Long-serving McCann Guangzhou GM moves to Publicis

Yang started at Publicis Monday (3 December). He reports to CH Yang, CEO of Publicis Shanghai and Guangzhou, who has been overseeing both Shanghai and Guangzhou after SC Low, former GM and creative leader, resigned in December 2010.

Yang told Campaign Asia-Pacific that the Guangzhou office has largely traditional advertising clients. "On our ‘must do’ list, we need to inject more new media and mobile advertising elements to drive integration as the market trend demands, rally the teams with full support from Modem Wangfan on digital, and Publicis Betterway on activation," Yang added.

Yang will take over the agency’s overall client portfolio including Amway (the biggest client, for its Artistry and Nutrilite brands), China Mobile, Bawang shampoo, and new accounts like Midea's water heater business unit. Yang said 10 per cent of the Guangzhou office's revenue comes from its property clients, including New World Development.

"Publicis has gone through great strides in terms of new business acquisition, and its Guangzhou office is now the third biggest international agency in Guangzhou," said Yang. Publicis Guangzhou has just moved to a new office at Fortune Plaza.

A Taiwan native who came to China in 2003, Yang has amassed a wealth of both international and local client experience in Central and South China after working for 4A agencies FCB, McCann and  Leo Burnett in Taiwan. He has worked with FMCG, telcom, banking, retail and liquor brands, including  a few clients that Publicis Guangzhou is currently working on, such as China Mobile, Amway Nutrillite and Midea.

During his time at McCann, Yang was credited with bringing in new business including Shenzhen Development Bank, Mannings and Happy Valley Theme Park.

McCann Guangzhou confirmed Yang's departure and said that there is no replacement for Yang's role yet.

McCann China has lost a number of senior veterans this year, including Pratik Thakar, Carol Lam, Canon Wu, and Vincent Pang.