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Up the ranks: McCann's Jean-Michel Wu to take up CEO role at Grace Blue

Presently the chief talent officer at McCann Worldgroup, Jean-Michel Wu is slated to lead regional expansion for executive search firm Grace Blue Partnership, effective 1 December 2016.

Prior to his tenure with McCann, he spent over a decade with WPP in a number of senior talent related roles, most recently as APAC regional talent director for executive recruitment and talent management.

In a statement shared with Human Resources, McCann said: “We confirm that Jean-Michel Wu will be leaving McCann Worldgroup later this month. We understand that his passion is recruitment, so wish him well with his new role."

At Grace Blue Partnership, Wu is taking on the role of Asia Pacific CEO, with the mandate to spearhead growth, and aiming to open offices in Shanghai soon, alongside the existing hubs in New York, Singapore and Mumbai.

He will be based in the regional head office in Singapore alongside regional chairman Michael Maedel, and partners Helen Duffy and Hilda Ng. He also joins the global board of Grace Blue, which specialises in creative, media, communications, and the marketing sector.

He will also launch Liberty Blue, the business line responsible for developing future leaders as well as continue to expand the work the partnership is doing in M&A and consultancy services.

Juliet Timms, Grace Blue founder, said: "There is no one better in the region than Jean-Michel who has both the depth of experience and the connectivity to ensure that the Grace Blue Partnership continues to deliver an unrivalled service all over the world for our clients."

In a conversation with Human Resources, Jean-Michel Wu said he was really looking forward to working with old and new partners as their trusted advisor in the new role. He is particularly keen to take up the task of "running a business, whilst also utilising my existing professional domain and network."

He adds: “At the risk of being cliché, this is a people driven industry.  Putting the right candidate in the right role at the right time has a profoundly transformative effect on a business. Grace Blue are at the forefront of innovative talent identification and recruitment and I am excited to be part of the next stage of their success."

Having worked as an HR practitioner for so long, the number one thing he reckons they want from their recruitment partners? "Clear, honest and transparent advice! Being honest with clients, by providing them a comprehensive, global view of candidates from the creative, media, communications, and the marketing industry."

Meanwhile, Wu's successor at McCann Worldwide has been announced in a statement by the company: "Stepping into the position of CTO will be Makarand Tare. Previously the regional talent director for McCann Health APAC, Mak is a specialist in HR strategy and is perfectly placed to lead the talent function for McCann Worldgroup APAC.”

Photo / Provided

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