Havas Media China Bets on Joanne Zhou To Win Asia’s AI-Powered Market
Joanne Zhou will lead Havas Media China’s growth while deploying the Converged AI framework, adapting tools like Vermeer and Persona Live for Tencent and Alibaba.
Havas Group China has promoted Joanne Zhou to Managing Director of Havas Media China, effective immediately, signaling an operational pivot toward AI-driven strategies across Greater China markets.
Zhou will lead the network's growth and strategic development while deploying Havas' Converged.AI framework to integrate data, technology, and content across client operations.
The framework includes tools like Vermeer for AI-powered video production and Persona Live for audience modeling, which Zhou will adapt for local platforms, including Tencent and Alibaba.
Karl Wu, Chairman and CEO of Havas Group Greater China, highlighted Zhou's track record in revenue growth and client retention. "Zhou is an outstanding leader," Wu said. "She has trailblazed many new territories and delivered proven results. I congratulate her on this next chapter and look forward to seeing her unlock even greater growth for Havas Media China."
Zhou joined Havas Media China in 2020 leading the social media function. She previously served as Managing Director of Havas Play China and Co-MD for the Greater Bay Area, consistently delivering revenue growth while improving talent standards and client satisfaction.
Leighton Cosseboom
Havas Doubles Down on AI Investment Amid Regional Competition
The appointment aligns with Havas Group's broader €400 million (~US$420 million) investment in AI and data technology through 2027. The company reported 2.3% organic growth in the first half of 2025, driven by AI-powered media solutions across its network.
Zhou faces intense competition in Asia's digital advertising market, where she must counter GroupM's Nexus and Publicis' CoreAI platforms. Regional challenges include adapting global AI tools to local platforms like Douyin and WeChat, which command 68% of China's social ad spend.
The Havas technology consultancy CSA has expanded to more than 20 markets including China, providing AI-powered analytics and machine learning services for clients such as Procter & Gamble and L'Oréal in the region.
Leighton Cosseboom
Strategic Focus on Localized AI Tools
Zhou's mandate includes localizing Havas' global AI infrastructure for China's unique digital ecosystem. The Converged.AI framework requires adaptation to comply with China's data regulations while delivering performance across platforms like Taobao and Tmall.
Havas has demonstrated results with its AI tools in other markets. The Vermeer video production tool reduced production costs by 35% for Unilever's Southeast Asia campaigns, with plans to deploy similar solutions in China. The Persona Live tool increased campaign ROI by 22% for Samsung India through real-time audience adjustments.
The promotion follows Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré's denial of merger speculation with WPP. In an internal note to staff, Bolloré reaffirmed Havas' acquisition strategy remains focused on targeted, small to mid-sized deals rather than large-scale consolidation.
Leighton Cosseboom
Zhou will orchestrate cross-discipline collaboration to accelerate new business wins and organic client expansion as Havas Media China competes for regional recognition in the Greater China Agency of the Year framework.
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