Creative veteran Sheung Yan Lo retires and leaves marketing industry

Sheung Yan Lo (pictured), the APAC chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson, which recently merges with WPP-owned VMLY&R to form VML, is departing the agency upon his retirement and he is also bidding a fond farewell to the marketing industry.

Also known as “Ma Yan” by his peers, Lo’s career spans over three decades, according to the release. In this next chapter, Lo plans to spend more time with his family, while continuing to explore his creative passions, including writing for musical theatre and studying.

Lo, who is originally from Hong Kong, was a secondary school teacher before entering the marketing industry. He started his career in 1996, joining China’s advertising industry as a copywriter for JWT Shanghai. He eventually became the chairman of JWT’s Asia-Pacific Creative Council in 2013, before being appointed chief creative officer, APAC for Wunderman Thompson in 2019.

Furthermore, Lo has more than 15 years of experience writing, directing and acting in stage plays, and writing lyrics for Asian pop songs and musicals, as a member of the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (香港作曲家及作詞家協會).

Audrey Kuah, co-CEO, APAC, VML, said: "Today, we bid farewell to a creative visionary whose impact on the APAC advertising industry is immeasurable. Lo’s innovative spirit, dedication, and unwavering passion have left an indelible mark on us and the entire industry. As he embarks on this new exciting chapter, we wish him a retirement as vibrant and inspiring as his career has been." 

“As I retire from this thrilling 36-year journey, I reflect with profound gratitude on all my years of creativity, growth, and camaraderie. I am reminded of the wise words of Mao Ze Dong ‘The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours.’ To the fearless, passionate souls who now carry the torch, I offer my sincerest blessings,” Lo said. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to VML for more information.

Don't miss: VML names new APAC CEOs following regionwide restructure

Back in October last year, WPP merged its agencies Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to form VML. Through the merger, VML is equipped to support clients on creative brand growth strategy and transformation initiatives, all powered by data operations, technology platforms and partnerships with experienced technology companies. 

VML also provides offerings for healthcare companies and B2B marketers. The combined company is having more than 30,000 people in 64 markets, according to a statement by the company.

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