CHINA — Cohn & Wolfe, a leading brand communications agency, today announced the appointment of Harriet Gaywood as Managing Director of mainland China. Gaywood will be responsible for the stewardship of China on a day-to-day basis, overseeing offices in Beijing and Shanghai, where she will be based. She will work closely with the China leadership team to advance business opportunities, develop employee training programs and continue producing award-winning work. Gaywood will be taking over from nine-year Cohn & Wolfe veteran Lydia Shen, who is leaving the company to spend more time with her family.
With 18 years of public relations experience, Gaywood has worked across industries and practices for dozens of high profile clients including Honeywell, GE, Bugaboo, Heineken and Nestlé. She joins from ReuterPR where she oversaw new business development for luxury brands. Gaywood has held leadership positions across China, including Executive Director of Grayling, where she established the Shanghai and Beijing offices as well as operational and client management roles at MSL China and Weber Shandwick in China and Abu Dhabi.
“Our China offering has grown significantly under Lydia’s strong leadership. We want to continue driving success and have an aggressive expansion strategy in the APAC region and China,” said Donna Imperato, Chief Executive Officer, Cohn & Wolfe Group. “Harriet’s wealth of experience coupled with her considerable local market knowledge will be a significant asset to our business. She is a strong leader who will focus on servicing clients, attracting new business and managing a talented team.”
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Cohn & Wolfe as it continues to strengthen its offering in China. I’ve been really impressed with the expertise and the excellent work produced by a very talented team,” said Gaywood. “It’s an exciting time to be in this industry and I look forward to working with our clients to build on the excellent work the team has already achieved.”
