February, 2025.- Stéphane Messier has officially stepped into the role of Chief Strategy Officer at BBH Singapore, bringing his sharp strategic mind and a wealth of global experience to the agency renowned for its creative excellence. In this exclusive interview, Messier shares his vision for the future of strategy, the importance of nurturing “dangerous thinkers,” and how he plans to uphold and enhance BBH Singapore’s legacy of innovation.
A Vision for Strategy and Creativity
Messier is clear about the impact he wants to make at BBH Singapore. As the strategic cornerstone of the leadership team, his mission is to ensure strategy remains at the heart of everything the agency does, driving transformative and dissident thinking to solve clients’ most complex challenges.
“My passion is for what great strategy can unlock creatively. It’s about making ideas better and enabling the best creative work for our clients. That’s the job. That’s all that matters to me,” Messier explains.
In an era where strategy is often weighed down by over-intellectualization, Messier champions an approach that is simple, fluid, and transformative. “Too many planners spend time trying to sound smart, lost in rhetorical puzzles. Great strategy doesn’t get in the way—it stirs things up. That’s the kind of thinking I’m committed to bringing to BBH Singapore.”
Drawing from Global Experience
Having honed his craft at esteemed agencies like Wieden & Kennedy in New York and Amsterdam, Messier brings a global perspective and a relentless focus on creativity. His career has been defined by a deep belief in the power of strategy to amplify creative ideas and drive tangible results.
“At its core, strategy is about creating better outcomes for clients. My experiences working with diverse teams across different markets have shaped my approach, teaching me to value intuition, imagination, and personal perspective as much as analytical rigor.”
This ethos will guide Messier’s leadership at BBH Singapore, where he aims to elevate the agency’s strategic capabilities while fostering a culture of bold and original thinking.
Fostering a Culture of Difference
One of BBH’s defining traits is its embrace of diversity, a value Messier is deeply committed to upholding. “Our building is filled with black sheep with a desire to make a difference—and the strategy department is no different,” he says.
For Messier, the magic happens when strategists harness their own voice, instincts, and life experiences to inform their work. His role as a leader is to create an environment where fresh thinking thrives. “I’m here to facilitate, liberate, and clear the path for new ideas. That’s the secret sauce of BBH’s success.”
This focus on individuality and collaboration is central to Messier’s vision for strategy at BBH Singapore. By empowering his team to think boldly and act decisively, he hopes to continue delivering the groundbreaking work that has earned the agency its global reputation.
Sustaining Excellence and Driving Innovation
BBH Singapore is no stranger to recognition, having amassed numerous awards for its creative and strategic achievements. Messier’s goal is to build on this legacy by pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges.
“My job is to ensure that ‘strategy’ consistently brings transformative thinking to solve our clients’ toughest problems. But it’s also about nurturing top-tier talent—developing them into dangerous thinkers who challenge conventions and inspire innovation,” Messier says.
As he takes the helm of BBH Singapore’s strategy department, Messier is ready to uphold the agency’s reputation as a creative powerhouse while charting new paths for growth and success.
Looking Ahead
Stéphane Messier’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for BBH Singapore. With his unwavering commitment to creativity, his vision for transformative strategy, and his dedication to cultivating a culture where difference thrives, the agency is poised to continue redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in the advertising world.
“Great strategy is not just about solving problems—it’s about creating opportunities and making a real difference for our clients. That’s what we do at BBH Singapore, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it,” Messier concludes.
