SHANGHAI (CelebrityAccess) — WME | IMG announced that it they have named Michael Ma as CEO of their China operation. In his new role, Ma will be based in Shanghai and focus on growing the agency's growth in the market.
Formed in June 2016 through a Sequoia Capital China-led investment group that includes Tencent, FountainVest Partners and Focus Media, WME | IMG China is focused on advancing the company’s growth in the country across sports and entertainment in the region.
While their office is a a recent development, WME | IMG is no stranger to the Chinese market where their presence has spanned several decades and includes: representing leading athletes like Li Na; managing professional golf and tennis events including the WGC HSBC Champions and Shenzhen Open; operating mass participation events including The Color Run and Tough Mudder; helping stage fashion events like Shenzhen Fashion Week; negotiating media rights on behalf of sports entities such as the Chinese Super League; operating a joint venture with CCTV to develop and promote sporting events; and providing strategic counsel to tourism, sports, corporate and event authorities.
Prior to joining WME | IMG Ma spent more than a decade with the NBA where he played a key role in helping to develop the band in the Chinese market.
“Michael brings not only a deep knowledge of the Chinese market, but also incredible experience in cultivating brands within China through his work with the NBA,” said Ariel Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, Co-CEOs, WME | IMG. “We’re looking forward to working alongside Michael to expand our current business in China while creating new opportunities for our clients and partners in one of our fastest growing markets.”
