IPG Mediabrands bolsters HK team to further growth
The forward momentum of IPG Mediabrands Hong Kong; a media network group which includes celebrated media agency brand Universal McCann (UM), is being driven at the helm by the recently appointed CEO Kasper Aakerlund, who came on board with a strong operational background of leading digital transformation across media organisations in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Mr Aakerlund has selected senior executives from diverse digital, programmatic and creative backgrounds indicative of the dynamic new positioning the agency is carving out in this market by mixing creativity and science to break new ground in digital advertising. Mr Aakerlund commented, “We have been building and upskilling a strong-house of digital intelligence and experience, empowered by our unique cross collaboration methodology which gives us the speed and agility to deliver truly innovative media solutions for our clients.”
Mr Aakerlund’s appointments for the Hong Kong agency are a Head of Media Investment, and two Business Director placements introduced to lead some of the agency’s most notable longstanding relationships including Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson; as a part of a bolstered client leadership structure. The three positions will report directly to the CEO.
Malcolm Thorp has been appointed Head of Media Investment, Hong Kong. He takes charge of the agency’s partnership portfolios and investment strategies across the IPG Mediabrands Hong Kong client base, including driving product development to embrace emerging buying platforms and technologies. Mr Thorp has 20-years in-depth media experience across Greater China and APAC encompassing significant accomplishments in digital media activation, dynamic and programmatic trading, client relationship management, business development strategy, as well as the development of broadcast and digital partnerships. He has held leadership positions at UM, Initiative, Starcom and Mindshare, and prior to his new role he was VP Business Partnerships Division at hdtMEDIA China.
Mr Thorp commented, “I was immediately drawn to Kasper’s bold game-changing strategy for the future direction of the company. It is very exciting to work with a CEO who has a clear and determined vision, one which will deliver innovative media solutions and benefits for all of our clients. We have a fantastic and varied client base at IPG Mediabrands, and our progressive digital discipline will play a fundamental role in the continued growth and success of these partnerships.”
Mr Aakerlund added, “Placing a highly regarded industry talent like Thorp in this pivotal role is testament to our commitment to remain at the forefront of testing new technologies, and ensures that Mediabrands is well positioned to continue providing our clients with an integral team of experts that can focus on client accountability and media relationships.”
Kate Wong has joined IPG Mediabrands Hong Kong as Business Director. She brings more than 13 years’ media experience with Mindshare, ZenithOptimedia, PHD and OMD in Hong Kong, and Carat and Mediacom in Taiwan, where she led media strategy for major FMCG, luxury and entertainment brands including L’Oreal, YSL Beauté, shu uemura, 20th Century Fox and LVHM. Ms Wong brings extensive in-depth market knowledge paired with a keen client-centric focus.
Penny Chow will join IPG Mediabrands Hong Kong later this month as Business Director. From her Business Partner role at Ogilvy she brings expansive commercial and creative leadership experience having driven the most awarded team for creativity and effectiveness at Ogilvy Hong Kong across celebrated high street brands such as Nike, KFC, Pizza Hut, and prior to that Coca-Cola for McCann. Ms Chow was one of the youngest members of the Ogilvy HK management team, and brings a fresh approach in line with IPG Mediabrands strategy of creative entrepreneurial development of unique communications platforms for clients.
Mr Aakerlund commented, “These three new hires bring a wealth of high calibre expertise and Greater China experience into the agency; further bolstering our in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities for brand cut-through in this emerging market.”
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