Publicis Groupe Hong Kong names new chief strategy officer

Publicis Groupe Hong Kong has named Martin Smith (pictured) as its new chief strategy officer, who relocates from the United Kingdom to Hong Kong to take on the new role.  

His role is effective as of October 2023 and he reports to Tom Kao, CEO of Publicis Groupe Hong Kong. He will also be collaborating with Ed Booty, chief strategy officer at Publicis Groupe APAC & MEA who works across all APAC markets.

Smith brings over 20 years of strategic expertise to Publicis Groupe Hong Kong and a passion for innovative approaches to creating great works. Smith will drive business transformation and integrated solutions by putting data, creativity, media, commerce, CRM and technology together. 

With an “everything is interesting” mindset and a best-in-class approach to brand strategy, he will lead the planning function at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong for clients including Cathay, AXA, Standard Chartered, and New World Development.    

Smith joins Publicis Groupe Hong Kong after six years as group strategy director at Twelve, a start-up marketing and creative agency in London, and its parent company Communisis.  

His previous roles include chief strategy officer at Geometry Global and Havas Media Group. He returns to the Publicis fold having worked at Saatchi & Saatchi and BBH in the UK. 

Kao said: “In the past year, we’ve enjoyed unstoppable growth and momentum at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong by developing work that delivers business impacts. With his strategic smarts, and an integrated approach to the brand, advertising, digital and retail disciplines, Smith is the perfect person to continue this momentum into 2024.”   

“I was looking for two big things with this move: an exciting overseas opportunity and the chance to bring every communications channel together in fresh and innovative ways. Publicis Hong Kong has both of those in a big way, plus great clients and a huge appetite for great work,” said Smith.  

Smith succeeds Katheryn Lui, who has now stepped into a new regional role as APAC strategy lead, Publicis Media. Lui had helmed the chief strategy officer role for over two years, during which she was in charge of leading the planning function of the entire Publicis Groupe Hong Kong and was responsible for driving business transformation, consulting, and integrated solutions.

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