Rhandell Rubio
Aug 24, 2011

Y&R Vietnam MD Tarun Dhawan to exit, Matthew Collier named as replacement

VIETNAM - Y&R Vietnam managing director Tarun Dhawan has announced that he will be leaving the agency in mid-October, with Matthew Collier, previously client services director at Y&R Dubai, stepping in as CEO.

Tarun Dhawan (left) and Matthew Collier
Tarun Dhawan (left) and Matthew Collier

Dhawan has been with Y&R Vietnam since 2009 when he replaced Ram Kapoor as managing director. Prior to that he was client service director at JWT, leading the agency’s largest group of businesses. Throughout his career, Dhawan has worked with clients including HSBC, Pepsi, Sunsilk, Shell, Kit Kat and Ford.

It is not yet known where Dhawan is headed next.

Replacing Dhawan as agency head is Collier, who brings over 20 years’ advertising industry experience gained both in Asia-Pacific and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) - including stints at Clemenger BBDO and Bates 141 Worldwide, working with global brands including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Visa and British American Tobacco. 

Whilst at Y&R Dubai, Collier also worked with many of the network’s global clients including Colgate-Palmolive and Land Rover. 

In addition, he has shopper marketing and digital experience and established his own print/press production management company in the early 1990s.   

"Vietnam is a key growth market for Y&R and I am sure Matthew will help lead us to great success here. We already have a very healthy presence in the country thanks to Tarun who has done a great job building our reputation and growing the business.  I wish him the very best in whatever he decides to pursue in the future,” remarked Sanjay Bhasin, CEO, Y&R Indochina. 

In May this year, Y&R Asia announced a new structure across Indochina to consolidate its strengths in that region and provide the necessary infrastructure and leadership needed to maximize regional business opportunities and existing synergies across Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.  

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