kbs+ enters the china market with Shanghai agency lead by Douglas Lin + Jonathan Ip

Renowned international brand agency kbs+ (kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners) has opened a Shanghai office, marking its official entry into the China market.

The shop will be led by Douglas Lin (pictured left), partner & CEO, and Jonathan Ip (right), partner and Chief Creative Officer. Lin’s most recent role was Managing Director of TBWA’s Digital Arts Network China; prior to that, he led BBDO/Proximity China as Managing Director.

Ip most recently was the Digital Executive Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Greater China.

At the launch event held today, kbs+ introduced its Chinese brand name and logo “事话(Shihua)”.

“These two selected Chinese characters best illustrate our global belief – to “do things that matter”. For the design of our Chinese logo, we actually based this on a traditional Chinese stamp. Together this logo combines our global belief in a Chinese culture-specific interpretation,” said Ip.

During the event, Lin mentioned that Kbs+ has already begun work in China with TE Connectivity which coincides with international relationships across the US and Europe.

“We believe in the power of invention and the exponential ROI that results from creating true marketing firsts. Anchoring our business with TE Connectivity is an ideal opportunity to put this philosophy in action” said Lin.

Talking about the development plan of the new shop, Lin mentioned that they now have eight employees working with kbs+ China, who are outstanding experts in different categories including creative, technology, social, PR and finance.

“We will aim to have upwards of 20 by the end of 2015, adding that while the agency won’t necessarily turn down pitches, but the immediate will be on solidifying the culture and foundation and looking for opportunities within kbs+’s existing client roster.”

 “For 2015, our challenge is creating awareness of kbs+ and what makes us different, then connecting with like-minded clients and talent” said Lin. “However, we’ve been already discovered that there are a lot of opportunities because clients are demanding a different, less commoditized solutions in the market.”

Guy Hayward, global CEO, and Bill Grogan, global president of kbs+ were both present at the opening event. They are both confident about kbs+’s development in China and they believe the future will be absolutely fantastic.