Chikli (pictured) is half French and Vietnamese, she was previously MD of 400-strong ZenithOptimedia France and CEO of Performics France, where she has driven a yearly growth of 15-20 per cent since 2005. ZenithOptimedia France has been evaluated A+ for 6 consecutive years by RECMA.
Chikli has also lived in New York, where she operated her own company related to Broadway productions.
With 12 years of marketing and media in Europe and America, Chikli will work with international clients within ZenithOptimedia China, including L’Oreal. Her main task is to bring a new spirit throughout the ZenithOptimedia China team, especially in driving and developing new capacities in the digital and content areas.
Commemting on her new role in China, Chikli said she aimed to draw on her experience to offer something different to the market. "HR talent management is very important as agencies in general have high turnover of staff," she said, “Work and life balance is also very important. Women often feel guilt to work, struggle [to strike a balance]."
Chikli added that her objective was "to inspire the ZenithOptimedia team with a new vision" and build on the "Chinese way" of operating to offer clients new opportunities in content development and digital strategy.
Last week, Ka Wa Chi, formerly marketing director of PepsiCo China, became Eastern China MD of ZenithOptimedia, while Alan Yau and Kien Lin have both been named MDs for Vivaki Exhange.