MEC has announced that it has promoted Australia CEO Peter Vogel to leads its operations across the Asia Pacific region.

Vogel (pictured) becomes MEC’s APAC chief executive seven years after joining the GroupM agency as chief strategy officer for the region. He moved to run MEC in Australia in 2009.

The former Volkswagen and Audi marketing manager also founded and led South African agency and Nota Bene.

Vogel will joins MEC’s global executive committee and will relocate to Hong Kong. He will report to MEC’s global chief executive Charles Courtier.

He is replaced as MEC Australia and New Zealand chief executive by James Hier.

“[Vogel] is one of our industry’s most seasoned business leaders and the natural choice to take on this crucial role. He has done an amazing job for us as CEO of Australia over the past five and half years doubling the size of the agency and infusing it with a thriving culture,” said Courtier.

“In his new role he’s intent on developing MEC’s framework in Asia Pacific to drive real change and growth in the region. I’m confident that he’s a leader with the right blend of strategic vision and business acumen to get us there.”

Vogel added: “I am honoured to be taking on this new role. APAC is the growth engine of the global economy and provides the biggest growth opportunity for our international organization. This is not only an exciting opportunity, it’s also a big responsibility for all of us in the region; if APAC grows, MEC grows.”

Courtier spoke to M&M Global at last month’s Cannes Lions festival – watch the full interview below.