dentsu China names new CEO as Deric Wong departs

Dentsu has named Chun Yin Mak (pictured right) as its new CEO for China effective 14 August, succeeding Deric Wong (pictured left), who is stepping down from the role from 23August due to personal reasons.

In his new role, Mak will be based in Shanghai and will report to Rob Gilby, dentsu APAC CEO. His progressive, results orientated leadership style, commercial record and ability to navigate complex market conditions will support dentsu to deliver results for clients in the China market, according to Gilby.

“I’m excited to see the partnership between Mak and Simone Tam, CEO, Hong Kong, dentsu who together will drive significant synergies across talent and capability cross-fertilisation, enhanced multinational client servicing and collaboration across the Greater Bay Area,” he added.

Mak brings on board over 25 years of experience predominantly based in Greater China, with a seven-year stint in North America at the start of his career at Accenture. He spent the last 17 years, ten of those in senior leadership roles in Greater China and Asia Pacific.

Prior to dentsu, he had been with IBM for over 16 years, with his most recent role as managing partner, business transformation services, Asia Pacific, IBM Consulting. He led his team to form and launch IBM iX (IBM’s Interactive Experience practice) in Greater China in 2015.

Commenting on the appointment, Mak said; “It’s an exciting time to join dentsu in one of the most important markets in the world. I have been impressed with the strategy and vision for the company and the core differentiating competencies being invested in to enable imaginative new value creation for our clients.”

“Couple this with the exponential potential of the market and strong partnerships the business has, I strongly believe we have the opportunity to deliver next-level impact and outcomes for brands and clients,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wong is stepping down from the role on 23 August for personal reasons. He led dentsu China through some of its most challenging times, ensuring care and support for teams during the pandemic while supporting clients with crucial business decisions.

He fostered important client relationships and championed the delivery of innovative solutions including dentsu Z, China’s differentiated Gen Z proposition as well as dentsu Next, an innovation platform delivering modern experiences through new interfaces and realitie, according to the release.

Gilby said: “I’d like to thank Wong for his contribution to our business. He’s operated in a complex macroeconomic environment, stabilising and strengthening dentsu’s culture and capabilities with focus on client centricity, organisational design and operational excellence.”  

Meanwhile, the outgoing CEO of dentsu China said: “It’s been a privilege to lead dentsu through this period of challenge and growth as one of the best-connected solution eco-systems in the market. I truly believe that we have created a strong bedrock for the business to thrive and I’m proud of what we have delivered together. I wish the team well and look forward to hearing of their future success.” 

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