Stagwell nabs OMD China CEO as new APAC chief growth officer

Stagwell has onboarded OMD China CEO Connie Chan (pictured) as its new chief growth officer for Asia Pacific, effective July 2025. Based in Singapore, Chan will be responsible for leading Stagwell’s growth strategy and operations across APAC markets including Australia, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, with a focus on accelerating transformation, scaling integrated capabilities, and deepening relationships in local markets.

This appointment builds on Stagwell’s growth momentum across APAC on the heels of acquiring ADK GLOBAL earlier this year. Stagwell APAC now encompasses 2,500 employees across 34 APAC offices.

In this newly created role, Chan will report to Ryan Linder, EVP, global chief marketing officer. Her role was created to sharpen the network's focus and adds firepower in the APAC region, said a spokesperson from Stagwell.

"This is about putting Asia at the heart of Stagwell’s global ambitions. The mission is clear: fast-track innovation, broaden integrated services, and build rock-solid client relationships on the ground.  The creation of this role is about driving client referrals and partnerships that cut across borders, ensuring Asia doesn’t just follow the momentum but sets the pace."

"Our timing isn’t accidental. Fresh from the ADK Global acquisition, Stagwell is doubling down on making Asia more than just a region. This role makes sure that vision isn’t just talk. It’s action," added the spokesperson.

Chan brings a track record of transformative leadership spanning decades in media, marketing, and strategic communications. Most recently, she served as CEO of OMD China, where she oversaw the agency’s operations in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, with a focus on driving growth and creativity, and inspiring teams with a strong focus on culture.

During Chan's time with the network, she has played a key role in strengthening OMD’s client partnerships and growth strategy in China. Prior to that, Chan held leadership roles at WPP, including executive director of the Government & Public Sector Practice in Singapore, and chief client officer for APAC at MEC (now Wavemaker), focusing on strategic client partnerships.

“As the global marketing landscape continues to shift, Asia Pacific stands out as a region of extraordinary opportunity. Chan's leadership will be instrumental as we build a network that not only responds to the complexity of today, but sets the pace for what’s next,” said Linder.

"Chan doesn’t just drive growth. She builds momentum that breaks the sound barrier,” said Randy Duax, Stagwell’s managing director, Asia Pacific. “We’ve spent the last three years building the kind of platform the holding companies said couldn’t be done - media, creative, strategy and PR moving as one, built for speed, wired for scale. Chan isn’t here to learn the playbook. She’s here to call the next play."

Chan said, “I’ve always believed in the power of strategic clarity and bold ideas. At Stagwell, we have the talent, the ambition, and the platform to build work that matters - and impact that endures.”

Meanwhile, OMD China remains in the capable hands of Linda Wang, chief operating officer at OMD China, who will continue to lead the business during this transition and beyond. Wang has been with the company for over six and a half years, and during this time, she has earned deep trust across OMD China’s teams and clients for her operational excellence, client-centric leadership and unwavering commitment to driving results.

OMG is dedicated to support our leaders in their long term succession planning strategy. As such, Claudine Kwek, CEO of OMG China, Chan and Wang have been working closely over the last few months to ensure a smooth and well-orchestrated transition.

Kwek said, "Chan has been a valued leader and partner, and we are deeply appreciative of the contributions she has made to OMD China’s growth and success. While change is never easy, this transition has been thoughtfully managed, with Chan, Wang, and myself working closely together over the past few months to ensure continuity and stability. Wang brings a deep understanding of our business and a clear vision for the future. As such, I have every confidence in Wang and the broader leadership team to continue building on this momentum and delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients and teams across China."

Meanwhile, Chan said, "It has been an incredible journey leading OMD China and working alongside such passionate and talented individuals. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together – from driving growth and creativity to building strong, enduring client partnerships. As I move on to my next chapter, I do so with full confidence in the leadership team we have in place. Wang and I have worked closely to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, and I have every faith in her ability to lead the agency into its next phase of growth. OMD China has an exciting future ahead and I’ll be cheering the team from afar."

Earlier this year, Stagwell announced its intent to buy ADK GLOBAL, a network of overseas subsidiaries managed by ADK Holdings. This acquisition comes as Stagwell expands its global footprint and invests further in AI-enabled solutions at the forefront of digital marketing.

Headquartered in Japan and with offices in 10 markets around the world, ADK GLOBAL delivers integrated marketing solutions based on a deep understanding of local markets, media and consumers, establishing itself as a trusted partner for local businesses.

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