ASIA-PACIFIC – BEIJING, CHINA, AUGUST 10, 2012: Following Michael Dee’s departure from DDB, the agency appoints Jimmy Lam as vice chairman and chief creative officer of DDB Group North China – Beijing & Shanghai.
As part of his creative leadership role, Jimmy will work with Amir Kassaei, DDB Worldwide’s Chief Creative Officer, to enhance the Global Creative Hub established earlier this year.
Dick van Motman, President and CEO of DDB Greater China Group, said, “Michael has been an inspiring leader and mentor to a large and diverse team at DDB China Group. However, he has decided it’s time to start a new chapter in his career. He leaves DDB as a friend and we hope that at some time he will join us again – many do,” added Dick.
Jimmy‘s appointment will be effective on 6 August 2012. Michael’s last day will be 30th September 2012.
Richard Tan, President and CEO of DDB Group North China said, “Jimmy Lam is one of the most successful creative talents in Greater China. With his involvement in Long Yin magazine, as well as AdFest in Asia, some would call him the father of modern Asian advertising.
We’re very excited to have Jimmy join us to take our acclaimed creative achievements to an even higher level making DDB the pre-imminent creative agency in Shanghai, and soon Beijing, helping our clients to strengthen their respective brand’s engagement in China. Equally important will be Jimmy’s unique ability to attract and grow creative talent from all disciplines,” added Richard.
With 36 years of experience, he has worked in multi-national advertising agencies in Hong Kong, including Draft/FCB, DDB, McCann, Euro and Lowe. Jimmy was the first local executive to become CEO of Lintas Hong Kong; he was the Chairman of the five D’Arcy offices in Greater China region and also Regional Executive Creative Director of Dentsu Asia.
Over the years, Jimmy has earned his reputation as one of the most awarded creatives from Hong Kong. He was the first Hong Kong creative invited to judge at Cannes Advertising Festival in 1994. He was also Chairman of Judges at the China National Advertising Festival in 2002 and 2003.
Most recently, Jimmy has been helping Asia Pacific ADFEST to assemble judges and speakers since its inauguration in 1997. In 2007, he was appointed by the Steering Committee of ADFEST to be the Festival President.
Dick added, “Richard and Jimmy will be a great partnership. With Richard’s leadership and Jimmy’s creative direction, we will continue the impressive growth in our China operation.”
John Zeigler, Chairman and CEO of DDB Group Asia Pacific, India & Japan, said, “Hiring Jimmy is a real coup for DDB. One of the most experienced creatives combined with one of our most charismatic new leaders makes for a dynamic duo second to none in Greater China. Jimmy’s experience and guidance will be an asset to our agencies and clients.”
