Tom Kao Y&R chairman Greater China confirms his resignation

Kao took up the helm of Y&R Greater China in September 2007. He cited family reasons for his departure from the agency.

“My role over the past two and a half years has required me to travel constantly and regularly stay in China, which is taking a heavy toll on my family. I feel the need to prioritise my family life and reconsider my career options to be based closer to home in Hong Kong,” Kao said.

Kao added that he has enjoyed what he has been doing in Greater China and the challenge of building up the Y&R Greater China team. During his term, the agency has grown immensely and now boasts with a global client roster including Danone, Colgate, Campbells, Bacardi, Accenture, Chevron, Starbucks, LG, Dell, OCBC, Virgin Airways, Hitachi and some local clients like Witecat, Ping'An Bank, Midea and ABB.

“The company currently has a stable foundation with professional teams including Henry Chan, MD of Y&R Shanghai, Stephen Drummond, national planning director, Jonathan Teo, ECD of Y&R Shanghai, Nils Andersson, head of art for Y&R Asia and ECD for Beijing, and Michael Xia, CEO of Y&R Guangzhou. I am confident that I can now take a step back,” Kao explained.

Ambar Brahmachary, Y&R Asia president, says "Tom is a close friend and has been a great partner; I will not only miss his professionalism and energy but also his constant support and ready smile. The team he has assembled in China is a tribute to him. It is this next generation of leaders who will take the helm."

Brahmachary and Kao met and informed all the clients and staff last week about this news. At this moment the agency do not plan to fill the chairman of Greater China role.

In December 2008, Y&R Hong Kong CEO, Benny Hui, resigned also after two-and-a-half years in the role.