Pong resigns from DDB

Hong Kong - Christine Pong, group creative chief at DDB, has resigned from the agency, citing strained relations with president and CEO Richard Thomas.

Pong said she leaves the agency on good terms with management, but said she was seeking "more creative" opportunities outside DDB.

"I'm resigning on a mutual understanding. If things are not working the way you want it to, you make a move before it gets worse," she said.

"DDB has a great culture and a great heritage. My partnership with the CEO hasn't been as strong as it could be."

Pong will announce her next move in January, adding that she will stay in Hong Kong.

"It's not a regional position, I have a passion for Hong Kong. Hong Kong is my base and I want to keep it that way."

She said a venture with former DDB president and CEO Tim Evill, who left the agency in late October, was unlikely, but did not rule it out.

"I wouldn't rule it out, but we have not discussed it."

Last Friday Thomas said Pong was "an icon in the Hong Kong advertising industry".

"Working with her has been a good introduction to Hong Kong. We wish her well for the future and thank her for her contribution to DDB Hong Kong," he said.

He also announced that Ruth Lee, will take the creative reigns at DDB in Hong Kong.

"With Christine's departure imminent, we have been looking at suitable candidates to take on the role. We are really pleased to have lured Ruth back to Hong Kong.

"Having spent the last six years in Shanghai, Ruth has gained a deep understanding of the Chinese market and appreciates the finer nuances of the two markets. She will be a real asset to our Hong Kong agency at a time when the communications industry is evolving and redefining itself in Greater China," he said.