Wunderman Thompson Appoints KJ Lee as Managing Director of South Korea

Today Wunderman Thompson announces the appointment of KJ Lee to managing director, to lead the agency’s South Korea operations. Lee has spent the last 20 years in top tier advertising companies, including Leo Burnett, WPP Geometry, Havas and Serviceplan, in addition to working client-side at Philip Morris.

Lee will be responsible for building a Korea business that has creativity and technology at its core. Under his leadership, the agency will be focused on supporting the growth ambitions of existing clients through great work and greater collaboration with the APAC network, whilst seeking and securing new business by delivering innovative solutions to the many challenges brands in Korea face today. All while continuing to build an inspiring culture for the agency’s people. 

Ewen Sturgeon, International CEO at Wunderman Thompson added: “Working both sides of the client and agency, Lee brings a deep understanding of the challenges modern marketers face today and the impact that inspiring thinking and creative can have on sales. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

Most recently at Havas, Lee led the team to achieve double digit growth in a highly competitive market, with 85% revenue growth in just one year. Apart from winning the lead creative agency for premium brand BMW Korea during his time there, he also expanded client categories to healthcare, and mobile game and platform industries.

Lee added that he has plans to bring closer collaboration between Korea and the global agency network “The Wunderman Thompson network, including Korea, has the data and innovative strategic and execution tools to build inspiring consumer-centric, omnichannel communications – adding value and meaning to our clients and partners. 

“It is my ambition that Wunderman Thompson Korea be positively recognized, highly recommended, and deeply respected by brands, and potential candidates in South Korea.”

Throughout his career, Lee has won international and local accolades and most recently securing two Grand-Prix, four Gold and four Silver in New York Festival 2022 with Dot, a world first Braille Smartwatch for the 285 million visually impaired people globally. 

KJ Lee’s appointment is effective immediately.