Leo Burnett lures Carol Lam out of DDB Hong Kong to fill Greater China President and CCO role

April 12 2017, 12:36 pm | BY Lynchy | No Comments

Carol Lam 2017.jpg In a major creative coup Leo Burnett Greater China has hired acclaimed creative leader Carol Lam to the newly created role of President and Chief Creative Officer, effective mid of May. She joins Leo Burnett from DDB Hong Kong, where she is Chief Creative Officer and Managing Director.

Lam (pictured) is not new to Leo Burnett. It is where she created McDonald’s first Cannes-winning work from Hong Kong in 1997: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to return to Leo Burnett after 20 years and thrilled to be able to work alongside Michael again. It’s my mission moving forward to carry on the incredible culture and brand capital built up by Leo Burnett over the past 81 years. This includes continuing to promote philosophies like ‘Reach for the Stars’ and ‘Human Kind’ that have touched the hearts and minds of so many over the years,” said Lam.

A Hong Kong native, Lam has helped many Hong-Kong-based brands succeed locally, regionally and globally, while simultaneously elevating the stature of multinational brands such as McDonald’s, P&G, Adidas and L’Oreal to new heights across the Greater China region. Lam’s has held many senior roles over her career including Chief Creative Officer & Managing Partner for Saatchi & Saatchi South China and Chief Creative Officer & Managing Director for McCann Shanghai, as well as Executive Creative Director for TBWA Shanghai. Before her China venture, Lam was Executive Creative Director at McCann Hong Kong in charge of global communications for Cathay Pacific.

Lam is a winner of multiple awards, who has extensive experience judging at prestigious award shows globally and locally, including the One Show, D&AD, Clio, ANDY, New York Festivals, Spikes Asia, AdFest Lotus, Long Xi and China 4As.

She will report directly to Michael Lee, CEO of Publicis Communications Greater China.

Lee said the agency has been pursuing Lam for the position for the past year: “I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Carol for many years in the past and have long looked forward to having the opportunity to work with her again. She is reputable, passionate, and a true master of her craft. I believe that this addition will infuse the creative team at Leo Burnett with new energy and a drive to innovate that will prove invaluable to our clients.”

“Carol is a consummate professional and has an outstanding creative record. She is a proven world-class leader with a passion for creativity. I am delighted she is joining and I look forward to seeing her drive Leo Burnett to new heights”, said Mark Tutssel Global Chief Creative Officer Leo Burnett Worldwide, and Creative Chairman Publicis Communications.