After 17 years with Weber Shandwick, Baxter Jolly, Chairman, Asia Pacific, will be departing the firm “to explore new professional and personal interests,” said the firm.
Baxter joined the firm in 2005 from IPG sister agency, Golin to lead the Singapore office, rising to Vice Chair, Asia Pacific and in 2015 he was appointed as regional CEO. He assumed the position of Chairman, Asia Pacific in 2021 with Tyler Kim taking on the CEO role, part of a planned transition.
Under Baxter’s leadership, the Asia Pacific region of Weber Shandwick trebled its revenues, won 14 Asia Pacific ‘Agency of the Year’ awards including PRovoke’s APAC Agency of the Decade recognition, and was recognized with ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘Best Culture’ awards.
“Baxter has been key to developing our APAC operation — one of the leading in the region. He is an extraordinary leader, passionate and compassionate, inspired and inspiring. I’m lucky to call him a long-time colleague and friend, and I wish him all the best in his next adventure,” said Gail Heimann, CEO, Weber Shandwick. “Baxter leaves the region in excellent hands with Tyler and our remarkable leadership team across APAC.”
“I am leaving the agency with a full heart,” said Jolly. “I am eternally grateful to the many clients, colleagues and friends who have supported me over the years in making Weber Shandwick in the region the best and go-to agency.
News of Jolly’s departure comes a week after the announced retirement of Andy Polansky, Interpublic Group Dxtra CEO and Weber Shandwick executive chairman.
“We have been so fortunate to have had Baxter’s leadership, and look back with great pride and gratitude for all he has helped the firm to achieve,” said Tyler Kim, CEO, Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick.
“Asia Pacific is a diverse, complex, high-growth region that demands deep experience and cultural instincts; Baxter’s international mindset coupled with his Asian value system, has seen innovation and entrepreneurialism thrive in the firm. It is on this position of strength that we continue to build and drive forward.”
