Joji Jacob has joined the DDB Group as ECD of DDB and RAPP Singapore. Jacob joins from BBDO Singapore, where he was the creative director.
Jacob replaced Neil Johnson, who has been promoted to the post of CCO.
Jacob began his career as a copy trainee at Ulka Advertising (now Draft FCB), Kochi. Later, he worked at Lowe Lintas and Ogilvy India, before moving to Singapore in 2001, to join JWT.
On his appointment Jacob said, “I am joining DDB at a very interesting point. The organisation is becoming increasingly integrated and my appointment is a part of the planned integration.”
He will oversee work for some of the biggest brands in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Johnson & Johnson, Philips, Exxon, the Singapore Air Force, ANZ and Standard Chartered.
Jacob further said, “I have a three-point agenda – to raise the standard of work here, for DDB and RAPP becoming the most integrated agencies, and our work to be recognised more than before at various award shows.”
Jacob has over 320 international awards to his credit, including metals at Cannes, the One Show, D&AD and the Grand Prix at the Singapore Creative Circle Awards.
Comparing Indian advertising with that in Singapore, Jacob remarked, “There is a lot more global exposure here in Singapore. The work in India is more localised. Ads in Singapore are more global in their nature. The ads here not only have to work locally, but also in places such as Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, etc.”
Jacob hopes to work together with DDB’s interest in India — DDB Mudra — in future. He added, “There is a huge talent pool in DDB Mudra. Moreover, I am good friends with Bobby Pawar and Joono Simon. I do hope we get to do some good work together ahead.”