Isobar HK names CEO in continuing DAN recast

As part of the ongoing reshaping of its business, Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) has made another top-level appointment in Hong Kong. It has named David Jessop as the first CEO of Isobar Hong Kong, as well as co-chair of the creative unit of the network, alongside Simone Tam, the CEO of Dentsumcgarrybowen Group Hong Kong.

Jessop will report to Pauline Chu, DAN Hong Kong's CEO, and Jean Lin, Global CEO of creative and global executive chair of Isobar.

A DAN spokesperson said Jessop will continue to lead Isobar Hong Kong, stepping up from MD to CEO, and the network will not replace the MD role. While his focus at Isobar remains the same, his network wide remit widens with his co-chair appointment. As part of its sweeping changes, DAN had earlier named a series of new leaders for Dentsumcgarrybowen Hong Kong, as the network sought to drive more synergy across its agencies. 

On his appointment, Jessop said, “It expands the canvas of creativity with data-led insights and tech-enabled experience design. A combined talent with an aligned vision to win in the experience economy."

According to a company statement, Jessop and Tam will work together, with Isobar positioned as experience agency and Dentsumcgarrybowen as creative shop. A spokesperson said that globally, DAN has three business lines: creative, media and CRM. Globally, the creative businesses includes the creative, content and experience assets of Dentsu Group outside of Japan, including Dentsumcgarrybowen, Isobar, Dentsu’s PR practice including Mitchell in the US, and content practices including John Brown.

This is consistent across all markets, but DAN says that the “creative [line of business] includes the network’s assets sitting under creative, content and experience.” 

The media business brings together Carat, Dentsu X, Vizeum, iProspect and Amnet. Lawrence Yang plays a dual leadership role as the CEO of this line and as the CEO of iProspect Hong Kong.