Wieden launches China operation with Hsu as EVP

SHANGHAI: US creative heavyweight Wieden & Kennedy has opened its first China office in Shanghai. The agency's second Asian office after Tokyo is headed by executive vice-president and director of corporate development J. Richard Hsu.

Best-known for acclaimed creative work for key client Nike, sources expect the Portland-based independent to extend this account through its new China offering.

Hsu confirmed the growing importance of the mainland to the agency's clients was a key factor in its entry into the market, and pointed to an increased need for creative advertising solutions.

"We have been studying the market for many years, given the growth of the Chinese economy and the importance of China to many of our global clients, including Nike, Starbucks, Vodafone, and Heineken," said Hsu.

"The timing is clearly right for our entrance. China's accelerating growth and competitive nature necessitate the creativity and non-traditional approaches, which will set our agency apart."

While Hsu would not disclose the agency's local client roster, he did state that Wieden was "currently in discussion with several local clients".

The four-man operation is currently searching for a managing director and two creative directors, and also plans to relocate staff from existing Wieden & Kennedy offices.

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