Ekimetrics names new China GM

Ekimetrics, an agency specialised in data science and AI-powered solutions, has appointed Christina Cen (pictured) as general manager for China to drive growth and operations in the region. Based in Shanghai, she reports to Olivier Kuziner, partner and managing director, APAC, Ekimetrics.

Operational since the beginning of 2024, the Shanghai office opening is part of Ekimetrics’ strategic expansion in APAC, alongside the Hong Kong office that has been operational since 2015.

This comes as Ekimetrics recognised China as one of the largest economies in the world, with immense market potential that requires large-scale AI-enabled transformations.

With 30% of Ekimetrics’ APAC revenue already coming from China, the launch of the China operations and appointment of Cen demonstrates Ekimetrics’ commitment to the Chinese market, with the aim to offer better service and increased impact to clients. Furthermore, the opening of the Shanghai office will allow Ekimetrics to effectively meet market demands due to China’s specific digital ecosystems and data regulations.

In her new role, Cen will focus on tailoring client strategies to meet the specific and fast-changing needs, trends, and regulations of the China market. She will build and strengthen client relationships to drive growth opportunities and shape key partnerships for market development.

In addition, she will also lead and inspire the Ekimetrics China team, fostering a culture of success and innovation.

The new office will focus on key industries such as consumer and retail, financial services, technology, and automotive, which align closely with Cen’s extensive experience. Cen’s appointment will also contribute to enhancing Ekimetrics’ ability to better serve its clients, delivering tailored, high-value solutions-based services and helping them navigate the complexities of the Chinese market while achieving their business objectives.

Cen brings nearly 20 years of experience in business strategy, marketing, sales, and digital transformation. Her extensive background includes roles at leading global professional service firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and Deloitte.

She has also led strategy and innovation at McDonald’s and Cargill and served as the APAC Clients & Industries COO at Deloitte Asia Pacific.

“The potential for AI and data science-powered solutions in China is immense, and we are excited to have Cen onboard to lead our China market expansion, drive regional growth and better serve our clients”, says Jean-Baptiste Bouzige, CEO of Ekimetrics. “With most of our clients being global brands with multiple offices around the world, the Shanghai office is also paramount in helping accelerate time to value for our clients and prospects, as well as reinforcing Ekimetrics’ local footprint in APAC.”

"I am very excited to welcome Cen, as our new China General Manager to lead our expansion in China”, says Kuziner. “Cen brings close to 20 years of business strategy, marketing & sales plans, and digital transformation experience, dedicated to consumer & retail, TMT, Financial services and automotive sectors. She will be helping clients achieve high impact with long-term business purposes, thanks to her great understanding of the China market, data ecosystem and expertise in data and AI-enabled solutions with Ekimetrics."

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the venture of Ekimetrics in China. Since my years as Deloitte APAC Clients and Industries COO, I have witnessed the increasing demand for and the impact of solution-based consultative service and become a firm believer in it” says Cen. “Ekimetrics, as a global leader in data science and AIpowered solutions, can bring significant value to clients when combined with consultative services which I have been working on for the majority part of my career. I wish to leverage my hybrid experience in consulting, in-house and startup to build an ecosystem to enhance our capabilities and offer the best value-creating services to our clients."

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