Grey names new president for China

Grey has named Elvis Li (pictured) president of China, effective immediately. Based in Shanghai, Li will report to Chris Reitermann, president of WPP China, and work closely with Sarah Trombetta, CEO of Grey APAC. 

Within his new role, Li will continue growing client business across China, creating "famously effective" solutions for them. He will also oversee Grey's social marketing agency, Easycom, in China.

Li's appointment has signified Grey's robust growth in China and has solidified the agency's global status. Li will support Grey's global and local clients and leverage Easycom's expertise in KOL management, social media content creation, marketing event management, online-to-offline promotion and crisis management to help clients grow their businesses. 

Prior to Grey, Li had helmed the role as general manager of BBDO Shanghai. With 22 years of experience in the advertising industry, he has worked at J. Walter Thompson, Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO, and Wieden+Kennedy. 

Trombetta said: "Li is a local Shanghainese advertising veteran with deep market roots and a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In the fierce market competition, clients believe that he can lead them to achieve breakthrough creativity. Brands are eager to work with a new generation of creative leaders to redefine the growth strategy of the Chinese market. We believe that his modern vision and creative foresight will continue to enhance the competitive landscape of the industry."

Reitermann added, "It's heartening and exciting to have Li on board as part of Grey China management team. As we refine solutions for clients, gather talent to accelerate client growth, Li's passion for integration, creativity and innovation will foster growth among brands and businesses."

Li said, "I'm very excited to join Grey and WPP China team and work with one of the top creative talent in the country. Grey's 'famously effective' concept has provided a platform for growth and innovation. I look forward to working with our clients and brand partners, aimed at bringing positive influence to clients."

This comes after Grey and AKQA China's CEO Sharlene Wu stepped down from her role to relocate to the US with her family to embrace a new chapter personally and professionally.

"As I close this remarkable chapter, my final day with Grey and AKQA will be at the end of May. But this is only the beginning. I’m energised to dive into the US market, to learn, collaborate, and continue creating work that moves people and moves the world forward," she said in her LinkedIn post.

Wu added: "From Taiwan to Shanghai, my journey has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve had the privilege of working at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic markets during its most pivotal era. Along the way, I’ve evolved into a creative powerhouse and strategic leader, driving brand transformation at the intersection of culture, technology, and design." 

Join us this coming 17 June for #Content360 Hong Kong, an insightful one-day event centered around responsible AI, creativity VS influencers, Xiaohongshu and more. Let's dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence!

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