Jeffrey Yu to replace Laurie Kwong as CEO of Publicis Greater China

Kwong (pictured R) 's resignation has been announced internally. Through February and March, she will work closely with Yu (pictured L) on key projects, though he will not be fully on board yet.

In June 2011, Yu was named CEO for Asia at Paris-based data analystics consultancy Numsight Asia. Prior to that, he spent 25 years with Bates Asia. As reported in October 2010, he said he was asked to leave the agency following what he described as disagreements over its future.

“I am really excited to come back to the advertising world, now armed with a new perspective from the data world," Yu said of his new role with Publicis. "Laurie and the teams have laid very solid foundations, paving the way for further great success. I am looking forward to leading the teams of Publicis Greater China and to continue strengthening our capabilities and creative profile, for the benefit of our global and Chinese clients."

Prior to Publicis, Kwong was CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Hong Kong. She has been in her current Greater China position at Publicis since 2009.

In her tenure as Greater China CEO, Kwong has led the transformation of Publicis Greater China from a mid-sized operation to a leading network of agencies, through strong organic growth and a number of acquisitions, including two local full-service digital agencies Wangfan and Gomye.

Publicis has achieved the No. 3 position in the 2011 New Business League in China and were one of the top awarded agencies at the 4As Creative Awards and ROI Awards 2011.

“I have had 12 great years with the Publicis Groupe and I am particularly proud of what we’ve achieved," Kwong said. "However, I am at the stage in my life where I want more time for my family and myself. I am looking forward to the new life ahead.”

“I am very happy that Jeffrey is my successor," she added. "Jeffrey was my boss twice at other agencies and I have a lot of respect for him. I have no doubt that he is best suited to lead our fast growing Publicis Greater China agencies.”

Reported on 27 January, Sheena Jeng has returned to Publicis China as China chair and chief creative on 1 February, after moving back to her home country of Taiwan to become co-president and chief creative officer for DDB last March.

On her appointment, Sheena Jeng said, “Publicis is becoming bigger and stronger. It is good to return to a familiar place wearing a different hat and where I can do more to push and grow our creative reputation.”

"I am also really happy to welcome Sheena back to the Publicis China family," said Jean-Yves Naouri, Publicis Groupe chief operating officer and executive chairman of Publicis Worldwide. "This is where she truly belongs. She is key to elevating our creative reputation and quality across our China operations. Our focus on strengthening and investing in our China operations is stronger than ever. Given their track record, I am fully confident that Jeffrey and Sheena will be successful in driving our agencies and teams in the Greater China region.”