Ogilvy has named Julia Hou as the Group Executive Creative Director for Beijing and South China. Collaborating with Wei Fei and Thomas Zhu, both Group Executive Creative Directors at Ogilvy Shanghai, she will spearhead the creative output for Ogilvy China. Hou arrives from vivo, where she led global creative and brand content development for the past four years. Previously, she served as Executive Creative Director at Publicis Advertising Shanghai, overseeing projects for esteemed clients like Heineken, OPPO, Johnny Walker, and Pepsi.
Before her tenure at vivo and Publicis, Hou spent three years at Ogilvy Beijing from 2016 to 2018. Her professional journey also includes roles in the United States at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, the dedicated global agency for Apple, and Nike. At Nike, she actively contributed to notable projects, including the renowned London 2012 Olympics campaign.
Elated upon the appointment, Hou said, “As a former Ogilvier, I have a deep understanding of the agency’s exceptional capabilities and unwavering commitment to creative excellence. It is with great pride that I return to Ogilvy, a place where I have had the privilege of building genuine friendships. I look forward to working together with the talented teams in Beijing and South China, leveraging the valuable experience and insights gained over the past four years working on the client side to solve complex challenges for businesses through innovative works, and foster partnerships that lead to shared growth.”
Chris Reitermann, Chief Executive Officer for Ogilvy in APAC and Greater China, added, “For 2024 we have one simple mission: to elevate the work we do for our clients and push the envelope of creativity. I’m thrilled to have Julia join us to help us on this mission.
Julia is a very rare talent, having international experience in some of the best agencies in the world, in addition to her in-house experience in Nike and vivo. We can’t wait to have her on board and introduce her to our clients and people.”
Reed Collins, Chief Creative Officer for Ogilvy in APAC, said: “Very excited to welcome Julia back as I’ve been a big fan of hers for a long time. Having worked on both sides of the aisle now, she brings a unique blend of experience and fresh perspective that will undoubtedly invigorate our creative output across China.
Julia is an ambitious leader with a track record of fostering a collaborative environment where ideas thrive, and I am excited to see the impact she will have on our clients’ brands. Together with Thomas and Wei, we are doubling down on our Borderless Creativity promise across China and beyond.”
