DIARY: On the spot - Tom Doctoroff, J. Walter Thompson

Tom Doctoroff, chief executive officer, J. Walter Thompson, China, based in Shanghai What's the best part of your job? With the most talented people in the industry, building a professionally world-class agency in the world's most exciting market. And the worst? Weaving through bureaucratic hurdles - the governmental and network sort. Favourite film and why? Ang Lee's "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" for its amazingly-sensitive depiction of Asian family dynamics. And "The American President". It manages to be a romance, a comedy and political, all at the same time. Favourite book for business? The best so far has been Jasper Becker's "The Chinese". Your favourite book for pleasure? Mostly fiction. "Snow Falling on Cedar" about a Japanese-American falsely accused of murder. Favourite CDs? Classic jazz vocals - Sarah Vaughn. And anything from Frank Sinatra before his voice went to seed. Favourite restaurant? Le Garcon Chinois on leafy Heng Shan Lu in Shanghai. Any hobbies? Reading. Tennis. Does ping pong count? Putting a table in the creative department was a master stroke managerial decision. Who would you want to play you in a movie? Everyone says it should be Ben Stiller, which is probably not a great sign. How would you title your movie? "Red, Black and Blue: The Adventures of an American Adguy in China." Finish this line: I wish I could ... figure out what becomes of most advertising people after they're 50.

Sign In

Trouble signing in?

Reset Password: Click here

Contact Customer Support at

Customerservice@campaignasia.com