Ogilvy names new ECD for Beijing and South China

Ogilvy has named Julia Hou (pictured) as its group executive creative director, with a remit covering Beijing and South China. Within her new role, she will partner with Wei Fei and Thomas Zhu, both group executive creative directors at Ogilvy Shanghai to lead Ogilvy China’s overall creative product and reputation. 

Hou joins from vivo, where she led global creative and brand content development for the last four years. Prior to that, she was executive creative director at Publicis Advertising Shanghai, overseeing work on clients such as Heineken, OPPO, Johnny Walker and Pepsi.  

She also had a three-year stint at Ogilvy Beijing between 2016 and 2018. Before moving to Asia, Hou worked in the US at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, a global agency for Apple, as well as Nike, where she was actively involved in the production of high-profile projects for the brand, including its London 2012 Olympics campaign. 

Hou has a strong multicultural background that enriches her creative vision and approach, having consecutively lived in Taiwan, New Zealand, the US, Hong Kong, before moving to mainland China in 2016. 

Chris Reitermann, chief executive officer for Ogilvy in APAC and Greater China, said: “For 2024 we have one simple mission: to elevate the work we do for our clients and push the envelope of creativity. I’m thrilled to have Hou join us to help us on this mission.” 

“Hou is a very rare talent, having international experience in some of the best agencies in the world, in addition to her in-house experience in Nike and vivo. We can’t wait to have her on board and introduce her to our clients and people,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Reed Collins, chief creative officer for Ogilvy in APAC, said: “Very excited to welcome Hou back as I've been a big fan of hers for a long time. Having worked on both sides of the aisle now, she brings a unique blend of experience and fresh perspective that will undoubtedly invigorate our creative output across China.” 

“Hou is an ambitious leader with a track record of fostering a collaborative environment where ideas thrive, and I am excited to see the impact she will have on our clients’ brands. Together with Fei and Chu, we are doubling down on our borderless creativity promise across China and beyond,” he added. 

Hou said: “As a former Ogilvier, I have a deep understanding of the agency's exceptional capabilities and unwavering commitment to creative excellence. It is with great pride that I return to Ogilvy, a place where I have had the privilege of building genuine friendships.” 

“I look forward to working together with the talented teams in Beijing and South China, leveraging the valuable experience and insights gained over the past four years working on the client side to solve complex challenges for businesses through innovative works, and foster partnerships that lead to shared growth,” she added. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Ogilvy for more information. 

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