Dentsu announced the appointment of Chun Yin Mak as CEO, dentsu China. Deric Wong stepped down from the role on 23 August for personal reasons.
Chun has 25 years’ experience predominantly based in Greater China, with a seven-year stint in North America at the start of his career at Accenture. He spent the last 17 years in IBM, ten of those in senior leadership roles in Greater China and Asia Pacific. He has a reputation for building solutions to address opportunities that evolving market conditions provide. Notably, he led his team to form and launch IBM iX (IBM’s Interactive Experience practice) in Greater China in 2015. There have also been multiple other innovation businesses such as high-tech intelligent manufacturing, banking and payments transformation, automotive connected vehicles, consumer sales and marketing data-driven transformation. These businesses have gone from ideation to fully operational, revenue-driving units.
“Chun joins at a time of great opportunity. His knowledge of China’s business environments, understanding of the complex and fast-paced industry ecosystems, coupled with his experience servicing a number of the region’s leading local brands and multinationals will provide new paths and opportunities for growth,” said dentsu APAC CEO, Rob Gilby. “His progressive, results-orientated leadership style, outstanding commercial record and ability to navigate complex market conditions will support our teams to deliver results for our clients in this critical marketplace. I’m excited to see the partnership between Chun and Simone Tam, CEO, Hong Kong, dentsu who together will drive significant synergies across talent and capability cross-fertilisation, enhanced multinational client servicing and collaboration across the Greater Bay Area.” He added.
Chun Yin Mak, dentsu China CEO, said, “It’s an exciting time to join dentsu in one of the most important markets in the world. I have been impressed with the strategy and vision for the company and the core differentiating competencies being invested in to enable imaginative new value creation for our clients. Couple this with the exponential potential of the market and strong partnerships the business has, I strongly believe we have the opportunity to deliver next-level impact and outcomes for brands and clients.”
Deric Wong led dentsu China through some of its most challenging times, ensuring care and support for teams during the pandemic while supporting clients with crucial business decisions. He fostered important client relationships and championed the delivery of innovative solutions including China’s differentiated proposition as well as dentsu next, an innovation platform delivering modern experiences through new interfaces and realities while his teams have been recognised on the global stage winning at Cannes Lions and AOTY. He’s had a relentless focus on reputation and making dentsu China an employer of choice for top talent.
Rob Gilby commented, “I would like to thank Deric for his contribution to our business. He’s operated in a complex macroeconomic environment, stabilising and strengthening dentsu’s culture and capabilities with focus on client-centricity, organisational design and operational excellence. As a leader, he has overcome many challenges, leading with integrity and with an infectious energy that has engaged teams around the business. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Deric Wong said, “It’s been a privilege to lead dentsu through this period of challenge and growth as one of the best-connected solution eco-systems in the market. I truly believe that we have created a strong bedrock for the business to thrive and I’m proud of what we have delivered together. I wish the team well and look forward to hearing of their future success.”
