Joanne Lao, CEO of TBWA\Greater China, will leave the agency and return to Hong Kong, TBWA announced on November 5. Lao’s career with TBWA has spanned Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland China, including the last 11 years based in Shanghai.
According to the release, Lao built client partnerships, championed the agency’s Disruption philosophy, and nurtured talent.
Lao will return to Hong Kong to be closer to her family.
“Joanne’s contribution to TBWA is truly remarkable,” said Sean Donovan, President, Omnicom Advertising Asia.
“Across her tenure in Singapore, Hong Kong and China, she has led with conviction, generosity and an unwavering belief in the power of creativity. She has built strong businesses, trusted client relationships and talented teams, while always putting people at the heart of her leadership. She built TBWA\China into one of the collective’s leading creative agencies, with Disruption ® at its core. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to TBWA and wish her every happiness as she returns to Hong Kong and begins her next chapter.”
“My journey with TBWA has been deeply rewarding, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together,” said Lao.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented people and courageous clients across Singapore, Hong Kong and China, as well as with people across TBWA’s global collective and offices around the world, with whom I have shared so much along the way. After 11 remarkable years in China, the time is right for me to return to Hong Kong. I leave with enormous gratitude, confidence in the team in China and excitement for what lies ahead for TBWA.”
Lao will transition out of her role by the end of the year.
