GroupM Hong Kong CEO Melanie Lo to depart

GroupM Hong Kong CEO Melanie Lo (pictured left) is leaving the position after leading the office for eight years.

Lo will remain at the helm until the end of 2020 while Caroline Chan (pictured right) will take over as CEO from 1 January 2021 onwards. Until the date of her departure, Lo will remain in close contact with Chan, supporting the Hong Kong office to ensure business operation continuity and high-quality services for clients during the transition period.

In a statement, GroupM said Lo's departure is to pursue personal interests. 

"My decision to step down has been the most difficult one I have taken during my career at the group, but I decided the time has come to reflect on my personal priorities and explore other experience. I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with so many outstanding and kind GroupM people around the world," said Lo.

Lo is a veteran in the industry. She began her career in the 1980s and worked for JWT Hong Kong as a senior media planner in 1991 before moving to Mindshare Hong Kong in 1997 as deputy general manager, helping to establish and grow the business. She was appointed as GroupM Hong Kong CEO in August 2012. 

Chan held management positions at Mindshare Hong Kong from 2017 to the end of 2019 before taking a study career break at the beginning of this year. Prior to Mindshare, she held two important roles in the GroupM network in Hong Kong, leading, transforming and growing Maxus Hong Kong from 2011 for four years followed by a regional leadership role in GroupM’s sports and entertainment division, driving major brand content integrations across multiple markets in APAC. 

"The media landscape is fast changing. Working with our passionate people and incredible clients, our focus will be to inspire more outstanding works using data and technology, as well as enhance synergy with mainland China and global teams to explore huge opportunities that lie ahead, all united in vision to be responsible for the next era of media where advertising works better for people," Chan said. 

Patrick Xu, CEO of GroupM China mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan and WPP China, commented, “I’d like to thank Lo for her commitment, passion and all the contribution she has done from the first day in the group. We appreciate the foundation she has built for the next generation of leaders at GroupM Hong Kong and wish her the very best in her next chapter."

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