Tag: China

Shanghai, China – Italian luxury fashion house brand Bottega Veneta has recently opened ‘A Poetic Conversation’, an interactive poetry installation at the Rowing Club, Shanghai. The installation, done alongside LePub Milan and LePub Singapore, features several thousand editions of the anthology ‘In Such a Staggering World’ (Yao Yao Huang Huang De Ren Jian) by Yu Xiuhua, arranged in a three-dimensional Bottega Veneta brandmark. 

Over the course of the day, members of the public can visit the installation and take home a copy for free.

For Bottega Veneta, Yu’s work is a powerful example of the self-expression that is integral to the brand’s founding values and ethos. Known for its iconic slogan ‘When your own initials are enough,’ the house has celebrated authentic individuality ever since it was established by a group of artisans near Venice in 1966. 

With a no-logo philosophy, Bottega Veneta designs never overburden with branding, but rather empower each wearer to be whoever they want to be. 

This ethos comes to life in ‘A Poetic Conversation’. As members of the public pick up their copy of Yu’s anthology, the Bottega Veneta trademark slowly disappears. What remains is the poetry and each reader’s response to it. ‘In Such a Staggering World’ becomes a companion on an individual journey, in the same way that Bottega Veneta bags adapt to the wearer as they move through their day and the world. 

Moreover, the special edition of ‘In Such a Staggering World’ also comes with a fold-out When your own initials are enough poster, as well as a bookmark featuring a new Yu Xiuhua poem inspired by the tagline. 

‘A Poetic Conversation’ will be Bottega Veneta’s second event this year with a prominent poet after the brand hosted a performance by Patti Smith during Milan Fashion Week. With a long history of engagement and advocacy across the arts, the brand identifies in poetry a freedom of personal expression and interpretation that resonates with its design philosophy. 

China – Starbucks China has launched its latest campaign celebrating its baristas and highlighting their commitment to craftsmanship, which sets the brand apart.

The campaign, titled ‘好好照顾每一杯’ (meaning “Crafted with care in every cup”), highlights what truly sets Starbucks apart—its passionate baristas. Bringing to life the dedication of Starbucks’ 60,000 baristas in China, the campaign showcases the artistry, craftsmanship, and care poured into every cup.

Developed by advertising agency Anomaly Shanghai, the campaign begins with a brand video centred on the mantra, “The last ten feet are in our hands,” emphasising the role of baristas in delivering care and precision in every cup.

This focus continues through a series of videos that showcase the craftsmanship behind each drink, from the precise pour of a Flat White to the measured shake of an Iced Shaken Espresso, offering a closer look at the skill and attention to detail involved.

To further elevate the campaign, Starbucks China invited its baristas to share their stories, accompanied by distinctive music and a personalised sign-off that includes their name. This initiative offers a behind-the-scenes look at their craftsmanship, highlighting moments that often go unnoticed by customers.

China – Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific has named Mickey Zhang as president of Publicis Media in China, strengthening its senior leadership team amid a period of strong growth momentum for the Groupe in the market.

In this newly created role, Zhang will oversee the development of Publicis Groupe China’s media capabilities and strengthen client relationships in a key market. She will also lead the expansion of the Groupe’s Connected Media proposition in China, integrating strategy, planning, commerce, omni-performance, influence, and CRM with a focus on identity-driven solutions.

Zhang will also lead initiatives to strengthen the Groupe’s partnerships and expand its presence in China. Her role will involve utilising AI solutions and data-driven insights to support the company’s client-focused strategy.

With this appointment, Publicis Groupe brings together its media agencies—Zenith, Starcom, Spark Foundry, and its middle platform—under Zhang’s leadership in China.

Zhang brings over 20 years of experience in branding, media, strategic planning, sales, and marketing. Before joining Publicis Groupe China, she spent three years at Shanghai Jahwa, where she held roles including chief marketing officer, general manager of the beauty and baby products division, and chief digital officer. She led strategies that strengthened the company’s branding, marketing, sales, and e-commerce operations.

Before Shanghai Jahwa, Zhang also spent nine years at GroupM China in leadership roles, including chief product and service officer, where she established services in e-commerce, social, audience insights, activations, and influencer marketing. She also held senior positions at Baidu, Google, and eBay, focusing on digital marketing solutions.

Speaking about her appointment, Zhang said, “I’m delighted to be part of the Publicis family! As a global leader in marketing communications, Publicis Groupe has been steadfast in its investment in scaling up and enhancing its capabilities and expertise in data, technology, media, and creativity to deliver outstanding value to its clients. It’s truly a privilege to have the chance to work with inspiring and passionate colleagues, as we continue to innovate and remain at the forefront in the field of media, creativity, and communications.”

Zhang will be based in Shanghai and report to Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific CEO Jane Lin-Baden.

“Our latest earnings report highlights 6.4% growth for China in 2024, outperforming the industry. It adds to our impressive 5-year track record of leading new business,” Lin-Baden said.

She added, “Mickey’s appointment is a strategic move to strengthen China’s senior leadership and embark on our next chapter of transformation. Her diverse experience across client, agency, and technology platforms sets her up to lead our Connected Media proposition, with access to our proprietary, cutting-edge products and solutions. Her expertise will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to our clients and strengthen our partnership with them.” 

China – Apple and Alibaba Group are reportedly forming a partnership that will integrate Alibaba’s artificial intelligence technology into iPhone services in China.

Alibaba Group chairman Joe Tsai announced the partnership during an interview with Jeffrey Katzenberg at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Bloomberg reported.

The report states that Alibaba’s technology will power the iPhone’s AI services in China.

“Apple has been very selective, they talked to a number of companies in China, and in the end they chose to do business with us; they want to use our AI to power their phones,” Tsai made the remark in the interview, as quoted by Bloomberg.

Tsai further explained that Apple has yet to roll out its full suite of AI features in China due to regulations that require the company to partner with a locally accredited firm.

In a separate report, Reuters highlighted that Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed shares surged as much as 9.2% to HK$124.3, their highest level since January 2022. The stock later pared its gains, closing up 2.6%.

According to Reuters, the landmark deal puts an end to months of speculation about Apple’s AI strategy in the region, as the iPhone maker had been in talks with Chinese tech giants such as Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent.

It remains unclear whether Apple’s partnership with Alibaba will follow a similar model to that of iPhones outside China, which use a combination of Apple’s proprietary AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

This partnership is seen as a significant win for Alibaba, which is currently competing with major domestic rivals in China’s highly competitive AI market. It is worth noting that Alibaba has recently intensified its efforts in the AI race with the release of its Qwen 2.5 models, which the company claims can rival the leading open-source AI models available.

China – In celebration of China’s Giant Panda Conservation Day, e-commerce giant Taobao has teamed up with ad agency Heaven&Hell Shanghai to debut an animated short film aimed at raising awareness and garnering support for wild panda habitat conservation.

Titled ‘TaoTao’s Story,’ the animated film uses traditional Chinese shadow puppetry to tell the legend of TaoTao, the world’s first wild-trained and successfully rewilded panda. Adopted by Taobao in 2012, TaoTao’s recent discovery in the wild, possibly as a ‘grandfather,’ marks a milestone in China’s wild panda conservation efforts and a significant moment for Taobao.

To introduce TaoTao’s hometown of Sichuan, Heaven&Hell Shanghai used the region’s iconic shadow puppetry to tell TaoTao’s story. The film highlights ten key moments, from TaoTao’s wild training by its mother, CaoCao, to its rewilding, adaptation to nature, and eventual legacy as a legend.

The creative agency also enlisted Zhuying Xiong, the storyteller behind the “Headless Monk” segment in the popular game Black Myth: Wukong, to narrate TaoTao’s story through song.

Through this campaign, Taobao aimed to leverage its brand recognition to raise awareness of TaoTao’s legendary story and highlight the need for support in constructing habitats for TaoTao and the 1,900 other wild giant pandas.

In addition to the animated film, Taobao launched 10 posters in high-traffic subway stations across Sichuan and Hangzhou to raise awareness of TaoTao and encourage support for wild panda habitat conservation. To further engage the public, Heaven&Hell created limited-edition TaoTao plush toys, allowing fans to connect with the campaign in a fun, wearable way.

China – Changan Auto, the Chinese automotive brand, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity crafted by global brand consultancy Landor, aimed at resonating with international audiences and driving growth in key markets.

Changan Auto partnered with Landor to create a brand story that reflects its ambition and innovation as a rising global automotive force. The refreshed identity blends the CHANGAN brand with a distinct yet harmonious presence, highlighting the company’s commitment to high-quality, advanced mobility and positioning it as a pioneer in innovative driving experiences.

The brand’s new creative concept, ‘Beyond the Horizon,’ features gradients inspired by nature, symbolising innovation and progress. The visual language in photography and film evokes a sense of exploration, portraying individuals as pioneers charting their own paths toward a richer, more fulfilling life.

Steven Gao, business director of Landor China, said, “Partnering with Changan Auto on their global journey has been a privilege. Our collaboration has resulted in a powerful brand strategy and visual identity that will position Changan for success in key international markets and contribute to the continued growth of the Chinese auto industry on the global stage.” 

Changan Auto has already expanded into key global markets, including Thailand, the Middle East, and South America, with plans for further growth in 2025.

Singapore – Integral Ad Science (IAS) has unveiled plans to expand into China, aiming to equip global advertisers with advanced solutions for invalid traffic (IVT), fraud detection, and brand safety and suitability measurement, tailored to meet both international and local standards.

IAS aims to enter the world’s second-largest advertising market to support advertisers tapping into China’s growing digital media potential. With digital ad spending in China expected to surpass $140 billion in 2024, IAS aims to deliver greater value and results for its clients.

Moreover, this expansion aligns with IAS’s long-term international growth strategy, addressing a critical need for advertisers seeking comprehensive measurement coverage across global markets. 

Through the establishment of a subsidiary in China and its role as a founding member of IAB China, IAS will also provide dedicated local support to Chinese advertisers aiming to expand their reach globally.

IAS has collaborated with global luxury clients, many with significant media investments in China, to develop this market initiative. The company emphasised that they are dedicated to working with industry partners to create solutions tailored to China’s unique advertising landscape.

“IAS is one of the only measurement solutions able to meet the unique demands of the Chinese market, and we’re aiming to fill a crucial gap in coverage for advertisers,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. 

“With an expanded footprint, we will empower advertisers with actionable data they need to maximise their return on investments and support their growth in this dynamic and evolving digital advertising landscape,” she added. 

Tracy Cui, vice secretary-general CAA at IAB China, also shared, “IAS and IAB China are pleased to be working together to provide international brands with better access to global standards in China and helping to bring new technologies to the market.”

Earlier this year, IAS announced expansions into key APAC markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside senior leadership appointments. Its APAC operations now span a wide network, covering Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Chicago, USA – Mondelēz International has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire a significant majority stake in Evirth, a manufacturer of cakes and pastries in China, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. 

The move represents an important step forward in Mondelēz’s strategy to accelerate growth in the cakes and pastries category – a core focus for the company, alongside chocolate and biscuits.

It is worth noting that Mondelēz already has a minority investment in Evirth to develop, manufacture and supply frozen-to-chilled cakes and pastries in China featuring some of its iconic brands, including Oreo and Philadelphia. Evirth is growing rapidly, driven by its strong distribution in club stores across China, as well as its R&D and technical expertise.

Founded in 2013, Evirth is a leading company in frozen-to-chilled cakes and pastries in China, a category currently estimated at US$3b, growing at a compound annual growth rate of about 15%. Chinese consumers increasingly seek fresh, premium options with innovative and sophisticated taste profiles to meet a growing range of snacking occasions.

Dirk Van de Put, Mondelēz Chair and CEO, said, “We’re excited about the opportunity to accelerate our growth in cakes and pastries through continuous innovation, leveraging our high-value brands to create more premium tastes and formats.”

Meanwhile, Linfeng Xu, chairman, founder and general manager at Evirth, commented, “We are excited that Mondelēz International is increasing its investment in Evirth, and this is a historic moment for us. By bringing in Mondelēz’s brand experience, technical strength, and international network, Evirth can be better positioned to provide premium products for our customers and consumers.”

Mondelēz has strengthened its portfolio of cakes, pastries and other baked snacks through its April 2020 acquisition of Give & Go, a manufacturer of frozen-to-fresh brownies, cookies, cupcakes and related bakery products in North America, and its January 2022 acquisition of Chipita Global SA, a manufacturer in croissants, baked rolls and related snacks, focused in Central and Eastern Europe, with increasing expansion to additional markets.

China – Dentsu China has unveiled a series of senior leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to providing client-centric, integrated solutions aimed at driving accelerated growth and transformation throughout the entire customer value chain.

Leading the new appointments is Guang Cui, who will take on the role of CEO for Dentsu Creative China while continuing his position as chief business officer for Dentsu China’s Japanese client business.

Cui brings over two decades of expertise in marketing strategy, brand consulting, and integrated marketing across Japan and China. In his new role, he will play a pivotal role in revitalising Dentsu’s Japanese client business in China while unlocking the full potential of the “One Dentsu” vision within Dentsu Creative.

Joining Cui is Cindy Lee, who has been appointed CEO of Dentsu Creative East China. Known for her strong commitment to innovation and client leadership, Lee has been instrumental in shaping Dentsu’s creative services and driving success over the years.

Lee has consistently led her teams in delivering impactful creative experiences for both brands and consumers. Previously, she headed Isobar China, and with her strong track record of driving growth and fostering collaboration, Cindy is set to further enhance Dentsu’s client value across East China.

Dentsu also appointed Tommy Li as CEO of Dentsu Media China. Bringing over 20 years of industry experience, Li is focused on transforming and elevating Dentsu’s media business, including its brands—Carat, iProspect, and Dentsu X—along with enhancing practice capabilities, solutions, ecosystem partnerships, and talent development. 

Under his leadership, Li will drive the media business to further solidify its pivotal role as a key growth engine for Dentsu’s clients.

Additionally, Jeffery Cao, vice president of Amplifi China, has been named leader of trading and investment for Dentsu China, bringing over 20 years of industry expertise. Laurien Lee, CEO of iProspect China, will also expand her leadership role to drive growth across the media business.

Derek Huang, practice president of CXM and CEO of Merkle China, will remain in his role to drive the modernisation of Dentsu’s capabilities in experience, data, AI, and technology. Chris Chen will continue as chief creative officer and practice president of creative, infusing transformational creativity across all client services. Together with Tommy Li, these core practice leaders will enhance and integrate Dentsu’s services to deliver innovative, AI-driven, and values-focused growth for clients.

Dentsu also brought back veteran Richard Frampton as chief strategy officer for Dentsu China. Joining the senior leadership team, Frampton will oversee the vision and strategy for Dentsu China’s client portfolio, developing integrated, end-to-end solutions to drive growth, profitability, and client satisfaction.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Frampton has crafted data-driven, creative strategies for major brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and L’Oréal. He is a known champion of marketing transformation and will leverage his expertise to guide Dentsu’s clients through the evolving marketplace and deliver impactful, tailored solutions for growth.

Meanwhile, Ami Qian will advance brand growth at Dentsu China in her new role as chief transformation and marketing officer. She will drive the transformation of the enterprise, oversee brand marketing, change management, and corporate communications, and strengthen the “One Dentsu” culture through key external partnerships.

Finally, Jianhao Chen, a seasoned expert in software innovation and digital transformation, has been named chief data and solutions officer for Greater North Asia while maintaining his role as chief technology officer at Merkle China.

In this expanded role, Jianhao will lead the solution centre team to collaborate with Dentsu’s practices, leveraging advanced technologies to transform client services through innovative tools and comprehensive data. His expertise will be key in modernising Dentsu’s approach and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Chun Yin Mak, CEO of dentsu China and practice president of CXM/Merkle APAC, commented, “We are thrilled to announce these exciting new leadership positions, appointments, and promotions that represent a new chapter in dentsu China’s journey towards greater success and innovation. Our leadership team is equipped with the right blend of expertise, passion, and vision to drive meaningful growth for our clients and push the boundaries of what is possible in this most exciting and advanced marketplace.”

Jennifer Tang, CEO of Greater North Asia and Taiwan, added, “This is an important milestone that underscores our commitment to nurturing and attracting top talent, which remains our most valued asset at dentsu. Our local and diverse leaders represent the next generation of dentsu China under Chun’s leadership. Their industry experience, passion, deep expertise, and strategic insight not only position us to deliver innovative, precedent-setting solutions but also give us the confidence to realise our growth ambitions in China as a core part of our Greater North Asia and Asia Pacific business.” 

China – Edelman China has named Xiaoyan Wang as its new health lead. In her new role, Wang will spearhead the development of the firm’s health sector vision, uniting teams across various disciplines to deliver specialised and strategic solutions for client challenges.

Wang brings nearly 25 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and marketing, encompassing consumer health, medical communications, branding, advertising, and digital innovation. Her extensive and diverse background makes her a valuable asset to Edelman China.

With a strong personal interest in public health, Wang believes that effective and empathetic communication is a key driver in improving health outcomes for all. She has collaborated with numerous leading life sciences companies, and in her previous agency roles, she successfully built high-performing teams from the ground up, achieving rapid revenue growth and establishing best-in-class healthcare solutions in China.

Speaking on her appointment, Wang said, “The healthcare industry is currently undergoing a period of great change, as we face challenges and opportunities such as pressure on drug prices, increased regulation, and accelerated innovation. In this period of transition, I’m delighted to join Edelman and provide health clients with strategic solutions that enhance health outcomes. I also look forward to contributing to Edelman’s continuous development of the health sector.”

Also commenting on the appointment, Will Collie, vice chair of health in Asia Pacific at Edelman, stated, “Xiaoyan has solid business management skills and market development capabilities, and her joining is undoubtedly a great addition to Edelman. Importantly, Xiaoyan’s track record of working with international health brands will be of significant importance to clients in China.” 

“Edelman’s internationally connected business and communications consulting teams will be a key differentiator in Edelman’s approach to serving clients in the health sector. Xiaoyan completes our efforts to have senior leaders in every major market across Asia and the Pacific. We believe she will continue to bring her professional strengths into full play in the future and strive to enhance Edelman’s integrated communication capabilities in the healthcare field, expanding business possibilities,” Collie added.