Sandy Wu steps up as Leo China CEO

Publicis Groupe has appointed Sandy Wu (pictured) as chief operating officer for its intelligent creative business in China and CEO of Leo China.

Wu, who previously served as chief client officer of Publicis Communications Shanghai, will continue to report to Andy Ho, chief growth officer of Publicis Groupe China.

In her new role, Wu will take full responsibility for coordinating the intelligent creative business across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, covering both creative and production teams.

As CEO of Leo China, her core task will be to deeply integrate AI tools with creative output, improving cross-regional efficiency and responsiveness, and ensuring the Groupe maintains its leading position in intelligent creativity.

With 20 years of advertising industry experience, Wu brings a blend of global and local operational perspectives, specialising in strategic planning, integrated marketing, and team leadership.

She joined Saatchi & Saatchi Shanghai in 2016, was promoted to managing director in 2021, and became chief client officer of Publicis Communications Shanghai in 2024. This appointment recognises her proven ability to integrate complex creative operations and drive measurable business growth, according to the company.

Andy Ho, chief growth officer of Publicis Groupe China, said: "In the AI era, creative work must be brand first and action next. Sandy's strength lies in making that connection real – turning strategic creativity into operational delivery. Her promotion strengthens our 'Power of One' strategy and ensures that the fusion of "HI (human intelligence) ×AI" serves one clear purpose: building sustainable momentum for our clients' brands."

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The appointment represents part of the group's push behind its "HI×AI" strategy. Amid the arrival of the AI era, the core of the strategy is not to replace creativity with technology, but to explore the optimal collaborative relationship between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.

In the first quarter, the Group completed the acquisition of 160over90, a globally leading sports and cultural agency, and further expanded partnerships with global innovators such as Microsoft, steadily strengthening its footprint in high-value tracks and core capabilities.

Mark your calendars for 24 June! #Content360 Hong Kong returns with a dynamic, one-day event dedicated to pivotal trends—from the silver economies to breakthrough IP collaborations, sports, and beyond. Let's dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence!

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