To bolster its presence in the Asia Pacific, McDonald’s has announced the promotion of Brenda Kou, previously the vice president of integrated marketing group for Taiwan, to the role of Regional CMO for its Asia business unit. This change took effect from 1 October 2023.
Key Highlights
- Brenda Kou promoted to Regional CMO of McDonald’s Asia business unit.
- Kou to strategize marketing for 12 Asian markets, collaborating with local MDs and CMOs.
- Eugene Lee highlights Kou’s diverse industry experience as a strength for the role.
A Decade of Dedication
Kou’s journey with McDonald’s spans over a decade, during which she has held pivotal roles such as the senior director and head of marketing for Taiwan and vice president of integrated marketing group for Taiwan. Before her tenure at McDonald’s, Kou served as the eCommerce central marketing director for Yahoo! Taiwan, where she honed her skills in customer development and business synergy.
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In her new capacity, Kou will be responsible for crafting strategic marketing plans for 12 key Asian markets. These include Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. She will work in tandem with local Managing Directors and CMOs, ensuring alignment with their long-term strategies.
Collaborative Vision for the Future
Expressing her enthusiasm for the role on LinkedIn, Kou mentioned, “I am eager to glean insights and best practices from various markets. I anticipate fruitful collaborations with marketing and leadership teams as we strive to serve our customers better, elevate our brand, and fortify our business.”
Eugene Lee, the international CMO of McDonald’s, lauded Kou’s appointment, emphasizing her diverse experience in sectors like retail and FMCG. He believes that Kou’s unique perspective will be instrumental in elevating the brand’s presence in the region.
Eugene Lee’s Elevated Role
Earlier in May, Lee was promoted to international CMO for the international developmental licensed (IDL) segment. In this role, he will be overseeing international regions outside the US, including Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Lee’s contributions to McDonald’s have been significant, most notably his instrumental role in launching the BTS meal in Asia, a campaign initially intended solely for the US market.