DDB Singapore ECD and head of art exits after 16 years

Creative veteran Thomas Yang (pictured) has exited DDB Group Singapore after more than 16 years with the agency network. He is set to join Leo Singapore as senior creative director and head of art, reporting to Asheen Naidu, group executive director. 

Yang unveiled his departure in a LinkedIn post, marking the end of a long-running stint at DDB where he most recently served as executive creative director and head of art and design from 2020 to 2026.

Prior to that, he held the role of deputy executive creative director and head of art and design at DDB Group Singapore from 2010 to 2020. He first joined the agency in 2009 as associate creative director.

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Before DDB, Yang spent time at JWT Singapore, where he served as associate creative director from 2007 to 2009 and head of art from 2005 to 2007.

Over the course of his career, Yang has also held roles at M&C Saatchi Singapore, 10AM Communications, BBDO Singapore and Ogilvy Singapore.

Reflecting on today's creative landscape, Yang believes that strategic thinking precedes craft, and that the mark of any great art director is flexibility, as well as having a design sense unrestricted by a particular style.

“I’ve spent my career believing that good ideas should feel simple, human and relatable. Leo Singapore’s recent work reflects that spirit, and I’m excited to join the team to create work that puts Singapore creativity firmly on the global stage again," he added.

In tandem, Naidu said "We couldn’t be happier to have Yang join us at such an exciting time. He’s a bit of an industry legend, which was made very clear by the thrill of the creatives when they found out he was coming over."

"He’s already had a big impact and we’re looking forward to even more,” added Naidu. 

Yang’s departure also comes amid wider restructuring across the network. Following the Omnicom–IPG merger, DDB was among several legacy agency brands earmarked to be phased out globally and consolidated into other Omnicom networks

In December last year, Jeff Cheong stepped down as CEO of DDB Singapore, ending a more than 17-year run at the agency. At the time, Sean Donovan, who leads Omnicom Advertising, thanked Cheong for his contributions to DDB and Tribal Worldwide over the years, while Cheong told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE he was “energised by the support of partners and clients” as he entered the “second half” of his career.”

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