A long term successor will be announced shortly.  Sean O Brien, CEO for Carat APAC will be responsible for the China operation in the interim period.

Under Hou’s leadership the agency is listed by RECMA as ‘dominant’ in China, winning new clients including The Coca-Cola Company, airbnb, MengNiu, Bayer and IKEA.

Phil Teeman said: “Ellen has successfully continued the momentum of Carat China business with strategic leadership, growing new capabilities and building a strong leadership team.  I would like to thank Ellen for her valuable contributions and I wish her all the best for the future.”

Ellen Hou said:  I have loved working with this incredibly talented team of people.  Carat is the most dynamic and agile media agency network, with the best and most diverse talent in the industry.  Throughout the past 18 months we’ve disrupted the status quo with a ‘reset’ mindset and delivered great results for clients, connecting media, content and commerce.  I am confident they will continue to grow and succeed under new leadership and wish them well.  I’m excited to explore different challenges outside the industry in Shanghai.”