Joey Zhao, CEO, PHD China
PHD China’s former chief operating officer, Joey Zhao, has been promoted to chief executive officer with immediate effect. Zhao has been instrumental in driving growth, operational efficiency and business transformation, culminating in PHD China clinching the highly coveted media business for SAIC Volkswagen at the end of last year.
With over 15 years of management experience in a variety of industries and categories under his belt, Zhao honed his business acumen working for the Shanghai government, Shanghai Media Group as well as blue-chip multinational companies, consultancies and law firms in China. Prior to joining PHD China, Zhao was a partner at an investment group with a focus on marketing technology for China’s advertising, media, and communications industries.
James Hawkins, CEO of PHD APAC, said Zhao’s experience across multiple industries coupled with his knowledge of local market dynamics and culture makes him an “incredible source of inspiration for both our clients and our people”.
Claudine Kwek, CEO of Omnicom Media Group China commented, “Joey brings a fresh mindset and a bold ambition to PHD China. Coupled with his diverse experience, he is well placed to strengthen and optimise PHD China’s client-focused operating model, delivering incremental value for both our clients and the agency. With Joey at the helm, I’m confident PHD China will unlock new opportunities and build upon the momentum of our business in China.”
Talking about his new role, Zhao said, “I am humbled by this promotion and by the same token, excited to lead the talented team here at PHD China. I am very much looking forward to leveraging my experience and helping our clients make the leap in a rapidly changing business landscape.”
