RFI Studios Expansion in China and San Francisco Reinforces Agency's Digital Industry Leadership

NEW YORK, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, Inc., a leading independent global communications agency, today announced that the agency's full-service digital shop, RFI Studios, expands its presence and capabilities in China and San Francisco. This expansion complements the agency's overall commitment to providing localized expertise and authentic digital content to clients around the world. RFI Studios China and RFI Studios West will build upon Ruder Finn's existing expertise in these regions to provide offerings tailored to the unique needs of these markets.

Having been one of the first public relations agencies to establish an in-house digital practice in 1999, Ruder Finn has a longstanding heritage in digital communications. Worldwide, RFI Studios now includes more than 65 digital specialists with capabilities in design, production, video, technology, user experience and digital strategy practices.

"With approximately 2.5 billion internet users and over 1 billion smartphone users, today's interconnected online world has broken down international barriers," said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO, Ruder Finn, Inc. "This web-connected culture brings new opportunities to build meaningful connections with audiences, as it's no longer just about consuming information but about building engagement, generating a dialogue and shaping opinions and behavior. RFI Studios will bring our expertise to the Chinese and San Francisco markets."

China
RFI Studios China will provide a full range of digital communication services, spanning strategy and insight, creative design and production, content marketing and community management, online reputation marketing, research and analytics, and training and educational services.

"Social media use is exploding in China, with 91 percent of the population leveraging at least one social network, and with a 60 percent increase in social sharing in 2012 alone," said Jean-Michel Dumont, Chairman, Ruder Finn Asia. "RFI Studios will be essential to helping our clients meaningfully engage with their audiences where they're spending their time: online."

Ruder Finn Asia's expertise lies in helping luxury and healthcare companies' communications and marketing efforts. RFI Studios China will further support luxury brands as they enhance their positioning in a competitive market as well as connect with and gain understanding of their customers. Leveraging Ruder Finn's global leadership in healthcare, RFI Studios China will provide specialized offerings in health education and prevention programs, digital customer relationship management (CRM) and mobile health.

RFI Studios China will be led by Roland Wei, director, RFI Studios China. 

San Francisco
As part of Ruder Finn's recent West coast expansion, Stephen Downs has been appointed Managing Director, RFI Studios West, and will be based in San Francisco to build out the agency's digital capabilities in that region. Stephen brings his experience in digital communications to RFI Studios West and will work with Dushka Zapata, Managing Director, Ruder Finn West, to continue to bolster an integrated digital and communications team across the West coast.

"RFI Studios West will bring the agency's considerable strengths in digital engagement and user experience to this geography," said Dushka Zapata, Managing Director, Ruder Finn West. "This is a natural fit for the needs of West coast-based companies."

"Engrained in RFI Studios culture is a strong focus on creative strategy," said Scott Schneider, Chief Digital Officer, RFI Studios. "With the recent opening of an office in the region, San Francisco is a strategic extension of our business and global presence."

RFI Studios West will focus its energies in key areas of expertise including technology, innovation, healthcare, corporate and consumer brands.

ABOUT RUDER FINN, INC.
Ruder Finn, Inc. is one of the world's largest independent public relations agencies with dual headquarters in the U.S. and China. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn serves the global and local communication needs of over 250 corporations, governments and non-profit organizations. The agency is organized around four strategic pillars that reflect its core areas of expertise: Health & Wellness, Corporate & Public Trust, Technology & Innovation, and Consumer Connections. Key offerings include corporate reputation and media counsel, executive thought leadership, financial communications, employee engagement and internal communications, and crisis and issues management. RFI Studios, the agency's full-service digital practice, leads the industry in designing and developing internal collaboration platforms, building conversations and communities around brands, and staying top-of-mind in the world of mobile applications. For more information, visit www.ruderfinn.com.

CONTACT:
Rachel Zabinski
Ruder Finn, Inc.
(212) 583-2737
[email protected]

SOURCE Ruder Finn, Inc.