Ogilvy expands EMEA social and influence leadership

Ogilvy has appointed three senior leaders in EMEA to strengthen its social, creator and influence capabilities across the region. The agency, which works with a network of 650 specialists in 30 markets, aims to advance its ability to deliver culturally attuned and commercially effective campaigns for clients.

Imogen Coles becomes head of influence, EMEA; Rachel Porter steps into the role of head of influence strategy, EMEA; and Awie Erasmus takes on an expanded remit as chief strategy officer social, EMEA, working across The Ogilvy Group.

Ogilvy reinforces EMEA influence and social leadership

The three leaders will work jointly across social and influence to support social-first brand building anchored in cultural relevance. Their focus includes elevating both creative and strategic output to strengthen brand impact in an increasingly competitive space. Recent research presented at the IPA Effectiveness Conference highlighted the sustained business impact of creators and influencers, underscoring the importance of this discipline for long-term brand equity.

Imogen Coles and Rachel Porter will retain their UK responsibilities while expanding into regional roles. Both have contributed to key new business wins and creative work for brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Cadbury and First Choice, and were instrumental in Ogilvy’s performance at the Global Influencer Marketing Awards, where the network topped the most-awarded category for a seventh consecutive year.

Expanded remit for Erasmus supports social-first growth

Awie Erasmus has played a central role in positioning Ogilvy Social Lab Belgium as a Centre of Excellence for social-first brand building. With nearly fifteen years of social strategy experience, he has contributed to major wins across EMEA and developed elements of Ogilvy’s Social Intelligence offer, including the Culture Engine and the Community Compass.

Nicola Dodd, president of Ogilvy PR, social and influence for EMEA: "The lines between social, influence and earned creativity have never felt more connected. Elevating Awie, Imogen and Rachel into these EMEA roles brings together deep craft leadership and commercial focus to help our clients unlock growth in this arena. Their remit will ensure our biggest markets and clients benefit from best-in-class, integrated social and influence that build brands."

Ogilvy highlights ambition for regional creative excellence

Patou Nuytemans, CEO of EMEA, The Ogilvy Group: "The strategic elevation of Imogen, Rachel and Awie marks a definitive moment. Ogilvy EMEA is a social and influence powerhouse. We are relentlessly focused on delivering unparalleled impact for our clients. These appointments are a clear testament to our commitment to pioneering the future of connected Social and Influence at the heart of paid, owned, earned and shared creative solutions that keep brands tuned into culture. This formidable trio embodies the deep craft, leadership and commercial foresight essential to building brands at the speed of culture. Their collective expertise will reinforce Ogilvy's position as the undeniable force in social-first brand building across EMEA."

www.ogilvy.com

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