of Publicis Media, Asia Pacific, said the network will miss Seah, describing him as “a force of nature”.

“Jeffrey [Seah] leaves Starcom in great hands," he added. "In Singapore, Patricia Goh will continue her great work, and the leaders of the Southeast Asia brands will continue their exemplary work and continue to win businesses. I wish him my very best, and have a feeling we will work together again in the future.”

In the last few years, Seah has increased his involvement in the expanding world of tech, data, content, e-commerce, private-equity consultancy and their application to the business world.

He will be looking to dive deeper into these areas in the next chapter of his career. However, it is understood the details of his official exit and transition from the agency are still being finalised. 

Seah said that throughout his journey with the network, he was “blessed with bosses and colleagues who showed me the ropes, until this day, unconditionally, and guided me patiently".

“I owe a debt of gratitude to Rishad Tobaccowala, Jack Klues, Andrew Swinand and the many SMG Southeast Asia leaders for their belief and trust in me over the years," he added.

Seah has had 15 years of association with the agency in two stints, being part of the management team that launched Starcom and Starcom IP Digital Services in Asia Pacific, setting up its inaugural Singapore operation, and returning to helm the Southeast Asia operations and serve as the Vivaki chair.