Edelman China hires Laura Zhou + Chris Leung to boost their Health & Wellness capabilities

| | No Comments
Edelman China hires Laura Zhou + Chris Leung to boost their Health & Wellness capabilities

Edelman China has augmented its capabilities in the Health & Wellness space, bringing onboard two senior specialists to lead the firm’s offerings for clients operating in the healthcare, sports and lifestyle sectors. Laura Zhou joins Edelman from McCann Health as Vice President of Healthcare, while Chris Leung has been named the firm’s new Senior Vice President of Lifestyle & Sports Marketing.

 

Zhou (pictured right) brings over 17 years of experience at China’s communications and advertising agencies, including McCann WorldGroup, Saatchi & Saatchi, WPP Health and VMLY&R. She has been developing integrated communications solutions for healthcare companies since 2008, evolving her approach in line with the rapidly changing marketing landscape during this time. Her arrival augments Edelman’s strength in integrated solutions, alongside Chief Creative Officer Wendy Chan who joined the firm from McCann Health in June.

Zhou’s approach for helping brands create multi-channel communication and engagement has not only driven success for health-sector companies in China, but also recognition on the global stage. Her work for Green Valley picked up a Silver Lion at this year’s Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, while her HPV awareness campaign for GSK China brought home a bronze Lion in 2018.

Leung (pictured left) joins Edelman from Entourage Sports & Entertainment, where he served as Asia Commercial Director, and brings extensive experience from the advertising industry, having worked at BBDO, Ogilvy and Saatchi & Saatchi. His work at sports marketing agency SECA saw him lead high-profile projects for brands, such as the 100 Days 100 Marathon for Johnson & Johnson and others; Yao Ming’s celebrity endorsement for Snickers; the J.P. Morgan China Squash Open; and the Beijing Half Marathon for Puma.

As a marketing consultant to The Peninsula Group, Leung strengthened the hotelier’s association with motorsports – namely the Formula1 – as well as its commitment to sustainability. He brings to Edelman a talent for working with all types of brands, not just those in the sports category, on building a sports and wellness component in their marketing strategy and strengthening their associations through partnerships in this space.

Pully Chau, Edelman’s President of Greater China, said: “We are anticipating big growth in these areas in a post-pandemic world, as people place greater importance on their health and their overall wellbeing. With these hires, we are in a strong position to lead clients in this space, with an unparalleled, industry-leading integrated offering.”

Zhou said: “Edelman understands the factors that influence a brand’s level of trust among consumers, and advise clients on how to build and protect it. In the healthcare sector, trust is paramount. I’m excited to be joining this firm at such a pivotal time for the health and wellness sector, and working with our clients on growing this space in China.”

Leung says: “There has never been a more relevant time for brands and companies to enhance their focus on sports and wellness marketing. With Edelman’s strength in integrated solutions, I’m looking forward to partnering with the talented teams on driving this agenda for the firm’s impressive client roster.”

In December, Zhou will be activating the firm’s collaboration with the China Ad Association on a joint research study entitled ‘Trust in Health 2022’ and sharing her expertise in digital marketing strategy within the Health sector at the China International Advertising Festival in Xiamen. Additionally, Chief Creative Officer Wendy Chan has been named Jury President of the Health category at the Spikes Asia Awards 2022.