Merlee Cruz-Jayme is DDB DM9 JaymeSyfu’s Chairman and Chief Creative Officer. Before this, she was the Executive Creative Director of BBDO Guerrero and the Vice President/ Executive Creative Director of Ace Saatchi & Saatchi.

Since starting DDB DM9 JaymeSyfu four years ago, an affiliate of DDB Worldwide, she has won the McDonald’s business for DDB Philippines. Her small shop has also been blessed with the country’s successful brands such as the biggest telecommunications company SMART and PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company), Delmonte, Asia Brewery, Mini Cooper and recently launched a TV network called TV5.

Just recently, DDB DM9 JaymeSyfu was named the 'Number one advertising agency' in the Philippines by Campaign Brief Asia. It was the first agency to end the four-year reign of BBDO, as the most creative agency in Manila. DM9’s rankings as number one include winning the Philippines’ first Cannes Media Lion, metals in ADFEST, Spikes Asia, London International Advertising Awards, MEDIA Outdoor and New York Festivals, as well as recognition in ‘The Work’.

She has been awarded two major citations: The Hall of Fame Award from the Creative Guild of the Philippines and the New York Festivals' Creative Achievement Award.

Her recent jury work includes the London International Advertising Awards (Singapore), New York Festivals 2009 and ADFEST 2010.

In her spare time, Merlee volunteers for an international Feminist group called GABRIELA.

To date, her greatest achievement is being blessed with four beautiful daughters.