Omnicom finalises Hong Kong leadership restructure after IPG acquisition

Omnicom has completed the Hong Kong phase of its restructuring following the acquisition of IPG, confirming a new leadership structure and the consolidation of its creative agencies in the market.

As part of the changes, BBDO will be relaunched in Hong Kong, with Andreas Krasser, formerly chief executive of DDB Hong Kong, appointed chief executive of Omnicom Advertising Hong Kong. He will oversee the group’s creative agencies in the city, including BBDO Hong Kong and TBWA Hong Kong.

The local moves follow Omnicom’s global decision, announced in December, to streamline its creative portfolio into three networks: BBDO, TBWA and McCann. As a result, DDB, FCB and MullenLowe will cease to operate as standalone brands. FCB will be absorbed into BBDO, while DDB and MullenLowe will be folded into TBWA. Details about the leadership at the regional level can be found here. 

In Hong Kong, the relaunch of BBDO will establish it as Omnicom’s second creative agency brand in the market, alongside TBWA.

On the creative side, John Koay, previously regional executive creative director at Edelman, has been appointed chief creative officer of Omnicom Advertising Hong Kong, a newly created role. He will provide creative oversight across the group’s major clients in the market, including McDonald’s. DDB Hong Kong’s former chief creative officer Frankie Fung is no longer with the business.

Agency leadership appointments have also been confirmed. Maggie Cheung, formerly managing partner at DDB, has been named managing director of BBDO Hong Kong. She will be supported by Koman Ko as managing partner and head of client services, while Adrian Tso, previously at DDB Hong Kong, has been appointed chief strategy officer. Ida Mak and Terence Ling will helm TBWA in HK as general manager and CSO, respectively. 

Sean Donovan, president of Omnicom Advertising Asia, said, “This strategic restructure in Hong Kong represents an important step forward for the local creative industry. By strengthening our leadership and aligning our resources more closely with the unique dynamics of this key market, we are better positioned to deliver greater value and foster deeper collaboration. The leadership team’s strategic credibility, deep local insight, and proven track record of driving growth make them the ideal collective to champion new opportunities for our clients.”