Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific has appointed Mickey Zhang as the president of Publicis Media in China, reinforcing its senior leadership team amid strong growth in the market.
In this newly established role, Zhang will drive the development of Publicis Groupe China’s media capabilities while strengthening client relationships in this key market. She will also spearhead the expansion of the Groupe’s Connected Media proposition, integrating strategy, planning, commerce, omni-performance, influence, and CRM with a strong emphasis on identity-driven solutions.
Additionally, Zhang will focus on enhancing partnerships and broadening the Groupe’s presence in China. Her role will leverage AI-powered solutions and data-driven insights to support a client-centric approach.
With this appointment, Publicis Groupe is bringing its media agencies—Zenith, Starcom, Spark Foundry—and its middle platform under Zhang’s leadership in China.
Bringing over two decades of experience in branding, media, strategic planning, sales, and marketing, Zhang most recently served at Shanghai Jahwa for three years. There, she held key positions including chief marketing officer, general manager of the beauty and baby products division, and chief digital officer, leading initiatives that strengthened branding, marketing, sales, and e-commerce operations.
Before her tenure at Shanghai Jahwa, Zhang spent nine years at GroupM China in senior leadership roles, including chief product and service officer, where she built services in e-commerce, social, audience insights, activations, and influencer marketing. She has also held senior positions at Baidu, Google, and eBay, specializing in 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.”
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