Wunderman Thompson creates new APAC head of healthcare role based out of HK

Wunderman Thompson has appointed James Hammond (pictured) as head of healthcare, APAC. The position is a newly created leadership role, reflecting Wunderman Thompson’s growing presence in the health industry in APAC. Hammond will be based in Hong Kong.

Hammond previously served as the APAC client lead and global client EVP at WPP Health Practice International for close to a decade. He then went on to J-lab Asia where he forged an independent network of healthcare agency partnerships across the APAC region as Principal. Concurrently, he was also Regional Partner with Klick Health USA.

With over 25 years of experience and demonstrated success, Hammond has been a strategic advisor to pharmaceutical clients seeking to navigate diverse and emerging markets across the region. He has led agencies across the United States, North Asia and Australia, working with large multinational brands such as J&J, GSK, Nestle, Pfizer, Sanofi and Gilead.

“Hammond brings with him a deep understanding of the unique needs of the healthcare industry in APAC. We’re thrilled to have such a prolific industry leader drive our health practice forward,” said Ewen Sturgeon, chief executive officer of Wunderman Thompson International. Meanwhile, Wunderman Thompson recently handed Sturgeon additional responsibility for the agency's Asia Pacific operations.  Sturgeon will work with Wunderman Thompson leaders across Asia Pacific to continue accelerating growth in the region, which comprises 27 offices in 17 countries including Australia, China, Indian, Japan, Shanghai, Thailand and Vietnam. 

“This is a very exciting time to be joining Wunderman Thompson. The agency has built a unique offering at the intersection of creativity and technology. I believe this is a great fit for healthcare clients looking to build more integrated customer experiences. We have big ambitions in this region as we continue to build our consumer healthcare business, and extend our offering to prescription healthcare clients,” added Hammond.

Most recently, Wunderman Thompson Hong Kong also named Maggie Wong  as the CEO. Wong joins Wunderman Thompson from Publicis Worldwide & Leo Burnett, where she led the agency to significant growth as managing director of the Hong Kong operation. She started her role late October.

In her time there, Wong created an inspiring multi-disciplinary team, landed high profile new business wins and kick-started data-led initiatives for global and local clients.  With over 17 years of experience, Wong has worked with established international brands across various industries including Expedia, Lexus, Pizza Hut, HKT and Standard Chartered.