Leo Burnett makes key China hire

Shanghai - Wei Wei Chen will take over as chairman and CEO of Leo Burnett Group Shanghai and executive director for China from early January, replacing Dean Bramham, who is said to be taking long service leave.

Effective 5 January next year Chen will oversee the operations of Leo Burnett Shanghai, Arc, Red Lounge and Black Pencil and play a key role in the Leo Burnett China Board.

The announcement comes shortly after the agency's acquisition of Chinese advertising agency W&K Communications.

Chen has a long history in the Greater China advertising industry, with more than 20 years with agencies such as O&M, JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi China where she served first as executive creative director and later managing director.

In a statement Leo Burnett said Dean Bramham, currently Shanghai manager, will take long service leave while future opportunities within the Publicis Groupe are evaluated.

Chen will report to Eddie Booth, chairman & chief creative officer at Leo Burnett Group Greater China and Michael Wood, CEO Leo Burnett Group Greater China.

"We always believe in the long term our key operational leadership positions in Greater China should be held by Chinese, with profound understanding of the market, strong creative passion and sharp business acumen," Wood said in a statement.

"Wei Wei's unique combination of experience is rare within the industry in this region, and is a perfect match for Leo Burnett.

"We are grateful to Dean for the great job he has done over the past 18 months and for the energy and passion he has brought to our Leo Burnett Shanghai operations," he added.