Chee Guan Yue, Thomas Zhu, and Adrian Zhu to jointly lead the creative teams in China for the network
SHANGHAI – Ogilvy has announced the planned departure of Graham Fink – Chief Creative Officer for China – at the end of February. Fink, who joined the network from M&C Saatchi in London, has been at the creative helm of Ogilvy’s largest market in the region since 2011.
[READ: Graham Fink sits in Ogilvy Asia Pacific Executive Committee]Eugene Cheong, Chief Creative Officer – Ogilvy Asia Pacific said: “Graham has played an extraordinarily successful and valuable role for us in a big and challenging market. He was also an important ingredient in our Worldwide Creative Council. We have only thanks and praise as he makes his next move.”.
Ogilvy has confirmed they will not be replacing the position of Chief Creative Officer for China given the existing creative leadership already in place with thanks to Fink’s succession planning. Three Group Executive Creative Directors – recently hired Chee Guan Yue and Thomas Zhu in Shanghai, and recently appointed Adrian Zhu in Beijing will jointly lead the creative teams in China for the network.
“China has been an incredible, life-changing experience for me. I have learnt so much about this amazing culture, and it’s been fantastic to be a part of the world’s fastest growing economy in terms of advertising. I don’t think anywhere in the world is changing as quickly as it is here. The people have been wonderful, and I’m immensely proud of the tremendous success we have had.” said Fink.
After recently winning Campaign Asia’s Creative Agency of the Year for both China and Greater China, plus Integrated Agency of the Year, Fink leaves on a high. He has helped both the Shanghai and Beijing office grow in terms of business and credibility. On the awards front he was responsible for winning Ogilvy Asia’s first ever Grand Prix at Cannes Lions, in addition to countless metals including D&AD, Spikes, One Show, Clios and local awards shows.
[READ: adoboLIVE! Q&A with Graham Fink, CCO, Ogilvy & Mather Asia]Chris Reitermann – Co-CEO of Ogilvy Asia Pacific & CEO of Ogilvy China added: “Graham has been such an important creative partner to me in China. It has been a wonderful few years, and it really has been a privilege to work with him. We wish him all the best, and look forward to Chee Guan, Thomas, and Adrian taking the helm as we continue to see new highs for Ogilvy in China.”.
[READ: Q&A with Graham Fink on ‘Nomads’, a Riflemaker exhibit]Commenting on his next move, Fink added “I have had six wondrous years at Ogilvy. Now I need a new challenge. My ‘Eye-drawings’ have opened my eyes to the great new opportunities of VR, AR and AI: creativity is at such a pivotal point. I will also continue to teach and develop the creative talent our industry needs. The world is our oyster!”.
