Ketchum Appoints Sean Fitzgerald Executive Vice President of China, Director of Shanghai Office

NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global public relations agency Ketchum today announced that Ketchum partner Sean Fitzgerald has been named executive vice president, China, and director of the Shanghai office. Fitzgerald, who currently serves as partner and managing director of Ketchum West, will relocate to Shanghai in January. In addition to managing the Shanghai office, Fitzgerald also will be responsible for overseeing the agency's presence in Beijing and Guangzhou.

As part of the transition, Dave Chapman, partner and director of Ketchum West, assumes responsibility for the Ketchum West operations, composed of offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

"With Greater China expecting economic growth next year and beyond, it is imperative that we are in the best possible position to service our global clients as they expand their business there, as well as the growing number of Chinese companies seeking communications support," said Raymond L. Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum. "By adding Sean's considerable experience to the strong leadership team we already have in place, I am confident that we are extremely well-positioned to seize opportunities for our clients in this important part of the world."

Kotcher continued: "At the same time, after working with Sean for the past seven years, having Dave take on the leadership position of Ketchum West ensures a seamless transition for our clients and our people. Dave's strengths as a manager and senior client counselor will drive continued success in that region."

Ketchum Greater China has been a pioneer in the advancement of the public relations profession in China under the leadership of Kenneth Chu, partner and CEO, and Betty Lo, president. Earlier this year, Ketchum bolstered its Asia-Pacific presence by taking a majority ownership position in the operation, which has been a Ketchum partner for more than 20 years. Just recently, the agency was recognized by the Holmes Report as Greater China Consultancy of the Year.

In his new role, Fitzgerald will report to Chu and Jon Higgins, Ketchum's senior partner and CEO of international operations. He joins a strong leadership team that also includes Lo; Chris Liu, partner and chief business officer, Ketchum Greater China; and Simeon Mellalieu, general manager, Hong Kong. Other executives in Ketchum Greater China include Marian Ma, general manager, Taipei; Nick Wheeler, general manager, Beijing; and Joe Tong, general manager, Guangzhou.

Fitzgerald brings with him considerable international experience, having spent a great deal of time in Asia while at Mattel and Levi Strauss & Co. Fitzgerald joined Ketchum in 1999 as director of the Los Angeles office. He became a partner in 2001 and was named managing director of Ketchum West in 2004. He also is responsible for the agency's global corporate social responsibility practice, which he will continue to oversee in his new role.

Chapman will assume responsibility for the overall strategy of Ketchum West, including organic growth and day-to-day operations. He continues to report to Lorraine Thelian, senior partner and director of Ketchum's North America operations.

Chapman joined Ketchum in 2004 and was named partner in 2007. In addition to his current role, he is a senior member of Ketchum's Global Food & Nutrition Practice, leads the agency's sustainability offering and actively provides senior counsel to a range of clients. Chapman is based in San Francisco.

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. Named 2010 Large PR Firm of the Year (Holmes Report and PR News) and the winner of an unprecedented three consecutive PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

SOURCE Ketchum