When Heap took over the China operations in March 2008, it was a fledgling team of 10 and the PHD brand was largely unknown in the market. Under his leadership, PHD China now boasts with a team of 248 employees in its two offices in Beijing and Shanghai.
"China is a dynamic market, but it is also a very tough one and in a period where many companies found difficult, Mark has proven his mettle by not only turning the PHD brand around but have gone on to induct some great brands into the client roster, said Elaine Ip, CEO of Omnicom Media Group China.
One of Heap's biggest achievements was winning the Unilever Greater China business in what was believed to be China's largest media pitch ever.
"We are all very proud of what Mark has achieved. He has led major office moves, won and bedded down one of the world's largest clients in Unilever, improved the PHD brand, developed a strong culture and turned PHD China into the talk of the town," said Cheuk Chiang, CEO of PHD Asia-Pacific.