Charmed by Asia's vibrant, world-class city (hktdc.com)


	Mike Cooper, CEO of OMD Asia Pacific, enjoys Hong Kong for its efficient business environment and numerous lifestyle advantages

Mike Cooper is CEO of OMD Asia Pacific, part of the OmnicomMediaGroup, the world's largest and most successful marketing and communications company. OMD was founded in 1996, born out of three of the most creatively-recognised advertising agencies in the world: BBDO, DDB, and TBWA. Operating in what is arguably the most crowded media market in the world, he finds the industry - and the city in which he has lived for over 17 years - fascinating.

`When I was younger I travelled extensively, visiting many exciting places such as Latin America. My experiences made me quickly recognise my attraction to Asia, an intense, colourful and vibrant region. I know many people - and I include myself - who have tried to leave Asia, and Hong Kong in particular, but have been continually drawn back. If you're open-minded, Hong Kong is an easy place in which to settle. You've got to celebrate the differences rather than dwell on what you're missing.

I initially transferred here, on a two-year posting, in 1988 as Media Director for advertising agency Saatchi and Saatchi. Within 18 months I was promoted to the position of Managing Director at the tender age of 29. This was a time of great personal and professional growth for me. After five years with the agency, I was headhunted by the television company CNBC based in Singapore. After two years with them, I was eager to return to Hong Kong.

Fortuitously, I was approached by Omnicom to establish a media specialist business, OMD, in Hong Kong and in 1998 embarked on this challenge. It seemed apt to work in the fastest-growing industry in the fastest-growing marketplace in the world. As a company today, we owe a great debt to Hong Kong: OMD opened its first office here and was so successful that the business template was implemented in other Asian markets and eventually globally.

Can-do attitude

Doing business here is one of the most wonderful things about Hong Kong. The locals have an incredible can-do attitude, they are positive and there are no excuses as to why something can't be done. This, for me, truly characterises the Chinese people and working life in Hong Kong. I regularly work in London and New York, and have found that it's definitely easier to ‘make things happen' in Hong Kong. Whether it be running a project or setting-up a new business, people here are willing and eager to help.

OMD, a business which achieved US$200 million in its first year, today turns over more than US$2 billion annually. This achievement owes much to the fact that Hong Kong is such an easy place to start a business and to establish a global network. Within one year of operation, we were voted Media Agency of the Year.

Integration with the local market has been instrumental in our success. OMD is very much a local company; with 90 employees in Hong Kong, only two are expatriates.

Perfect regional hub

Hong Kong is, for me, one of the most efficient places in the world and a perfect location for a regional headquarters. With an outstanding transport system, close proximity to other Asian markets, a wide choice of schools, great culinary experiences, and the ease of doing business here, Hong Kong is a first-class city.

A fascinating place, with a colourful colonial history, strong maritime connections, and amazing scenery, Hong Kong completely draws you in. I honestly wake up every morning happy to be here, thankful that I live in this incredible city. Asia, and Hong Kong in particular, gets under your skin and makes leaving the region very difficult. This explains why so many people stay for so long.'