EssenceMediacom promotes Silas Ho to MD and Anthony Lau to Managing Partner in Hong Kong
GroupM’s newest and largest agency, EssenceMediacom has announced the promotions of Silas Ho as Managing Director and Anthony Lau as Managing Partner in Hong Kong. Most recently, Ho was Head of Digital, while Lau was Head of Strategy at MediaCom Hong Kong.
Reporting to both EssenceMediacom APAC CEO, Rupert McPetrie, and GroupM Hong Kong CEO, Alice Chow, Ho will draw the roadmap for the new agency in the market. Ho began his career as an integrated planner, and evolved into a digital specialist in data, digital technology and performance marketing. A long-serving member of MediaCom over a decade, the agency was recognised for its best-in-class digital planning capabilities under his leadership, winning ‘Digital Agency of the Year’, ‘Ecommerce Agency of the Year’, ‘Performance Agency of the Year’ and ‘Data Analytics Agency of the Year’ accolades at multiple award shows.
Ho (pictured right) said: “It is my honour to lead the EssenceMediacom Hong Kong office and serve the employees. It is time to change the way we see and handle advertising and marketing, as the way to effective communications is evolving rapidly every day. We aim to help marketers build a comprehensive data ecosystem to facilitate business decisions and communicate more effectively with their audiences. Also leveraging Essence’s industry-leading know-how, the leadership team and I are committed to bringing breakthrough thinking and services to our clients with a data and analytics-led approach.
“Nurturing our talent pool is a key priority. I believe EssenceMediacom provides the best environment for our people to perform and shine. It is going to be an amazing journey for everyone as we make our mark in the new communications economy.”
Reporting to Ho, Lau will focus on formulating EssenceMediacom’s business development strategy, while continuing to oversee its strategic output in Hong Kong. With over 10 years of experience at creative and media agencies, Lau will work with Ho to strengthen EssenceMediacom’s data and analytics offering to clients in the area of strategic application. A highly awarded strategist, he previously also helmed business development for MediaCom Hong Kong, diversifying its offering from media planning to content creation, data analytics, branding consultancy and more. His unique approach to pitches saw the agency achieving an unprecedented conversion rate.
Lau (pictured left) said: “Building EssenceMediacom is by far the most exciting project I have ever been involved in. While we are part of a global media agency, in Hong Kong, we also represent a brand new agency concept that is for and by digital natives. We strive for breakthrough thinking not bound by conventional marketing mindsets or planning philosophies to deliver business growth for our clients. To achieve this, our people-first mentality has never been so important. We are committed to empowering our employees to shape the agency for the next generation, creating a platform for them to learn, flourish and be inspired.”
McPetrie said: “Congratulations to both Silas and Anthony on their richly deserved promotions. At EssenceMediacom, our people are the heart of our breakthrough mission, and we are committed to building an agency that supports employees and creates opportunity for all. Our culture of continuous learning means our people are always growing and pushing the boundaries of what is possible for our clients. With such strong homegrown talent and capabilities, I am confident that EssenceMediacom Hong Kong will create and deliver the marketing breakthroughs that brands need to grow and succeed, and set a transformative pace in the industry.”
Chow said: “Silas and Anthony are two of the brightest stars in GroupM. They epitomise how modern agency leadership should be – hungry for new ideas with an eagerness to achieve the impossible with their respective expertise. Their ability to uncover opportunities not seen by many will enable them to elevate EssenceMediacom to a totally new stage. Most importantly, as a true embracer of a people-first culture, I am confident that EssenceMediacom will become the place where the best talent will want to work at. I am looking forward to partnering with the leaders at EssenceMediacom to further strengthen GroupM Hong Kong’s leadership in the market!”