VML HK names new chief creative officer

VML has appointed Alfred Wong (pictured) as chief creative officer of VML Hong Kong, effective immediately.

Within his new role, he oversees creative teams of Hong Kong office and its clients. He reports to Maggie Wong, CEO of VML Hong Kong.  

Wong joins from Media Arts Lab Shanghai (MAL), Apple’s bespoke agency. As executive creative director of MAL, Wong was integral in raising the creative bar to world-class and craft impactful work that influenced culture in China. 

Growing up in Leo Burnett Hong Kong, Wong earned the role of executive creative director. Landing in Shanghai, Wong then served as chief creative officer at ADK, transforming the agency with integrated thinking and elevating the creative standard before making the leap to MAL Shanghai to work on Apple. 

Wong believes that creativity should have no boundaries, neatly demonstrated through his wide range of clients from consumer goods to finance to food and beverage, including Apple, Sony, Samsung, P&G, McDonalds, Pfizer, Hang Send Bank, La Mer, IBM and Ikea. 

Alfred Wong reflects on what it means to join VML at this point in his career: “The fusion of technology and creativity truly excites me. It empowers us to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating work that is fresh and out-of-the-box. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join forces with Wong and the team, working together to create something remarkable.”  

Maggie Wong, CEO at VML Hong Kong said: “Wong joins us at such an exciting time for VML, where we are forging a new path as a growth partner – one that is equal parts creative agency, consultancy, and technology powerhouse. Wong’s passion for creativity and his ability to push boundaries make him an exceptional addition to our team. Under his leadership, we will continue to nurture an environment that celebrates creativity, empowers talent and produces awe-inspiring work.” 

Don't miss: Creative veteran Sheung Yan Lo retires and leaves marketing industry

Wong succeeds Sheung Yan Lo, the former APAC chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson, who left the agency upon his retirement. Also known as “Ma Yan” by his peers, Lo’s career spans over three decades, according to the release. In this next chapter, Lo plans to spend more time with his family, while continuing to explore his creative passions, including writing for musical theatre and studying.

Lo, who is originally from Hong Kong, was a secondary school teacher before entering the marketing industry. He started his career in 1996, joining China’s advertising industry as a copywriter for JWT Shanghai. He eventually became the chairman of JWT’s Asia-Pacific Creative Council in 2013, before being appointed chief creative officer, APAC for Wunderman Thompson in 2019.

Related articles:

R3 brings VML veteran Ishan Chatterjee on board
VML names new APAC CEOs following regionwide restructure