Dentsu Aegis Network has appointed Michael Zhang as CEO of Merkle &c – Media Services, effective on May 2.
 
Merkle &c is the new brand built on the strategic alignment of Dentsu Aegis Network China’s two brands earlier this year. Michael will focus on leading and optimizing the brand strength in media to offer high quality service that will bring more value to clients. Based in Beijing, Michael will report to Zhengda “Z” Shen, President of Merkle Asia Pacific, and Akimasa Baba, CEO of Dentsu China Group and Beijing Dentsu Advertising.
 
A media veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the communications industry, Michael started his career in Ogilvy Beijing and then joined the GroupM network, holding senior positions in Mindshare, Maxus, and MediaCom. Prior to joining Merkle &c, Michael was CEO of Neo@Ogilvy, where he was instrumental in creating a new growth momentum by leveraging the global success of performance marketing locally, which had been the key to the rejuvenation of the company.
 
Commenting on the new appointment, Susana Tsui, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network China, said: “We formed the new brand Merkle &c earlier this year to strengthen our service offering supported by a full range of digital and data capabilities. We believe Michael’s rich experience and strong leadership will help transform the new brand’s business in this disruptive digital environment.”
 
Zhengda “Z” Shen, President of Merkle Asia Pacific, and Akimasa Baba, CEO of Dentsu China Group and Beijing Dentsu Advertising, said: “With Michael joining the team, we are well positioned to continue our growth journey in the market. We are excited about the industry knowledge, media expertise and digital experience Michael brings to our business. His passion and vision will continue to drive our future success.”
 
“I look forward to working with the team together to develop innovative products, solutions and services that will transform the industry, driving better value for our clients in the market,” added Michael.