The agency has created a new role, group chief executive officer for China, with oversight for business development and creative output in Leo Burnett’s mainland China offices. Chen's resignation will be effective in March.
A high-profile appointment has been made and will be announced later this month. The firm said the person will be another agency boss within the 4A industry circle, and will be on board on early May.
Eddie Booth, Leo Burnett Greater China regional chairman and chief executive officer, boasted that the person is a superstar with a history of building great brands in China.
“We’re working with all the parties involved, including their current agency, to make the transition as seamless as possible,” Booth said.
Chen took over the role of chairman and CEO of Leo Burnett Shanghai on 5 January, 2009, replacing Dean Bramham. She oversaw the operations of Leo Burnett Shanghai, Arc, Red Lounge, and Black Pencil, and played a key role in the Leo Burnett China Board.
Chen came to the agency with 20 years' experience in senior-management roles at agencies in Greater China including Y&R, Nitro, Ogilvy & Mather, JWT, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Chen was the first person from Taiwan to win a Cannes Lion and the first to sit on a jury at Cannes.
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