Our news MEC China welcomes two new key appointments

Thursday 14 January 2010

Mediaedge:cia (MEC), www.mecglobal.com, a leading media agency, announced today the appointments of two senior executives, Michelle Ko and Tommy Au.

Michelle Ko has been named President MEC China. In this role Michelle will lead a team of 200 media specialists across three MEC China offices and apply her extensive strategic heritage and expertise to the region's client business. Michelle will be responsible for the business and product development of MEC China as it continues to grow in this region. Michelle will be based in Shanghai and will report to Bessie Lee, CEO GroupM China and Joost Dop, CEO MEC Asia Pacific

Michelle joins from the GroupM Regional Aspire team responsible for the training and development of the GroupM agencies in Greater China. Prior to this position Michelle was Managing Director of Mindshare Shanghai where she led the office for 6 years.

Michelle has more than 13 years in the media industry, starting in creative agencies including O&M, JWT and DDB. Michelle has worked with client partners such as KFC, Pepsi, Unilever, Diageo and the Diamond Trading Company and her extensive experience in client service leadership and integrated marketing will be a massive asset to MEC.

Michelle will work alongside Dominic Ng who remains as National Managing Director, MEC China.

Joining Michelle in MEC Shanghai is Tommy Au, who becomes General Manager of MEC Shanghai effective immediately. Tommy joins from OMD Shanghai where he was Business Director. Prior to OMD, he was the General Manager for Carat Beijing and Shanghai. Tommy is an experienced professional media practitioner in the fields of client management and integrated planning, with experience in Taiwan, Beijing and Shanghai. He has led many international brands such as Ford, Gucci, Mattel, Coca-Cola, LVMH and VISA. Tommy will report to Michelle Ko.

Tommy replaces Sara Si, who after two years at the head of MEC Shanghai, is moving to GroupM China as Managing Director, Business Management and will also lead the Nanjing and Chengdu GroupM offices. She will report to Bessie Lee.

Bessie Lee, CEO GroupM China, said "The appointments of Michelle and Tommy are significant moves for MEC. Michelle is a huge asset to our leadership team in China, with outstanding skills in agency and business management along with seasoned client service expertise. Tommy brings a proven track-record in integrated strategic planning across international clients that will enhance our overall leadership team. It is quite clear that they will fit in effortlessly at MEC and we're thrilled they have joined us. We also want to wish Sara Si the best of luck in her new role and I'm delighted that she will remain in our GroupM ‘family'".