HONG KONG, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With urbanization fueling China's economic development, the country's growth continues to outpace that of all other regions in the world. This enormous opportunity has led Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications firms, to appoint a Greater China Executive Board to better respond to its clients' growing demands in this pivotal market and to sharpen its focus on client service and business development.
The board is composed of seven tenured individuals with diverse skill sets, including Kenneth Chu, partner and CEO, Greater China; Betty Lo, president, Greater China; Sean Fitzgerald, partner and EVP, China; Chris Liu, partner and chief business officer, Greater China; Simeon Mellalieu, partner and general manager, Hong Kong; Lynn Farley, CFO, Asia Pacific; and Tim Hosford, financial controller, Greater China. Individuals on the board will take on increased levels of responsibility in areas such as client service, finance, business development, marketing and management.
"Our clients tell us that greater China is critical to their business, so it's vital that Ketchum continues to deliver the most comprehensive and sophisticated offering possible across the entire region," said Jon Higgins, senior partner and CEO, international. "The formation of an executive board helps ensure clients receive seamless service across the region while also setting a path for the long-term growth and continued success for our offices in the region."
In addition to his new role on the board, Chris Liu, who has more than 20 years of experience advising some of Ketchum's longest-tenured clients in China, is appointed Greater China client service officer. Similar to existing positions in Ketchum's Europe and North America regions, Liu will be responsible for client relationships throughout Greater China, identifying areas for improvement and growth, and ensuring clients fully understand the scope of Ketchum's global offering.
While enhancing its leadership in Greater China, Ketchum is also investing in the professional development of colleagues in the region. In late 2012, the agency announced a unique partnership with the Institute of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at China's internationally renowned Tsinghua University in Beijing – the first of its kind between a PR agency and a premier Chinese academic institution. Tsinghua University now conducts an annual review and endorsement of the Ketchum University Greater China curriculum, ensuring that the training continues to reflect ongoing changes to our rapidly evolving industry in the region.
"At Ketchum we are very proud to be recognized across Greater China as a well-managed company with great talent that provides excellent client counsel," said Kenneth Chu, partner and CEO, Greater China. "The leadership coming together on our new executive board will further professionalize our offering."
Ketchum Greater China has received numerous accolades in the past 18 months, making it one of the most highly decorated firms in the region for the work it undertakes on behalf of its clients. Recent recognition includes a gold award in social media at the Asia Pacific SABREs, a brand management award from the China International PR Association, China Fashion Power Award's fashion communication agency of the year, and the Holmes Report's Greater China Consultancy of the Year.
About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. Named 2012 PR Agency of the Year (PRWeek and European Excellence Awards) 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 part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit www.ketchum.com.
About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organisations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.
SOURCE Ketchum
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