Lao to lead TBWA\Tequila HK

Lao's appointment is one of several at TBWA\Tequila, which said it was bolstering operations on the back of 30 per cent growth last year. "We needed new talent and we have promoted internally top talent to grow people and careers," said Thubron. Lao, who set up Tequila\ Hong Kong in 2002, led the Standard Chartered Bank pitch in 2004 after nine years with the agency. "Her promotion is a sign that integration is a reality," added Thubron. The agency has also named Sebastian Lembke as CD for TBWA\Hong Kong. Lembke, who has worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Stockholm and Copenhagen, was most recently with TBWA Hunt Lascaris in South Africa. The award-winning, art-based creative will focus on Shangri-La and adidas. "Lembke is able to combine both local consumer understanding and affinity with varied international cultures and experiences," said Thubron. He added that the agency's bid to attract global talent had also led to the appointment of Matt West as regional account director on adidas. West, a former professional footballer, was most recently at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington. Account director Andy Ho has also been promoted to GAD TBWA and Wendy Castro to GAD at Tequila.