Koman Ko: “I Thrive on Constant Change and New Experiences”
Promoted to managing partner at DDB Hong Kong last year, Koman Ko is part of the leadership team – alongside CEO, Andreas Krasser, and fellow managing partner, Maggie Cheung – in charge of new business growth, developing talent and further elevating the agency’s culture.
Having spent most of his career at the agency and having been part of the management team since 2019, Koman has a strong track record of success in helping drive the agency’s strategic and creative output.
Here, Koman opens up about his passion for advertising, what he’d like to tell young creatives and the most memorable moments of his career so far.
LBB> With over 12 years of experience in advertising, what aspects of the industry have kept you passionate and engaged throughout your career?
Koman> My mother used to call me a ‘three-minute passion’ person. I’m someone who thrives on constant change and new experiences. Advertising allows me to stay engaged by continually exploring how people think, following trends and gaining diverse knowledge across various industries. The dynamic environment not only keeps me motivated but also provides opportunities to learn from a wide range of talented individuals.
Additionally, I am drawn to how this industry visualises ideas and makes them tangible, influencing customer behaviour and attitudes toward brands and products. Although I initially had my heart set on becoming an art director, I ended up finding my niche in account management. I truly enjoy collaborating with creative clients and helping bring their visions to life, while this role also enables me to nurture my passion for artistry, whether it be through beautiful artwork, well-crafted writing, or the creation of compelling brands and products.
LBB> You've worked with a diverse range of clients across different industries. Can you share a particularly memorable campaign or project that you've been involved in, and what made it stand out to you?
Koman> One of the most memorable campaigns from my early career was with McDonald's, titled, ‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life’. At the time, the macroeconomic environment was challenging and this campaign marked a significant step for the brand in bringing joyful moments to the city. It highlighted how advertising can not only build client businesses but also create real value for the audience. More recently, our work with Octopus and Hang Seng has achieved similar social benefits, offering fun experiences to the wider community.
Another key assignment for me was revamping the Discover Hong Kong website. As a proud Hong Kong native, being part of a project that promoted our city was quite emotional and further fueled my passion for creating meaningful connections through advertising.
LBB> Transitioning from brand building with McDonald's to leading digital business at Tribal DDB Worldwide must have been an interesting journey. How did these experiences shape your approach to integrated marketing and client solutions?
Koman> Being open to any possibility. This career transition pushed me to absorb diverse knowledge and trends, allowing me to effectively address client challenges. In the current environment, it's essential to remain agile and adaptable, enabling us to respond to various limitations, such as resource constraints, while still delivering impactful integrated marketing solutions. I feel that this is an invaluable service to clients right now, and it’s extremely rewarding to deliver on projects where there are seemingly many obstacles to overcome.
LBB> As a managing partner at DDB Group Hong Kong, what are some of the key challenges you face in driving new business and strengthening the agency's social content experience team?
Koman> Finding the ‘right’ balance is crucial in my role. It involves aligning business targets with effective resource management, all while fostering a positive company culture. A key challenge is leveraging new approaches to drive business streams that strengthen DDB's competitive edge. This requires us to effectively integrate these new streams into our overall strategy. Beyond the content experience team, we are exploring opportunities in gaming, events and diverse collaborations with partners to enhance our offerings and adapt to the evolving market landscape.
LBB> How do you find balance between your creative pursuits outside of work and your responsibilities as a managing partner within the agency?
Koman> Finding balance between my creative pursuits and my responsibilities can be challenging as the demands of business often feel urgent or more important, and therefore take precedence. However, I believe that engaging in creative activities outside of work is essential for my overall well-being and inspiration.
In my leisure time, I actively seek out new experiences. I regularly attend stage performances, which not only entertain me but also inspire new ideas. Recently, I’ve taken up learning the drums – which has been both a fun challenge and a great creative outlet. Additionally, I’ve started learning football, which has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and the creative use of strategy on the field. Mostly though, these activities help me recharge and ensure I bring a fresh perspective to my work.
LBB> As a parent to a three-year-old girl, how has fatherhood influenced your approach to communication and leadership within your team?
Koman> Actually, it’s more the opposite. Being a leader of a young team where I appreciate the good that comes from listening to them, respecting their feelings and assisting them in achieving their goals, inspires my interactions with my baby girl. The younger members of the team are all so talented, just like my little girl! :D
LBB> What advice would you give to young professionals looking to succeed in the advertising industry, especially those who are passionate about creativity and finding effective business solutions for clients?
Koman> Stay true to yourself and be brave in expressing your ideas. As many brands focus on rejuvenating their image and connecting with younger audiences, remember that you are a key target. Your perspective is valuable and can significantly influence how brands engage with your generation.
LBB> With your experience in nurturing talent and driving business growth, what do you believe are the most important qualities for leaders in the advertising industry to possess?
Koman> Be open minded. Be respectful. Be resourceful.
LBB> Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as a managing partner, both personally and professionally, within the dynamic landscape of advertising and marketing?
Koman> DDB Hong Kong’s mission is: ‘Hong Kong grit, worldwide hit’. As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, I take immense pride in the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong brands and creativity on the international stage.
