UMS appoints BBDO Digital China’s James Pearson as its first ECD to lead global creative output

Chinese digital marketing agency United Media Solution (UMS), has appointed James Pearson as its first executive creative director to lead the agency’s global creative output.

Pearson, who is a British national, joins with 24 years experience in the advertising industry having worked for agencies such as BBH, M&C Saatchi and Wunderman.

Most recently Pearson worked with BBDO in China where he was digital creative director for Interone before assuming the role of creative head of BBDO Digital.

Pearson will be based in UMS’ Ningbo office and will be responsible for building and managing UMS’ creative team to serve clients across the agencies five offices in Auckland, Melbourne, Ningbo, Shanghai and Sydney.

He will also work closely with UMS business development, planning and digital teams to ensure all are on-brief and aligned across different markets. He will report to UMS chief executive officer Jessica Miao.

Says Miao: “We are really excited to welcome James to the team as he brings a wealth of knowledge from the advertising industry both in China and the UK.

“As China’s digital channels become increasingly cluttered with brands trying to cut through and stand out, creativity is more important than ever and having someone with James’ experience of running creative teams and managing creative projects will be increasingly valuable both to the agency and to our clients.”

Says Pearson: “I’m delighted to take on the challenge of managing UMS’s creative product across all five of its offices; Shanghai, Ningbo, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. And excited to work with an agency with in-depth experience and knowledge in facilitating International brands into China.

“UMS recognise that growth stems from people, with staff being an agency’s key asset. There’s a genuine family spirit and real energy – you can feel it the moment you walk through the door. Plus, a can-do attitude that builds brands. Wherever I look in UMS, I see great opportunities and exciting times ahead.”

Pearson’s appointment comes as UMS continues to experience growth across its business with a new office launching in Sydney and the expansion of its Shanghai office, in addition to its established offices in Auckland, Melbourne and Ningbo.

The agency currently works with a host of international companies such as Air New Zealand, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Lion, Orbis Australasia, PowerShop, Pamu, Tourism New Zealand, and Vodafone.