Mathias Chaillou becomes Optimedia China's new MD

Steven Chang, CEO of ZenithOptimedia Greater China, told Campaign Asia-Pacific that Chaillou (pictured) is not a direct replacement, as Terrence Yung, former Optimedia China MD, was assigned to lead the LVMH account for ZenithOptimedia more than a year ago.

Chaillou will be part of ZenithOptimedia’s executive management team. 

Chaillou said he was looking forward to his new role at the agency: “Technologies and consumers evolve at an incredible pace, especially in China, and integrating these changes remains a real challenge, but a very exciting one.”

He brings to ZenithOptimedia a strong track record of working on some of the biggest and most prestigious brands, including FMCG accounts such as Danone and Nivea, where he was responsible for all services, from strategic planning to KPI delivery.

He also has experience in luxury marketing, having created a luxury practice at his past agency where he handled a wide range of luxury and premium brands, including Tiffany, Coach, Clarins and Peninsula Hotels.

After three years in China with Carat, first as client service director and later MD, Chaillou has developed a strong understanding of the China media landscape, Chinese consumers, and the business, marketing and media challenges advertisers face in this market.

Chaillou was previously based in Milan and Paris, working for brands such as Renault, Disney, Quiksilver and Ray Ban, and started his marketing career as a junior brand manager at Moët & Chandon.

ZenithOptimedia Greater China has attracted a number of recognised global talents recently, including Mykim Chikli, COO, and Stephen Farquhar, MD of Zenith China.

Chang said these new international leaders in Zenith Greater China team have brought with them not only the most up-to-date experience in their respective fields, but also a real passion for the business.

He pointed out that few years ago, there were still enough talents in China for media agencies, but a shortage developed as they restructured to become more digitally focused. Agencies are especially short of digitally savvy staff with an international outlook, hence the trend for hunting for staff from their international networks.