SCMP nabs SmarTone's Lucy Chen as new head of strategy and data

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has appointed Lucy Chen (pictured) as its new head of strategy and data, effective from April this year. Chen reports directly to Catherine So, CEO of SCMP.

In this newly created position, Chen is tasked at overseeing the Post’s business strategies and data analytics function globally at group level, with the mandate of driving business transformations in alignment with evolving strategic focus, institutionalising data-led decision making practices across the organisation through the use of advanced data analytics as well as identifying and implementing execution plans for new business opportunities. 

Chen brings with her over 20 years of experience in strategy, change management, organisational transformation and business development across multiple industries. She joins the Post from SmarTone, where she held senior positions from 2020 to 2023 in corporate strategy, business planning and data analytics, and brought about substantial revenue and operational improvements. She was most recently SmarTone's general manager of corporate strategy. 

Prior to SmarTone, Chen spent almost 15 years in private equity. She entered the industry by starting in GE Equity in 2006 and co-founded Cobalt Equity Partners in 2015 with a focus on making mid-market, growth investments within Greater China, and generating significant value creation in portfolio companies. 

“Chen’s appointment reflects the central role that data analytics plays in SCMP’s strategic capabilities and organisation model. I am confident that Chen’s expertise will lend a solid data-driven foundation across our commercial, corporate and editorial pillars as we entrench the practice of intelligent use of data in our business and newsroom decisions as an industry leader. Under her leadership we will see optimised strategic and operational execution in business planning and transformation,” said Catherine So, CEO, SCMP. 

“I'm incredibly honoured and thrilled to join SCMP, a global news leader with a definitive voice on Hong Kong, mainland China and Asia affairs. The unique culture here is a blend of 120 years of legacy and a tech-forward mindset, built by a team of highly passionate and talented colleagues who are invested and committed to the mission and vision of the organisation. I’m excited about the new frontiers and the continual milestones ahead for the Post as a media pioneer,” said Chen.

Don't miss: SCMP names new global strategic business director

Most recently, SCMP has appointed Lou Wee as its director of global strategic business. He reports to Kevin Huang, chief operating officer, SCMP.

Based in Hong Kong, this newly created position sits within the Post’s advertising and marketing solutions (AMS) business with the mandate to build and nurture long-term partnerships with global strategic accounts. In his new position, Wee will be leading the development of long term partnerships with global strategic accounts and the promotion of SCMP's integrated advertising suite, including content, events, data analytics and marketing solutions.

Wee rejoins SCMP after his move to VICE Media as vice president of sales and brand partnerships, APAC in 2022, having previously held roles of head of advertising sales for Hong Kong and regional markets as well as regional director of advertising and partnerships from 2018-2022 in SCMP. 

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