TBWA-ISC Malaysia’s Austen Zecha retires

Austen Zecha, the President of TBWA-ISC Malaysia, retires today.

Zecha (left) has been a leading figure in the Malaysian advertising scene for several decades and his influence has impacted many of Malaysia’s best-known and largest brands. His retirement follows a 50-year career as a Southeast Asian journalist, US political speechwriter and advertising and public relations practitioner. He has founded or co-founded 11 different agencies in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and over the past 40 years, selling some to become leading multinational agencies in the region such as JWT, Saatchi & Saatchi, Landor & Associates, Edelman PR and, of course, TBWA.

His legacy as a builder of advertising agencies is highly respected in Malaysia and TBWA-ISC has been no exception to his success.

Commenting on his retirement, Zecha said, “My most unfortunate trait is restlessness, so I had better try to cultivate a permissible hobby such as gardening, stamp collecting or photography. Failing that, I’ll become only a cranky marketing and advertising critic.”

Keith Smith, President International of TBWA said, “Austen has always been one of TBWA’s most charismatic leaders. He has been with us since 2001, when we started the joint venture in Malaysia, and we will miss his unique approach to our business. We all wish him well for his future and I would like to thank him for his leadership over the years.”