Arun Sudhaman 15 Jun 2021 // 6:57AM GMT
SHANGHAI — Weber Shandwick has named new China leadership to replace Lydia Lee, who moves into a newly-created regional role that aims to develop the firm's sustainability offering.
Lee, who was named president of Weber Shandwick China in late 2018, joins the firm's global sustainability task force, and will work closely with Asia-Pacific chief client and growth officer Vanessa Ho Nikolovski.
A Weber Shandwick spokesperson confirmed that the firm has not named a direct replacement for Lee. Instead, China chief growth officer and EVP Corbin Hsieh has been promoted to general manager, and will manage the firm's operations with South China head Rocky Wang. David Liu remains in place as chairman of Weber Shandwick China.
A source familiar with the situation noted that Weber Shandwick was likely to pursue a China president appointment in the near future. Prior to Lee, the role was held by Darren Burns, who now leads Golin Asia-Pacific.
The leadership change in Weber Shandwick's biggest Asia-Pacific market comes after Tyler Kim took over as regional CEO of the firm earlier this year.
Hsieh has been with Weber Shandwick for more than a decade across two separate stints. He also served as regional director at Ketchum and held senior roles at Edelman China.
Lee joined Weber Shandwick in 2009 in Beijing, before relocating to Shanghai in 2013 as Asia-Pacific technology chair. In addition to her technology leadership, Lee also served as the firm's chief strategist in China.