Vice chairman for advertising and development for Mondelēz China, Grace Zhu (Zhu Yijing), has stepped down from her position following the findings of an investigation into alleged e-commerce misconduct as reported by Marketing campaign Asia late final month. Additionally understood to have exited is Simon Xiu (Xiu Zerong) director of e-commerce at Mondelēz China.
In an unverified memo seen by Marketing campaign, each Zhu and Xiu are described as having departed from the organisation efficient 22 August 2024, with their replacements being topic to additional announcement.
Grace Zhu (left) and Simon Xiu, Mondelēz China.
When contacted by Marketing campaign, Mondelēz confirmed the departure of two workers however didn’t present particular particulars—together with their names.
A spokesperson shared: “Mondelēz China adheres to the very best requirements of compliance. To this finish, Mondelēz China performed an inner investigation and positioned two colleagues on administrative depart pending an enquiry. Based mostly on the findings, the 2 colleagues have left the organisation.”
Marketing campaign first reported the allegations surrounding the executives on July 30 in reference to an ongoing e-commerce investigation. A number of Chinese language media shops, together with Nanduwan Finance, Finance China, and Jiemian Information, had recognized Zhu and Xiu because the executives concerned on the time.
Zhu is a seasoned advertising chief with in depth expertise within the client items trade, having held key roles at PepsiCo Meals, The Nielsen Firm, and British American Tobacco previous to becoming a member of Mondelēz. In the meantime Xiu has in depth expertise within the FMCG sector, having held management positions specialising in digital commerce and retail methods.
This investigation into Mondelēz China executives is the most recent in a collection of high-profile incidents highlighting problems with compliance and corruption in China’s enterprise panorama. Earlier this yr, Adidas dismissed workers following bribery allegations in China, whereas in 2023, GroupM was embroiled in a serious scandal involving the detention of a number of executives on bribery costs. These incidents underscore the rising scrutiny on company practices in China, and it stays to be seen how corporations will navigate this difficult atmosphere going ahead.
Marketing campaign has reached out to Zhu for remark. Extra because the story develops.
Minnie Wang contributed to this story.