Meet the Speakers: Tham Khai Meng, Ogilvy & Mather
Afternoon Plenary: Perspectives from CEOs
CEOs discuss their journey to corporate leadership positions and the nexus between diversity, mentorship, community service, and leadership development in one’s career.
Panelist: Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Creative Director of Ogilvy & Mather, Chairman of its Creative Council
Tham Khai Meng is Worldwide Creative Director of Ogilvy & Mather, Chairman of its Creative Council, and a member of the company’s Worldwide Board and Executive Committee. Khai earned his BA from Central Saint Martins and his MA from the Royal College of Art, London. Following his studies, Khai worked in London and Chicago
before returning to Asia. During his tenure as Regional Executive Creative Director and Co-Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific, the region was voted Creative Network of the Year by Campaign Brief Asia for seven years running (2001–2008), and over those same seven years, Khai was named Creative Director of the Year.
According to New York’s Advertising Age, Khai is “One of the world’s most influential people in the communications business.” One of the most respected and awarded advertising professionals in the industry; Khai’s work has been recognized by global clients and award shows such as Cannes Lions, Clio, D&AD, London International Awards and the One Show, to name a few. In December 2009, he received the President’s Award, conferred by Singapore President S. R. Nathan.
Khai’s career has also been punctuated with educational and community service. He taught at the Royal College of Art, London, and wrote —The Ugly Duckling: A Cautionary Tale of Creativity — which is available in English, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. He works for a better world as a board member for New York’s Agencies In Action, a coalition of US advertising agencies whose mission is to alleviate hunger in the city.