CHRISTIAN GUINOT
CEO
Summary
Visionary Media & AdTech Executive | Scaling High-Growth Ventures & Driving Digital Transformation Results-driven global executive with a proven track record in transforming digital media and AdTech organizations, scaling businesses, and pioneering digital-first, AI-driven solutions. After more than a decade leading MEC (now Wavemaker) in Russia and China, I embraced an entrepreneurial challenge, launching and expanding Teads APAC from the ground up. Since 2017, I have built a high-performing, 150-strong powerhouse, driving Teads' exponential growth from $2m in 2017 to $100M+ in topline annual revenue by 2024, highly profitable, solidifying its position as the leading end-to-end video ad platform on the open web in Asia. Under my leadership, Teads APAC has achieved constant double-digit revenue YoY growth and profitability every year, forged industry-defining partnerships, and set new benchmarks for digital innovation, programmatic advertising, and premium video monetization. I am also proud to have hired along the years some of the best talents in Asian markets, and to have kept 100% of my APAC leadership team with me since 2017. Adept at building & leading multicultural teams, scaling high-growth ventures, and integrating AI-driven advertising solutions, I thrive at the intersection of media, technology, and strategic transformation, driving businesses to outperform in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
CEO, APAC
TEADS APAC
01.2017 - Current
- Launched and scaled Teads APAC from the ground up, transforming it into a regional powerhouse across 12 markets (Singapore, Japan, Australia, India, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, etc.).
- Delivered 25x revenue growth, surpassing $100M in annual topline revenue by 2024.
- Built and led a high-performing team of 150+ professionals across the region, fostering a culture of innovation, agility, and results.
- Established Teads as the leading fully integrated video advertising platform in APAC, driving adoption of cookieless targeting, AI-driven creative optimization, and omnichannel advertising solutions.
- Secured strategic partnerships with global brands, agencies, and premium publishers, ensuring dominant market presence.
- Consistently achieved double-digit YoY growth and exceeded performance targets every year since 2017.
PRESIDENT, CHINA
MEC China (now Wavemaker)
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Led one of China’s largest full-service media agencies, overseeing $1.4B in billings and 500+ employees across Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, with greater China expansions (Hong Kong and Taiwan).
- Drove digital transformation, making Wavemaker China the most digitized media agency in GroupM China, with 60% YoY digital growth (2012-2015).
- Achieved record-breaking new business success, securing large & global Clients like Uber China, Microsoft, and Danone through innovative, data-driven strategies.
- Led organizational restructuring, elevating talent, launching new service lines (content, analytics), and improving client satisfaction (MEC ranking #1 in China - Agency Scope Report, R3:Scope 2016).
- Won 29 industry awards, including Effie Golds and Cannes recognitions for groundbreaking digital campaigns.
MANAGING DIRECTOR, RUSSIA
MEC Russia (now Wavemaker)
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Transformed MEC Russia from a mid-size agency into the #1-ranked integrated communication solutions provider (Source Recma 2011), with billings exceeding $560M.
- Tripled market share from 3.4% to 9%, winning $250M in new business.
- Expanded client footprint across Russia and the CIS region (Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan).
- Increased profitability by 800%, achieving record financial performance.
- Led a strategic repositioning, launching specialist units in sponsorship, digital, and analytics to future-proof the agency.
GLOBAL MANAGING PARTNER
MEC London (now Wavemaker)
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Led international client development and strategic growth, overseeing market expansion, service diversification, and global client relations.
- Spearheaded central strategy development, ensuring buying performance optimization and commitment control across multiple regions.
- Directed global media strategies for Daimler-Chrysler and Danone, optimizing international investments across 60+ markets, driving client engagement, retention, and revenue growth through innovative, data-driven solutions.
Education
MBA -
Essca
Executive Program - undefined
INSEAD/CEDEP
Skills
Executive Leadership & Business Scaling: Managed organizations of 500 headcount, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence
Strategic Vision & Market Expansion: Spearheaded mid- and long-term strategies, expanding businesses across international markets
High-Impact Client Partnerships: Proven ability to build and nurture C-level relationships, driving long-term revenue and brand loyalty
Entrepreneurial Mindset: A hands-on innovator, driving disruptive change, operational efficiency, and scalable success in dynamic industries
Talent development strategies
Leadership and people development
Negotiation
Relationship and team building
Client relationship building
Timeline
CEO, APAC
TEADS APAC
01.2017 - Current
PRESIDENT, CHINA
MEC China (now Wavemaker)
01.2012 - 01.2017
MANAGING DIRECTOR, RUSSIA
MEC Russia (now Wavemaker)
01.2007 - 01.2011
GLOBAL MANAGING PARTNER
MEC London (now Wavemaker)
01.2004 - 01.2006
Executive Program - undefined
INSEAD/CEDEP
MBA -
Essca