SHANGHAI – Rapport, the global out-of-home (OOH) specialist media buying and planning agency of IPG Mediabrands, have today announced their launch into the China market together with the appointment of Jennifer Zhu as Managing Director, Rapport China.
The news comes following the release of the MAGNA Intelligence study in January 2019 which reported APAC to be the largest OOH region achieving almost USD$13 billion in sales in 2018. The report predicted OOH advertising revenues to continue to outperform in the next five years (2019-2023) with a global growth of +2.8% per year, compared to a decline of -1.7% for total traditional media advertising.
“The growing use of OOH campaigns by digital media giants is both a testimony to the efficiency of OOH and an indicator of future growth, as marketing spend in the sector is set to continue its upward trajectory”, said Leigh Terry, CEO IPG Mediabrands APAC.
With a growing global footprint across 16 markets which includes the launch of Rapport Hong Kong last year, and an industry leading operation in India; the newly announced launch of Rapport China strengthens IPG Mediabrands’ out-of-home innovation trajectory across Asia, integrating outdoor advertising, mobile, digital and emerging technologies.
“There has never been a more exciting time to launch into China”, said Michael Cooper, Global President and CEO Rapport Worldwide.
“The Chinese OOH market is now the third largest in the world. The rapid urbanization of the Chinese population, coupled with market first adoption of evolving digital technologies means that OOH growth is out-performing at +9%. With a more mobile and increasingly connected population, our ambition is to create a competitive advantage for Chinese advertisers to connect with their consumers. The appointment of an awarded out-of-home pioneer like Jennifer Zhu to spearhead the growth of the Rapport greater China business is a reflection of that.” Cooper surmised.
Tom Wan, CEO of IPG Mediabrands China added: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Rapport in China. I believe with Jennifer Zhu’s strategic leadership and a wealth of experience, Rapport will be able to make the best of our capabilities in data, technology and partnerships across IPG Mediabrands, to drive Out-of-Home innovations for our clients, truly building online and offline connected OOH experience for consumers in China.”
Jennifer Zhu, newly appointed Managing Director of Rapport China brings more than 16 years specialized strategic leadership experience in the Chinese OOH industry, delivering creative solutions to a broad remit of clients including Nike, Richemont Group, General Motors, Mercedes Benz, Chanel, H&M, LVMH, Prada, Rolex, Gap and Ikea to name just a few. Zhu joins from her prior role of General Manager Kinetic, the OOH specialist from the WPP group; where she led the Wavemaker China and Nike GC OOH business.
Zhu commented, “The out-of-home marketing sector is evolving at a rapid pace. I’ve watched with interest as Rapport continue to demonstrate their ability to harness and integrate emerging technologies to create rewarding connecting for their clients internationally, and increasing across Asia. I am excited about the potential we have to grow and amplify this expertise, powered by the knowledge of a unique media landscape like China.”
Zhu will be based in Shanghai, and will report to Michael Cooper, Global President and CEO, Rapport Worldwide. Her appointment is effective immediately.
About Rapport
Rapport is the global out-of-home (OOH) media buying and planning agency of IPG Mediabrands. Best known for the strength of its relationships – its “rewarding connections” – Rapport is a collaborative and forward-thinking agency that delivers valuable results for both clients and partners. As OOH becomes more engaging, interactive and data-driven, Rapport can seamlessly navigate through the ever-evolving media landscape.
About IPG Mediabrands
IPG Mediabrands is the global media arm of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Today, the network manages $39 billion in marketing investment on behalf of its clients, employing over 10,500 marketing communication specialists in more than 130 countries. Full-service and global agencies within the IPG Mediabrands network include UM, Initiative and Reprise. Additional leading brands and specialist business units include BPN, Cadreon, Healix, Identity, IPG Media Lab, MAGNA, Orion Holdings and Rapport. For more information, please visit apac.ipgmediabrands.com
