Women to Watch 2024: Kelly Yang, Havas Health & You

Kelly Yang

CEO
Havas Health & You
China

Kelly Yang joined Havas Health & You in 2018. She was general manager in 2019 and led the China team even before her promotion to CEO in early 2024.

Under Yang's leadership, Havas Health & You China has embraced a forward-thinking approach in healthcare communications. Over the years, the agency has strengthened its status as one of the leading healthcare agencies in the industry, achieving consistent annual performance growth and reaching high double-digits in 2023.

Yang is pioneering new business models and offering comprehensive business solutions across various sectors, including brand strategy, digital marketing, medical content, and public relations. This year, she launched a new medical brand called 'Symbiotix' and established Havas Health Media. She has also led her team to secure numerous prestigious industry awards, with the agency consistently recognised for excellence in healthcare communications.

Her leadership is characterised not only by financial success but also by her dedication to team growth and achieving meaningful impact. The team size in Shanghai and Beijing has swiftly grown from over 100 to 300 employees, while the agency has kept a turnover rate significantly below the industry average. Above all, the management team at her agency has achieved an impressive zero turnover rate. Her commitment to developing leaders from within aligns with the company's core values and long-term vision. Thanks to her guidance, 86% of the agency's VPs and senior leaders have advanced from entry-level positions.

Yang has also established a flexible work policy. For special cases where employees face practical difficulties in balancing work and life and require company support, the agency provides flexible work arrangements to meet the needs of specific groups.

Meanwhile, she has strengthened the company's internal Equal Opportunity Policy to ensure that promotions and career development are based on merit and performance, including mandatory unconscious bias training for all managers, creating a fairer competitive environment for all employees. Furthermore, she also initiated the ‘Rise to Lead’ programme, through which women now make up 60% of mid-to-senior management positions.

Outside the organisation, leveraging the power of health communications, Yang and her team launched the first CSR campaign for a leading pharmaceutical brand in China, centred around the theme of ‘World No Tobacco Day’. This campaign reached eight sales regions nationwide, promoting a healthful lifestyle while enhancing the brand's image.

With a remarkable career spanning 19 years, Yang has quickly progressed from an entry-level position to the role of CEO. As one of the youngest female CEOs in the industry, her journey showcases her talent and leadership skills.