Michael Lee promoted, wears three hats at Saatchi & Saatchi Greater China

Michael Lee (pictured) has been promoted to chief operating officer and president of Saatchi & Saatchi Greater China after less than a year in office.

Lee joined the agency in May 2011 as the managing director for its Shanghai operations and led the team there to win a range of new clients such as Ajisen, DS Citroen and Robam during his tenure there.

In his elevated role he will be responsible for the balance sheets of Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, in addition to his current duties leading Shanghai. Senior positions at director levels and above will be hired to bolster talent in those offices.

Lee will continue to report to Justin Billingsley, regional CEO and chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi Greater China. "By the end of 2012 we expect that Shanghai will be Saatchi & Saatchi’s largest office in Asia Pacific – consistent with the rise of Shanghai as a creative capital, " Billingsley said.

International clients will be the backbone of the agency's business while local clients will fuel  growth aspirations in China, Lee added.

This appointment is effective immediately and Lee will continue to be based in Shanghai, overseeing major clients such as Lenovo, Mead Johnson and Kraft.

Before Saatchi & Saatchi, he spent 10 years with Ogilvy in various posts as managing director, chief operating officer and president of strategic development.