Women to Watch Greater China 2024: Sherry Pan, IPG Mediabrands

Sherry Pan

Chief investment and transformation officer, China
IPG Mediabrands
Shanghai

In her capacity as a key C-suite member, Sherry Pan leads the Magna, Transformation, Investment, and Orion teams at Mediabrands China—overseeing crucial aspects such as business modelling, process excellence, automation, investment, and negotiation. With over two decades of experience in the marcomms industry, Pan commenced her career at Mindshare, later transitioning to Universal McCann and Starcom. She initially joined Mediabrands Shanghai as managing director in 2011, briefly leaving for Fanli, Inc., and making her return to Mediabrands in 2021 as the chief investment and transformation officer for China. Her extensive industry background and dynamic leadership have significantly contributed to Mediabrands' evolution into one of the top agencies in her geography, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pan has transformed the business in every way. Through developing scientific models and systems, she forecasted the market and assisted the CEO in adapting business models for more efficient growth. She set standards inside the agency for the division of responsibilities and processes and developed automated systems, optimising and streamlining workflows to control outputs and risks. She’s also spearheaded the establishment of a transformation consulting team, revolutionising procedures and digital transformations, while streamlining intricate and time-consuming business tasks. Additionally, she formulated the One Investment Team, encompassing omni-media to deliver comprehensive, all-media solutions and cater to clients in a more seamlessly coordinated manner.

Championing client-centric ideals of compliance and transparency, Pan set new standards by benchmarking process management. She established an investment committee, incorporating an internal audit mechanism and transparent buying criteria for suppliers at every stage of the process. Her transformation and innovation has led to new business wins and a 63% growth rate in three years. She also conducted extensive research for Babytree (an online parenting platform in China), collaborating with advertising agencies and data companies across all facets, ranging from positioning to optimising and expanding business for both advertising agencies and the brand alike.

Melinda Po, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Greater China has dubbed Pan “the role model of efficiency and effectiveness”, as she always remains on top of industry trends. 

Pan also actively fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to explore new ideas and perspectives. Additionally, she demonstrates a genuine concern for each member's preferences, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

Through adjustments to organisational structures and work arrangements, Pan has successfully elevated the team's overall performance and stability. She maintains regular communication with team members, conducts comprehensive career reviews, and actively supports their continuous professional development. Additionally, she orchestrates team-building events to create a conducive environment for relaxation and camaraderie.

As a result, Pan’s team has reached a 100% in quarterly employee satisfaction survey outcomes, and have maintained a staff turnover rate lower than the expected standard. 

Pan’s leadership extends beyond mere progress; she also champions and upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, particularly in supporting women in the workplace. Through Pan’s committed efforts, she has ensured a 60% female split in her team, and continues to actively recruit talent with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.