GroupM Hong Kong Announces Leadership Change

Caroline Chan To Be New CEO; Melanie Lo Stepping Down From The Role After 8 Years Leading The Office

Hongkong, Shanghai, September 14^th, 2020 – GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced that Melanie Lo has decided to step down from GroupM Hong Kong after 8 years as CEO to pursue personal interests. She will be succeeded by Caroline Chan, who will take over the GroupM Hong Kong CEO role effective January 1^st, 2021. Until the date of her departure on December 31^st, 2020, Melanie will remain in close contact with Caroline, supporting the Hong Kong office to ensure business operation continuity and high-quality services for clients during the transition period.

As a veteran of WPP, Melanie began at JWT Hong Kong as a senior media planner in 1991 then moved to Mindshare in 1997 as deputy general manager, helping to establish and grow Mindshare Hong Kong. With a proven track record, she was appointed as CEO of GroupM Hong Kong in August 2012. Melanie is well-liked for her disciplined work ethic, personal sensitivity and passion for her work.

Caroline Chan was most recently the leader of Mindshare Hong Kong office from 2017 to the end of 2019 before taking a study career break at the beginning of this year. Prior to Mindshare she held two important roles in the GroupM network in Hong Kong successfully leading, transforming and growing Maxus Hong Kong from 2011 for four years and then took up a regional leadership role in GroupM’s sports and entertainment division driving major brand content integrations across multiple markets in the Asia Pacific region.

“I’d like to thank Melanie for her commitment, passion and all the contribution she has done from the first day in the group.” said Patrick Xu, CEO of GroupM China Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan and WPP China, “We appreciate the foundation she has built for the next generation of leaders at GroupM Hong Kong and wish her the very best in her next chapter. I am delighted that she will support Caroline during the transition.”

“We are excited to have Caroline back. She has the right combination of leadership, media and technology skills to drive the media company’s growth, something she has demonstrated extraordinarily well at Mindshare.” said Patrick, “The Hong Kong office is a crucial regional hub for us now and in the future. I look forward to her continuing to transform the office to be a greater business partner to clients across the region, and an inspiring place for our people in the new era.”

Melanie Lo said, “I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with so many outstanding and kind GroupM people around the world. My decision to step down has been the most difficult one I have taken during my career at the group, but I decided the time has come to reflect on my personal priorities and explore other experience. With a great leader like Caroline, I believe the office is in very safe hands.”

Commenting on the appointment Caroline Chan said, “I’d like to take the opportunity to personally thank Melanie for her leadership and friendship. I am honored to have been asked to take over the role. The media landscape is fast changing. Working with our passionate people and incredible clients, our focus will be to inspire more outstanding works using data and technology, as well as enhance synergy with China mainland and the global teams to explore huge opportunities that lie ahead, all united in vision to be responsible for the next era of media where advertising works better for people.”