40 Under 40 2024: Julie Wu, DeVries Global

Julie Wu

Senior vice president
DeVries Global Shanghai
China

Julie Wu’s ascent to senior vice president at DeVries Global Shanghai is a testament to her capabilities in healthcare communications. Wu has been instrumental in securing high-profile clients such as Braun Healthcare, SebaMed, Chinatcm, and Organon in the past year while maintaining enduring partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies like Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, and GSK. Her adept client-management skills and strategic vision have contributed to an impressive agency net promoter score of 67%, underlining her team's exceptional performance in satisfying clients.

Wu’s leadership was crucial in creating Roche's award-winning ‘Flu Pendant’ campaign, which garnered accolades from PR Awards Asia and others. This campaign, designed to raise awareness about a dual pandemic, showcased Julie’s ability to blend creative ingenuity with strategic insight, resulting in a campaign that achieved significant media traction.

Her innovative approach is evident in her work with Braun, where she expanded the agency’s scope to include digital video production for the launch of its latest ear thermometer in China. This campaign achieved over 200 million impressions and a 400% increase in ecommerce traffic, reflecting Wu’s skill in leveraging media and content to drive impressive results.

Wu’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace is equally notable. Her initiatives, such as the ‘Here to Hear’ mental health workshop and Pride month celebration reflect her dedication to employee wellbeing and diversity. Furthermore, she encourages her team to partake in intergenerational dialogue through the company’s Gen Z Talk programme. Wu has also played a crucial role in designing career paths for young talent in healthcare communications, ensuring that new graduates have the skills and knowledge needed for success.