Jones Knowles Ritchie appoints new China CEO

Creative agency Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) has appointed Jacquelien Postigo Brussee as its first ever CEO for China. 

In this role, Brussee will partner with global CEO Guy Lambert and China chief creative officer René Chen, leading JKR's business growth in China. Boasting 18 years of international experience in driving new business, digital transformation, and innovation, Brussee will take a more strategic approach to cultivate JKR’s range of capabilities and client success.

“I am thrilled to assume the new role as CEO and become an active part in driving JKR’s business forward in China. The rapid developments we are witnessing in the Chinese market, the strong vision and ambitions of JKR globally, combined with a robust fundament in China that was built over the last 5 years, were key in my decision to join," said Brussee. 

Prior to her latest position, Brussee was vice president of brand consultancy Labbrand Group from January 2020 to October 2021. She joined the consultancy as corporate branding director in September before being promoted to vice general manager in January 2018. 

Brussee has been in China for more than a decade. For example, before Labbrand she worked for RH Marine Group to handle marketing and communication duties for the company's APAC business. As part of the global corporate marketing and communications team managing global marketing projects and responsible for the Asia region, she was responsible for the development of marketing strategy in the Asian market, supporting, contributing and developing strategic business plans.

She also handled business intelligence, analysed and interpreted data and offered insightful reports and presentations to support and inform area management, global sales managers and service management.

Before that, she worked for Royal Imtech N.V as marketing and communications manager, covering eight locations within Greater China and devising the implementation of the marketing function within China.

The announcement follows recent leadership updates with Chen taking on the role of China chief creative officer and Theresa Wu being promoted to China general manager. 

“The positive economic prospect of China and the rapidly evolving consumer demands have accelerated many brands towards renovation, rebranding and reinvention, where JKR is best positioned to advise with over 30 years of experience globally. We are confident that with Brussee’s passion about creativity and insights about China’s business landscape, JKR will continue to build on our momentum, helping brands succeed in one of the world’s most competitive markets," said Lambert. 

Jones Knowles Ritchie has three offices worldwide, including London, New York and Shanghai, offering a wide variety of services including design strategy, visual brand identity, branding and identity, creative strategy and marketing services, to name a few. However, in April 2020, it wound down operations in Singapore after seven years of service. 

Lambert told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that it was "a collective decision" made with the Singapore team, adding that Southeast Asia would remain an open door as the agency continued to focus its efforts where the clients need them most in the future. Jones Knowles Ritchie was founded by Joe Jones, Andy Knowles and Ian Ritchie in London in 1990, while the New York office was opened in 2011. 

Strengthen your omnichannel marketing capabilities today with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE's Omnichannel Marketing Asia on 23 November. Learn ways to build an evidence-based practice, up the ante on your strategies, and be head and shoulders above your competition. Click here to register today!

Related articles
JKR Singapore winds down ops after 7 years