MUMBAI: Ogilvy & Mather India/South Asia CEO John Goodman is moving to Japan as president for that territory.

Goodman replaces current incumbent Mark Blair, who is returning to Hong Kong as president, Global Brand Community Asia Pacific.

Both these changes take place effective May/June 2006 and are part of organisational restructuring at O&M Asia Pacific. As for who will take over from Goodman in India, a company statement says, "Further announcements about leadership changes in India will be made shortly."

Blair's new role in Hong Kong puts him in charge of the teams, wherever they are located, that manage the major international brands handled cross Ogilvy's Asian network. Blair has been in Tokyo for almost five years, prior to which he was regional planning director based in Hong Kong.

O&M chairman Miles Young commented, "Both Mark and John are great examples of how, at Ogilvy, we are committed as an organization to broadening the experience of our people and encouraging them in their career development for the next level of responsibility."

Said O&M India chairman & national creative director, Piyush Pandey said, "John Goodman has been chosen for perhaps the most challenging and exciting job in the Asia-Pacific Region - to head Ogilvy & Mather Japan. Japan is the biggest market in Asia and is therefore the most important for the group."

"As the CEO of Ogilvy India, John has done a splendid job. He has been the perfect partner to SN Rane (COO, India & South Asia) and me. He has played a great role over the last two years in managing and improving the performance and the ability of Ogilvy India. His relentless efforts in the areas of training and development have rejuvenated this very important aspect of our business. Personally, I am going to miss a good man and a good friend," added Pandey.

Goodman has been in his role in India/South Asia for the last three years, following a six year stint as president of OgilvyOne Asia Pacific.