Women to Watch 2024: Nana Cao, BBDO

Nana Cao

Business director
BBDO Shanghai
China

Nana Cao is a business director whose expertise spans more than 17 years in the advertising and communications industry, navigating the complex transition from traditional to digital advertising. Having honed her skills at some of the world’s most prestigious agencies, including Ogilvy, DDB, McCann, and Proximity, Cao has become known for her sharp thinking and innovative approach to brand building. Her impressive portfolio includes high-profile clients such as Alibaba, KFC, Mengniu, and Shiseido, where she’s consistently delivered campaigns that blend creativity with data-driven insights.

At BBDO, where Cao leads the charge, her leadership has been key to driving success both in commercial and creative domains. Cao was pivotal in Alibaba’s success as a global partner of the Paris 2024 Olympics, leading campaigns that integrated AI-powered cloud computing and e-commerce services across business, fashion, technology, entertainment, and sports. Her team’s efforts garnered over 670 million online impressions, 23.6 million interactions, and extensive media coverage from outlets like Xinhua, BBC, Vogue Business, and Reuters. This comprehensive strategy achieved widespread domestic and international success, solidifying the client’s position as a leader in Olympic marketing.

Cao’s knack for identifying emerging opportunities and pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising defines her career. Her work has directly resulted in a 90% pitch win rate for the agency since October 2023, adding prominent clients like Florasis, NIO, and Airwallex to BBDO’s roster.

Her achievements stretch beyond metrics. She’s deeply invested in building a culture of mentorship, inclusivity, and social responsibility and does not shy away from using her position to help cultivate the next generation of talent.  As a mentor for Omnicom’s APAC Mentors project, she has become an advocate for empowering young women in the industry, sharing her expertise while championing their professional growth. For making us believe in the power of advertising for positive societal impact, coupled with the dedication to mentoring the next gen of talent, Nana Cao is a deserving member of the 2024 Women to Watch.