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Wright takes over as Lowe Worldwide CEO & president
MUMBAI: Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide ex-chief strategy officer Tony Wright has been named Worldwide CEO and president of Lowe & Partners Worldwide.
At O&M, Wright was leading the strategic process for key multinational clients, as well as for global new business development. He assumes his new responsibilities from Jerry Judge, the agency’s current CEO. Judge will continue as CEO of The Partnership division of Interpublic, which encompasses a number of agency brands.
According to Interpublic CEO and president David Bell, “Back in mid-2001, Jerry signed on to do a four-year job at Lowe and help us address a number of issues at the company. He has been successful in putting together a management team that will help build a more powerful agency. As is usual in the course of business, we had put together a succession plan at Lowe. We’re convinced we have found the right leader for Lowe now, which is why we’ve decided to accelerate management transition at the agency. Jerry respects that decision.”
Judge added, “After having overseen one of the biggest mergers in advertising history between Lowe and APL, I am proud of the steps we have taken to futurise the agency. I am also proud of our strong new business record this year. I will be working with David to ensure a smooth transition through the end of 2004.”
Talking about Wright, Bell said, “Tony is an exceptional talent. He has proven his ability to succeed as both a leader at top creative agencies and as an effective steward of major global brands. His intellect and rigor, as well as his energy and passion for great work, will all be valuable in restoring Lowe to its traditional place among the first rank of global creative agencies.”
“From my earliest days in the business, I have always considered Lowe as one of advertising’s most admired brands. I am very much looking forward to joining the agency and working with the team there. I believe Lowe is uniquely positioned to address the paradox clients must increasingly confront — how to get big, highly creative ideas quickly from an agency that is also able to think and execute globally,” said Wright.
Prior to joining Ogilvy & Mather in 1995, Wright was a partner in the successful New York creative agency, Berlin Wright Cameron. From 1986 to 1992, Wright made his name as a planner and strategist at Chiat Day, where he is credited as having been the driving force behind the immensely successful “Energizer Bunny” campaign, which continues to this day. Wright began his career in London at Hedger, Mitchell, Stark, a leading British creative agency.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
