TBWA\Greater China CEO Joanne Lao steps down after 11 years

TBWA\Greater China CEO Joanne Lao is stepping down from her role after 11 years and will return to Hong Kong to be closer to her family.

Lao, currently based in Shanghai, has held senior roles with TBWA across Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China, will transition out of the CEO position by the end of the year.

Her departure follows a long tenure with the agency network, during which she helped build its Greater China operations, develop client relationships and expand its integrated capabilities.

During her time in Shanghai, Lao oversaw the agency through significant changes in China's advertising market, with a focus on strengthening its creative offering and developing local talent. TBWA has not outlined succession arrangements in the announcement.

Sean Donovan, president, Omnicom Advertising Asia, said Lao's contribution to TBWA have been "truly remarkable".

"Across her tenure in Singapore, Hong Kong and China, she has led with conviction, generosity and an unwavering belief in the power of creativity," Donovan said.

"She has built strong businesses, trusted client relationships and talented teams, while always putting people at the heart of her leadership. She built TBWA\China into one of the collective’s leading creative agencies, with Disruption at its core. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to TBWA and wish her every happiness as she returns to Hong Kong and begins her next chapter."

Lao said her journey with TBWA has been deeply rewarding.

"I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented people and courageous clients across Singapore, Hong Kong and China, as well as with people across TBWA’s global collective and offices around the world, with whom I have shared so much along the way," she said.

"After 11 remarkable years in China, the time is right for me to return to Hong Kong. I leave with enormous gratitude, confidence in the team in China and excitement for what lies ahead for TBWA."

Related articles:

TBWA Hong Kong launches new “Design by Disruption” unit
TBWA's China leadership unchanged amid Omnicom-IPG merger