Chiu was previously chief executive at Market Catalyst, and Bates Asia president Jeffrey Yu sees his presence as key to the newly structured group's success going forward. "I am always very excited by what Conrad believes in, which is integrated solutions for clients," said Yu. "His business thinking is very sorely needed in Hong Kong these days."
"In the past Bates has been overwhelmed by its reputation for creativity in mass-media communications, which undermined a little bit its strength in other areas," said Chiu. With this in mind, 141 Market Catalyst has been formed to provide experiential marketing, CRM and PR solutions. The new agency -- headed by Davey Mok -- will line up alongside Bates Hong Kong and XM in reporting to Chiu.
Along with clients such as Café de Coral and Cheung Kong, Market Catalyst is seen as bringing a stronger creative edge to Bates, following the exit of ECD Iris Lo this year. Christine Pong will reprise her Market Catalyst role as chief creative officer at Bates-141, and the Hong Kong office has also hired group CD William Tsang from McCann.
Bates concludes HK merger with Chiu in CEO post
Bates Hong Kong has completed its integration with local shop Market Catalyst (Media, April 23), which will see Conrad Chiu assume the CEO role of the Bates - 141 Group in Hong Kong and Southern China.