Publicis Groupe launches Relay in China

Shanghai- Publicis Groupe property Relay Sponsorship and Event Marketing has opened an office in China.

The Chicago-based agency, which is part of Starcom MediaVest Group, merged with Zports, which already existed in the country as a part of sibling company ZenithOptimedia. Don Lee, who most recently worked in Relay’s St. Louis office, will lead Relay China as managing director.

“It is critical for Relay to provide corporations with best-in-class sponsorship consulting and operational event expertise to drive direct business results in China’s marketplace,” said Wally Hayward, Relay worldwide CEO, in a statement. “There are infinite opportunities for marketers to take advantage of the colossal growth of professional sports in China and the upcoming 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.”

The agency has already begun work in the country, working on events for the National Basketball Association. The shop brought the league’s Jam Van to Shanghai and 11 other cities earlier this year.