Weber Shandwick Expands China Practice to Drive Global Leadership for China-based Multinationals

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, a leading global public relations firm, today announced the expansion of a specialty area aimed at helping China-based public and private multinationals and state-owned enterprises take their brands global. The practice, called Emergent China, works with leading China-based companies and their executives to address the challenges and opportunities of engaging effectively across multiple continents, multiple cultures and multiple languages.

"Multinationals headquartered in China and some key state-owned enterprises are on the brink of taking major strides in their international investment and expansion across many sectors," said Andy Polansky, president of Weber Shandwick. "With a footprint in 81 countries, Weber Shandwick is the ideal partner to help Chinese corporate leaders strategically manage their corporate brand reputation and navigate the complex web of relationships necessary for global success."

Weber Shandwick's team consists of senior strategists who have deep on-the-ground experience in China and in key markets around the world. The team has a presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Emergent is headed up by Executive Vice President William Brent. Other team members are located in Shanghai, Beijing, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., London, Brussels, Johannesburg and São Paulo and New Delhi.

Brent, who is based in San Francisco, spent 15 years in China as a foreign correspondent and as a marketing and media entrepreneur.

"Multinationals and key state-owned enterprises from China have a great opportunity to establish their brands and executives as global leaders and distance themselves from a common perception that they are all part of some larger 'China, Inc.'," said Brent. "Our Emergent effort is intended to help do that and help foster the global brand leaders of the 21^st century."

Emergent China's client mix includes a range of private companies and state owned enterprises across technology, energy and cleantech, real estate, life sciences, consumer products, insurance, financial services and healthcare. It consults clients on how to successfully enter new international markets and how to develop and customize their international communications strategy. It also assists with product launches, executive communications and visibility, consumer marketing and social media engagement programs, as well as counsel and support for corporate reputation management, issues and crisis management, public affairs, government relations and lobbying.

Weber Shandwick established a presence in China in 1993 and now employs a strong international workforce in offices across Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. Weber Shandwick has also won many outstanding awards including the Gold Standard in Public Affairs in 2009 and 2010, The Bees Award for Best Use of Micro-Blogging Platforms in 2011, an IPRA Gold Award for Crisis Management and a CIPRA Gold Award for Brand Management, both in 2012.

For more information about Emergent China, visit www.webershandwick.com/emergentchina   

About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations firm with offices in 81 countries around the world. The firm has won numerous awards for innovative approaches and creative campaigns, and it has deep expertise in social media and digital marketing. Major practice areas include consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com

SOURCE Weber Shandwick