David Taylor, who helped establish the Lowe Guangming JV and fostered IPG's Daiko Japan relationship — a critical investment for the holding company in Asia — will take on a regional IPG role next year.
Former Arnold Worldwide GM and ECD Kitty Lun will move in as chairman and CEO of Lowe China, replacing Taylor, next month.
Lun has worked with the Havas-owned agency since 2001, and was previously the agency's director of brand architecture across Asia-Pacific.
Taylor, meanwhile, previously split his time between Lowe China and Daiko Japan. While he has resigned from Daiko's board, he will continue to serve as an advisor to the company, in which IPG is believed to own a 30 per cent stake. "David invested many years in the Daiko relationship.
Daiko is the fourth largest agency in the market. There are a lot of challenges with Lowe and Draft FCB, which require management in Asia. Acquisitions are another area that IPG needs to address," said a source.
Taylor declined to provide details of the new post. The role, however, should see him work closely with Lowe's worldwide chief executive, Steve Gatfield, in developing business in China and other regional markets. "I will be (at Lowe) until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition," he said.
The development comes as IPG delivered Q2 revenues of US$1.53 billion, compared to $1.61 billion a year ago.
