IPG Mediabrands makes China CEO change

IPG Mediabrands announced the appointment of Chris Chen as CEO of IPG Mediabrands China. He replaces departing Tom Wan, who held the role since the start of 2016.

Chen was most recently COO and CFO of DDB Greater China, but is returning to IPG Mediabrands, where he was CFO for more than five years from 2008 to 2013. He also has eight years of experience at GroupM China.

Based in Shanghai, Chen will report to Leigh Terry, CEO of IPG Mediabrands APAC. The appointment takes effect in mid-January.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris Chen back into the IPG Mediabrands network at a time when our China business is growing from strength to strength, particularly through our investment in data and strategic technology partnerships,” Daryl Lee, global CEO of IPG Mediabrands, said in a release. “I’m confident that Chris’ entrepreneurial leadership style, and growth mindset will continue our forward trajectory in China.”

Chen commented that the company has "stellar leadership talent" and "strong opportunities to continue building our client proposition and network reputation”.

Lee said that Wan led the network through a transformational growth period. "It’s time to take on a new challenge, and he leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes," Lee added.

Tom Wan