DDB China China boosts planning firepower with the hires of Cynthia Zhu and Diana Ying
DDB China Group appoints two new senior planning appointments; Cynthia Zhu (left) as Executive Planning Director, and Diana Ying (right) as Planning Director. The duo are among the best international and China savvy strategic planning talent, offering an advanced through-the-line skill set in marketing communications.
Cynthia reports directly to Richard Tan, CEO & President of DDB Group North China and she will lead the planning practice at DDB Guoan Beijing with Volkswagen Business in Beijing as her key planning remit. Diana reports to Jenny Liu, Group Planning Director of DDB Group Shanghai and will work mainly on local and new businesses.
“Planning calls for the smartest thinkers in the industry. As native Shanghainese, with a deep understanding of the Chinese consumers, as well as their respective international perspectives and exposure, we are delighted that Cynthia and Diana are joining us. By co-creating with clients to find different ways to approach and solve business problems, I believe the planning function will be significantly elevated at DDB North China. Cynthia and Diana will lead our people in creatively expressing strategic thinking that will change consumer behaviours and drive business results.” said Richard.
Cynthia Zhu
Zhu holds a Master’s degree of Business Administrations from University of Illinois, in the US. She has 16 years of experience in Marketing Communications. Her planning skills set has helped a myriad of blue chip clients including General Motors, VW, GSK, Pfizer, L’Oreal, Coca Cola, P&G Femcare and HSBC. Cynthia’s has also worked with major agency networks, including TBWA, McCann Worldgroup, JWT and Leo Burnett – both in its Chicago headquarters and in Shanghai. She is a proud recipient of three Effies for campaigns that delivered outstanding business solutions and results for clients.
Diana Ying
A native Shanghainese, Ying has more than 15 years of experience in advertising with strong analytical and writing skills, complemented with excellent sensitivity and deep understanding of Chinese consumers. She started as a Research Manager/ Strategic Planner and was subsequently promoted to Consumer Studies Director and Strategic Planning Director at Bates Shanghai. She also previously worked for DraftFCB, McCann Healthcare and Grey Group, planning for SC Johnson, Vitasoy, East Dawning (a YUM! brand), Pfizer, Novartis, GSK Consumer Health (oral care & wellness categories) and Shanghai General Motors (Buick) at Bates, while actively taking part in new business pitches.