BEIJING — Advertising veteran Pully Chau, who joined Edelman two years ago, has left the agency, PRovoke Media has learned. 

Edelman hired Chau in 2021to a newly-created role as Greater China president, overseeing the firm's operations in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. But her tenure coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic that significantly impacted agency revenues in China.

In a statement, an Edelman spokesperson confirmed Chau's departure. "We’d like to thank her for her contributions to the firm and our clients. We wish her well in her next endeavour."

Speaking to PRovoke Media in Cannes this morning, Edelman CEO Richard Edelman said the firm was unlikely to replace the role. Nelson Ren is MD of Edelman Shanghai, while Delicia Tan oversees Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

“After 38 years of integrated marketing and creative transformation tasks, I need to take a break to reflect and reset my next challenge, and to carry on my destiny as a game changer,” said Chau, who joined Edelman from Cheil Worldwide in China, where she spent almost six years.

Chau's career also includes leadership roles at advertising agencies Draftfcb and Saatchi & Saatchi, during which she spent 17 years working on P&G business.

Chau is the second senior figure to depart Edelman in recent weeks, after regional vice chair Michelle Hutton announced she is stepping down after 13 years with the firm.