Initiative China appoints Karen Ho as CEO

Initiative China, has hired Karen Ho as CEO. Ho will join the agency in January 2021 and report directly to Chris Chen, CEO of Mediabrands China, as well as Initiative regional management.

With more than 20 years industry experience, Ho has a proven track record in driving digital transformation to accelerate strategic growth for businesses and clients in a dynamic marketplace. Most recently, Ho was Chief Growth Officer at Wavemaker China. Prior media roles included agency positions with OMD and Isobar. She was recognized for her exceptional performance and business contributions by multiple regional industry awards, including Campaign Asia’s “40 Under 40” and “Digital A-List”.

In her new position as CEO Initiative China, Ho will lead the team with an integrated direction including client relationship management, business growth and development.

Chris Chen, CEO of Mediabrands China, said: “I am excited to welcome Karen to Initiative China. Her growth mindset and in-depth market insights, coupled with her passion and eagerness to win, are a great fit with Initiative’s culture and well placed to continue the agency’s growing momentum in China.”

Leigh Terry, CEO of Mediabrands APAC and Initiative Asia Pacific President, said: “I am so excited that Karen has agreed to come on board and lead our fast-growing Initiative China team. Karen’s in-depth knowledge of the most dynamic market in the world, her passion for building culture combined with her hunger for growth are exactly the ingredients that we are looking for to further propel clients’ business and in in turn our own business ambitions in China.”