J. Walter Thompson names Jeffrey Yu MD of Beijing office
J. Walter Thompson has appointed Jeffrey Yu as Managing Director of Beijing office. He brings a strategic mix of client-side and agency experience, spanning brand consulting, marketing strategy, public relations and digital PR to the role. Mr Yu succeeds Tammy Sheu, who is moving to a new position with a Chinese technology company.
“Jeffrey is a that rare leader who will help us reinvent our creative product for a ‘bottom up’ digital age without abandoning the timeless and fundamental power of brand ideas and creative breakthrough. What’s more, his empathy, respect for Chinese culture and natural ebullience will energise our operations and client relationships,” said Tom Doctoroff, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Pacific at J. Walter Thompson.
Mr Yu spent four years as MD of Pegasus Communications China, a Daniel J Edelman Company, where he oversaw offices in Shanghai and Beijing, and served as an integrated marketing brand consultant providing digital, experiential and PR campaigns for domestic and multinational clients. He also served as Vice President of Marketing Strategy for Galaxy Entertainment Group in Macau, and Senior Vice President in charge of brand and corporate Communications for food and beverage manufacturer Tingyi Holdings. Yu has also worked at Ogilvy Public Relations in Taiwan, and spent six years as Managing Director of Pilot Public Relations in Taipei, where he focused on brand and product PR strategy planning. Yu, who is Taiwanese, began his career as a TV anchor in Taipei.
“I’m excited, and honored, to take on this new role with J. Walter Thompson Beijing. It’s a dynamic agency with an equally dynamic group of clients in one of the world’s most exciting markets. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting started,” said Mr Yu.
Mr Yu, who will report to Mr Doctoroff, will work closely with Sheu during a one-month handover period to ensure a seamless transition.
Ms Sheu transformed J. Walter Thompson Beijing, injecting the agency with fresh energy, purpose and passion. She tripled the agency’s digital headcount and introduced a new operating framework designed to break down silos and drive collaboration between digital and ‘traditional’ talent. She also personally designed a staff development and culture-building program that helped bring turnover well below the industry average. Under her watch, J. Walter Thompson Beijing became one of China’s most awarded creative agencies.
“Tammy has performed heroically during a period in which the demands of our clients have evolved and communications opportunities of multiplied. Through it all, JWT Beijing’s momentum has accelerated and the unity of our culture has deepened. We hope that Tammy, after she experiences the excitement of her new corporate opportunity, will one day come home the J. Walter Thompson Company,” said Mr Doctoroff.
