Dentsu Beijing expands global business practice with Roland Zhu as senior director

Zhu (pictured) is heading up new business development for global brands in China; Chinese brands in global markets; as well as being in charge of training the next generation of leaders in Beijing Dentsu.

Kerry Kiyohara, vice-president of this newly created global business practice at Beijing Dentsu, cited, "His key mission is to get Dentsu into pitches for advertising assignments from global brands in China."

He pointed out that of the top 150 brands, which are ‘big spending advertisers’, in China, there are about 15 or 16 Japanese companies. The rest are mostly brands from American and Europe.

Hence the agency hopes that Zhu will lead Dentsu in to a new and lucrative market. "We have a new organisation focused on creating full-service, totally integrated marketing, branding, and advertising solutions for key accounts -  and we'll do it in English," Kiyohara said.

Zhu has over 14 years experience in strategic and creative marketing management, and was one of the top-line experts on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Zhu played an instrumental role in negotiations, media rights distribution and sponsorship activation for both events.

Before joining Dentsu Beijing, Zhu worked in leading agencies like Ogilvy & Mather, DraftFCB, and International Management Group. He has a strong understanding of both international and Chinese brands including Volkswagen, IBM, GE, adidas, Kodak, Haier, China Mobile, Air China and CCTV, among others.

"To build this new practice with Kerry and team is a 'mission unbelievable'. It reminds me that we're not just 'living our professional careers' but also creating fun and passion with life. So happy I'm at the front row to enjoy it," said Zhu.