Obituary: Paul Lau

Paul Lau (刘嘉扬), Mindshare's Guangzhou office head, passed away on 17 July during a vacation in Japan. According to information shared with his employers by his family, Lau, 45, experienced sudden discomfort and unfortunately, despite the provision of all rescue measures, passed away en route to the hospital.

Since graduating from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1994, Lau has dedicated his career to marketing and communications, with on-ground experience in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. 

He joined Mindshare in December 2011 as head of digital at the Beijing office, serving key clients such as Nestlé. He successfully built the agency's first batch of digital talent before leaving in June 2014 to take up roles outside the media agency circle. 

Lau then directed his efforts towards content marketing, leading the China operation of entertainment group FansTang and introducing US shows to the China market. The following year, he became consumer engagement director of Master Kong Beverage in Shanghai, responsible for managing digital, content marketing and strategic partnerships for the brand. 

In June last year he returned to Mindshare to take over as head of the Guangzhou office, focusing on developing new clients in South China.