GUANGZHOU – October 22, 2013 – Charles Sampson, CEO of Y&R Greater China has announced the appointment of Luis Alberto da Rosa as the new General Manager of Y&R Guangzhou, succeeding Y&R Guangzhou Chief Executive Officer Michael Xia who is stepping down to focus on marketing and business consulting.
Da Rosa has been in the brand marketing industry for over 20 years, most recently at Li Ning as Director of the Brand Communications Department, Y&R said in a press release. He has worked in China for the past nine years, with JWT, Leo Burnett and Y&R. Prior to that, da Rosa spent 13 years at a number of multinational agencies in his native Hong Kong.
Commenting on the appointment, Charles Sampson, CEO Y&R China said, “We are delighted that Luis has decided to join Y&R Guangzhou as General Manager to lead our thriving operation there. Luis has a long and proven track record of building brands in the China market. He is passionate about producing an excellent creative product and he will help us build further on Y&Rs reputation as one of the most respected and feared competitors in the South China market.”
Da Rosa succeeds CEO Michael Xia, who is leaving to pursue marketing and business consulting. Well-known in China’s advertising scene, Xia started with Y&R Guangzhou in 2004 as General Manager, before being promoted to CEO in 2009. Current clients include Changhong, China Southern Airlines, Midea, Guang Fa Bank and Arawana. Earlier this year, Y&R Guangzhou added new business wins including Guiyang IFC, Ping An and Goldlion Group.
Continued Sampson, “Michael’s key achievement is that he clearly saw the need to make local business the main focus and the agency now works with most of the key local players. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Xia for his tremendous contribution to the Y&R brand and to wish him well for the future. Michael will work with Luis to ensure a smooth and seamless handover.”
