McCann Worldgroup China appoints Ellen Hou as Chief Strategic Architect & Culture Officer

McCann Worldgroup China has appointed Ellen Hou as Chief Strategic Architect & Culture Officer, Greater China.

As part of the first generation of local planners in China, Hou has 14 years of experience in strategy planning, across a wide portfolio of accounts including McDonald’s, Pfizer, Visa, Shanghai Volkswagen, Pernod Ricard China and TsingTao.

Before joining McCann, Hou was previously with TBWA/Greater China as Head of Planning, driving planning innovation and cultural understanding throughout the agency through key cultural studies, such as youth, women, luxury, Chinese values and made in China. Her leadership and strategic insight won a China EFFIE award for McDonald’s.

Commencing in September and based in Shanghai Hou will work closely with Jesse Lin, CEO McCann Worldgroup Greater China to sharpen our approach to strategic planning across all Worldgroup disciplines. She will also be responsible for elevating McCann Truth Central China, the agency’s thought leadership unit, developing incisive studies and uncovering unique truths to help shape and grow our clients’ businesses.

“We are truly excited to have Ellen joining us at this important time for McCann.” said Jesse Lin, CEO, McCann Worldgroup, Greater China, “Ellen is a unique strategic leader with a proven track record. Her visionary thinking and passion for people will build a new planning culture for McCann Worldgroup China. She will be an important driving engine as we continue our transformation.” 

Richard McCabe, Regional Planning Director, McCann Worldgroup, Asia Pacific, said, “China is an increasingly important market for many of our regional and global clients. Ellen’s experience, ideas and deep understanding of how brands and consumers engage today will be invaluable in creating the best value proposition for our clients.”