Dentsu China unveils new media agency heads

Dentsu China has announced key leadership appointments to head up its mainland China business. 

Guang Cui, CEO of Dentsu China, assumes the role of interim CEO of Dentsu Media China, as its previous Media CEO, Tommy Li, has departed the agency. Cui will oversee the strategic direction and capabilities of Dentsu China’s media practice, driving business growth across its three media agency brands—Carat, Dentsu X, and iProspect. With over two decades of experience in marketing and branding across China and Japan, Cui became CEO of Dentsu Creative China last September to succeed Chun Yin Mak.

Dephin Lim joins Dentsu as CEO of Carat China. In her new role, she will drive client growth and leverage data-driven insights to help Carat’s clients build authentic consumer connections and achieve transformative results. 

Before joining Dentsu, Lim was most recently managing director, WPP Open X, Greater China and OU media and connections lead at EssenceMediacom. Lim brings over 15 years of experience across multiple markets, including Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. She held senior positions at several leading marketing and advertising groups. She was named Campaign’s Women to Watch Greater China in 2023. 

Derek Huang, president of Dentsu CXM China and CEO of Merkle China, has also been appointed as CEO of Dentsu X China. Huang will leverage his customer experience management expertise to combine advanced media planning, data, and technology to deliver Dentsu X’s ‘Experience Beyond’ brand promise for clients. Huang returned to Dentsu to lead Merkle China from Yum China in late 2023 to succeed Hawk Liu.   

Ami Qian has been named chief client officer of Dentsu China. She will drive client-centric strategy and integrated solutions, lead the Accelerator Clients Units for key accounts, and continue overseeing Dentsu China Communications to ensure a strong, unified voice. Qian joined Dentsu in 2017. She was previously CEO of Carat China and was promoted to chief transformation and marketing officer for Dentsu China last year.

Cui said in a statement: “These appointments reflect our commitment to building a strong, future-oriented management team, bringing together deep expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared vision for success in the China market. Their outstanding leadership will ensure that Dentsu Media remains at the forefront of innovation, helping clients navigate the complex challenges of today’s media landscape. Together, we will continuously enhance service quality through data-driven media strategies and AI-powered innovation, accelerate client growth, and turn market challenges into marketing solutions that create lasting value. ”