PHD China expands its management team with new hires
PHD China has expanded its management team with the appointment of Susan Suo as general manager for global business and Jim Lerch as managing partner for Volkswagen.
Suo was previously with Zenith Media and has also worked for OMD, GroupM, and Samsung. Lerch was most recently general manager of China for adtech firm Mirriad.
“Following a wave of new business wins for the agency, PHD China has further expanded its senior management team, announcing two key hires for its Beijing office: Susan Suo joins as General Manager for global business and Jim Lerch as Managing Partner for Volkswagen,” the company says.
Suo will be charged with leading up a new global media management team based in Beijing for outbound international clients. Suo brings over 18 years of experience in strategic media communications, having previously held senior positions at Zenith Media, OMD, GroupM, and Samsung Electronics. Her experience stretches across various industries including FMCG, IT, telco and Pharmaceuticals with previous clients including Nestle, Xi’an Johnson, Nokia, Siemens, LG, and Intel.
Meanwhile, Lerch will be leading the VW China brand team, a VW Group initiative in Beijing, collaborating with partner agencies and working on integrated solutions. Lerch brings over 15 years of experience in multinational ad agencies, Chinese corporations, start-ups, emerging tech, government, and international organizations. Prior to PHD, Lerch served as General Manager – China for London-based ad-tech company Mirriad, where he successfully launched new integrated content solutions. He also possesses experience working on auto brands in China, including Ford, Skoda, and auto-financing app Tangeche.
PHD China CEO, Anna Chitty, said: “This is an exciting time of growth for PHD China. Both Susan and Jim, who very much match PHD’s culture, bring unique perspectives to our fast-growing Beijing business and I’m excited to see what we will achieve together.”
Suo and Lerch will report into Chitty, with both appointments taking effect immediately.