BEIJING (CelebrityAccess) — WME | IMG has expanded their operations in China with the additional of several senior staff.
The company announced the hirings of entertainment veteran Rick Yan, film finance agent Joe Austin, live entertainment executive David He, and basketball marketing veteran Bruce Li.
David He will join the company to oversee their live entertainment unit. His previous experience includes stints at companies such as Taihe Media, Damai, and Ticketmaster and has played a key role in Echo Park and Concrete & Grass music festivals; concerts from leading artists like Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars; and the NBA China Games.
Rick Yan, a 22-year entertainment veteran who spent the past six years with Paramount Pictures, will lead WME | IMG China’s film and television entertainment efforts. Yan comes to the firm from Paramount, where he oversaw the company's digital distribution rollout in China. Film finance agent Joe Austin will also be focusing on the film side where he is currently working on a multi-project movie and content deal with Chinese media giant Tencent, the company said.
Bruce Li, a 12-year Nike marketing executive, also joins to lead WME | IMG’s professional and amateur basketball strategy in China, with an additional focus on other sports such as golf, tennis, and soccer.
Li's c.v. includes a 12-year stint at Nike where he oversaw the brand's basketball division in China and helped to land federation deals for a team with the Chinese Basketball Association. – Staff Writers
